Grateful Golfer

Chip or Pitch

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As I approach each green, I am always faced with the dilemma of putting (which of course is always my first choice), chipping or pitching the ball.  Of course the your choice of the next stroke will depend on many factors: your lie, the distance between the ball and the green, hazards between your ball and the hole….etc.

Ultimately, my preference is to pitch the ball.  I believe the best course of action is get the ball rolling on the green as soon as possible.  The convention that I have read is use an 8 iron for the greatest percentage of success.

I on the other hand like to use a 7 iron.  The 7 iron pitches the ball lower, provides better feel and ensures that the ball rolls the greatest distance on the green.   I hold it like a putter, swing it like a putter, and strike the ball with the same strength as I would with a putter.  With practice it has helped shave 2 strokes of my score.

Off to the links tomorrow, I am a grateful golfer.

Best Ball Game

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Tonight was my first men’s night tournament at Osprey Links Golf Course.  We played a Best Ball format and had a blast.  My friend, Rick, and I shot 4 over.  We both 3 putted the first three holes.  Man what a poor way to start.  We hit the ball very well, but nothing close.  Overall, we had a great time.

For those who are wondering, Best Ball means each player plays their own ball for the entire hole.  The lowest score is recorded.  It is a fun format and usually favors the lower handicap players.

The best part of the night was meeting our playing partners.  Darren and Guy were very nice guys.  It was great to go out and play a relaxed game with people you have never met before.  Meeting new people is the main reason behind men’s night and we definitely accomplished that goal.  I am a grateful golfer.

Playing in the Rain

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Warming Up in the Rain!

Warming Up in the Rain!

Well today was a wet day!  It started to sprinkle when we started and by the 5th hole it was raining.  Interestingly, the wet weather did not really affect my score, but it sure changed the way I played.

The first change I made is how I swing the club.  I generally swing at about 80% normal strength.  This allows for a smooth transition through the ball.  I also allows for the extra rain gear that I wear.

To compensate for the less aggressive swing, I use one extra club on most shots.  This seems to work very well for me.  It allows for the distance I required  and keeps me in balance while playing on a wet surface.

Lastly, I am more aggressive when chipping around the green.  The ball always lands softer and as a result does not release as far.  By being more aggressive, I adjust for the changing conditions and alter my game to match my environment.

The casual water rule (24-2 25-1) was used extensively today.   “Casual water’’ is any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after the player takes his stance. Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player. Manufactured ice is an obstruction. Dew and frost are not casual water. A ball is in casual water when it lies in or any part of it touches the casual water. This definition was taken from the Rules of Golf 2012.

Overall it was a great round and I am a grateful golfer!

First Match Play Win

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Today was a great day on the Osprey Links Golf Course.  It was my first match play of the year.  We won 7&6.  However, the game was overshadowed by the great company I had while playing.  The gentlemen were very lighthearted, relaxed and there to enjoy the day.  None of us did anything exciting, yet we did not do anything that would have lost the hole early.  This was one of the most enjoyable games of golf this year.  I am a grateful golfer!

First Eagle of the Year!

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Long Putt for Birdie

Long Putt for Birdie

Today I remembered something I had forgotten; regardless of what your score is your round can change with one swing.

On the 12th hole, a 160 yard par three, I was on in regulation, but 25 feet away.  As you can see from my line in the dew, I made the putt and my first birdie of the day.  I followed that up with another birdie and a chip in eagle on the 18th hole.

The mental aspect of golf is often talked about, however it is never really discussed.  My mental state changed after my first birdie and as you can see really paid off.  Being physically strong is important.  I would suggest that the mental part of the game is just as important.

Although my birdie changed my round, the shot of the day was m 30 yard chip in on 18.  By the way, I fixed 25 ball marks today.  I am a grateful golfer!