Playing in a Scramble Tournament

July 28, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

The Boys at Voyageur Days Golf Tournament

Playing in a four man scramble is loads of fun. It is even more gratifying when you play with family. The annual Voyageur Days golf tournament is something my brothers-in-law look forward to every year. This year, we indoctrinated our nephew to make complete our team. We have finished in the top three every year and have won the tournament twice. This year we finished tied for 5th with a 7 under 67. More importantly, the weather was fantastic, company outstanding, and laughs galore!

As in past years, this tournament was held at Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort. It is a par 74, nine-hole course that offers a fantastic opportunity for anyone to enjoy a round of golf. Mike and Brenda Martel create a fun atmosphere and always exceed our expectations. If you are in the area, it would be worth the stop to play a round or enjoy a great meal at the club house. We had a fantastic time and I am a grateful golfer!

However, there is a strategy to playing in a scramble tournament. Over the years, I like to have our team set up with the more experienced players going last. It helps out in many ways. First, it allows the more novice players to participate all the time. Their job is to get the ball in play. Each player is to try to hit the ball further, still in play. This allows for the more experience players to attempt shots that they would not normally try; like hitting the ball harder, cutting the corner, and being ultra-aggressive going for the pin. This strategy has me well over the years and ensures everyone contributes to the team. When putting, it allows the stronger putters to see the line a couple of times, thus increasing the changes of the ball going in the hole.

What would be your strategy for a 4 man scramble?

How Did Ernie Els Win the British Open?

July 23, 2012July 23, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

What a fantastic finish to the British Open! I found it quite interesting as I watched Ernie Els coolly play the final 6 holes in heroic fashion. He did not play tight, conservative or out of control. The final putt on the 18th hole was clutch and I was very happy that one of my favorites played well done the stretch. But how did Ernie Els really win the British Open?

Was it that all the players trying to catch Adam Scott did not execute according to their game plan? Did Adam Scott figure he had the tournament all wrapped up on the 14th hole? I would suggest that neither of these situations are the answer. It was greens in regulation that won the tournament.

For the first time in tournament history someone outside the top 20 in putting for the tournament won. This is an amazing stat for sure. Ernie Els was number one in greens in regulation for the tournament, which proved to be the decisive advantage the other players could not match. Many would say, so what? It is only a stat. “Ernie Els is leading the field in greens in regulation, not so much on the greens,” Strange said. “None of the last 11 winners of this tournament have finished outside of the top 20 in total putts. Ernie ranks 75th currently in putts.”

Well let me put it another way; how low would your score be if you were putting for birdie 75% of the time during your round of golf. That means that on 14 holes you are putting to lower your overall score to par! I would take that every round. There are many stats in golf and one could argue that greens in regulation is not as important as say putting; however, Ernie Els proved that maybe it is.

My question to you is what is the most important stat? I would be interested to hear what you have to think!

Preparing for Tournament Play

July 21, 2012July 21, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

I have just returned from a 54 hole regional tournament. It was fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the links. Unfortunately, I did not qualify for the national tournament, but maybe next year!

During my time at the Garrison Golf and Curling Club, I had time to think and wonder why I was not performing to my expectations. I wondered if I practiced my chipping and putting enough; did I play in enough tough conditions; was a physically fit; or did I mentally prepare properly? After much debate, I determined that my mental preparation was lacking.

I believe that pre-tournament preparation is as important, if not more important, than our physical preparation. Obviously, the physical preparation includes chipping, putting, hitting balls, and playing rule enforced rounds of golf. However, the most overlooked aspect of tournament preparation is the mental game.

At the Mental Game of Golf, it outlines many aspects that are very important to success on the links. They state in their blog on the mental game three aspects that I agree with to significantly improve your performance during a competition. They are: establish your rhythm, mentally preview your round, and have a game plan. These are three aspects of the game I have used for years and believe they significantly improve performance. Playing during the tournament I realized I was not as prepared as I could have been; well next year I will be ready! I am a grateful golfer!

Golf is both a physically and mentally demanding game. A mentally strong player will be able to navigate the course easier and with more precision. There is no doubt in my mind that proper preparation will help everyone meet their expectations.

How do you prepare for tournaments?

The Gentlemen’s Game

July 14, 2012January 3, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

Golf is the game of Kings and Gentlemen!

The game of golf is to be enjoyed by all. However, there are some aspects of etiquette that seem to have been lost on some golfers. Tony Carbon of Duffer’s Digest talks about players having a little etiquette while playing golf. I totally agree with his views.

Etiquette is an integral part of golf! The unwritten rules of replacing your divot, fixing your ball mark on the green, raking the sand trap (properly), waiting until the group in front of you is out of range, waiting for your turn to play, not talking while others are shooting and respecting the honors on the tee are all designed for you and others to enjoy their round of golf.

Most, if not all, etiquette rules are not written down. However, they are as important as the actual rules. Proper etiquette allows everyone to enjoy their round of golf because despite what most people think – – it is not all about them!

I hope everyone enjoys their time on the links this weekend. I am a grateful golfer.

Playing for the Pure Enjoyment!

July 12, 2012July 12, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Today was fantastic. I played golf for the first in 15-20 years with my Uncle and the first time with his son (my cousin). We had a great time full of laughs and chuckles. We did not take the game serious, we played unlimited mulligans and even a few foot wedges. Overall, it could not have been a better day on the links.

Playing for the pure enjoyment of the company and time together is very important. I work on my game most of the time, however sometimes it is important to just laugh, enjoy the company of your playing partners and to try shots that you may need some day.

Having fun and laughing at yourself on and off the links is key to a happy life. And today, I am a grateful golfer!