Grateful Golfer

Dodging Sprinklers

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I am an early bird player.  I enjoy teeing off at 6 am and finishing around 8 am.  When you are the only one on the course or you have a friend playing with you, getting around the course in record time is quite easy.  However, playing early does have some interesting hazards that most players do not encounter later in the day.

First, the dew on the green.  I slows the ball and does not allow for much action on an approach shot.  Fog – well in the summer fog is more of an issue than most people think.  Although it burns off by the end of the front nine, it can pose a challenge.  Sprinklers – well I guess having a minor shower as you play could be considered a perk, however moving around to miss the spray or rushing your shot can definitely add strokes.  Lastly, the green’s keepers.  They are usually out in full force trying to prepare the course for the days activities and dodging balls from half asleep golfers is probably not part of their job description.

There are many pluses for playing early.  After my round, I spend the entire day with my family.  It is usually quiet and refreshing on the course.  I see lots of wildlife like deer, foxes, rabbits and the odd snake.  The sun rising over the trees is especially picturesque.  It is very tranquil and provides me with a positive environment to enjoy each moment.

Playing early in the morning is one of my favorite times to play.  I allows me to clear my mind of useless clutter and reminds me of how grateful I am to play this wonderful game.  I am a grateful golfer!

Hope for the Next Shot!

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Jim with a DuckIt is crazy to think that golf is a game designed to provide anything but frustration!  How many times have I said to myself, man why am I out here!  Then poof the shot of the day!

Let’s take today for instance.  The front nine I was smooth and steady.  Shooting two over; but not really doing anything special.  On the back nine; I was not even the same person.  I had no feel when putting (leaving 6 shots on the lip), my chipping was not very accurate and my drives were all over the place.  Then on the 18th hole I hit a fantastic drive.  A little draw that landed right down the middle.  As I walked up the fairway I was smiling and realized there is always hope for the next shot.  I am a grateful golfer.

What kind of shot keeps you coming back!

A Wedge or a 5 Wood?

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I have asked this question for years; should I replace my 5 wood for a 60 degree wedge.  This is a tough question. I have researched this question and found no definite answer. So here is what I think:

The lower the handicap the more wedges you require.  Most 15-25 handicap players will lean towards the 5 wood.  I would support that decision because they are still trying to hit the green from a distance and the 5 wood is a very forgiving club.

If you are a lower handicap player, like me, you have already switched to a 60 degree wedge.  I found that I had to practice and learn how to use it properly (and I am still learning) but it has significantly increase my up and down ratio around the green.

So what do you think?  Do you use a 5 wood or a 60 degree wedge?

Hole-In-One!

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Hole in OneHole in One!  Today it was a fantastic day!  I hit my third hole in one.  The coolest thing is that they all occurred during a tournament.  Today, I was on the blue tees at Osprey Links Golf Course on hole number 11.  It was playing 208 yards and I used my 3 hybrid.  It was a fantastic feeling and I hope I experience it again soon.  On a side note, I shot 73, two over par, with a triple on the 14th hole.

This event sparked some lively conversation within my group.  One of the things we discussed was the value of hitting a good shot.  There have been many days when I have not hit the ball well until one shot, a special shot, occurs that turns your entire game around.  After that amazing shot, you have a completely different mental attitude to the game.  You feel and act positive and like a miracle, everything seems to go your way.

The mental aspect of the game is critical to success.  Remaining positive and focused allows for many special things to happen.  Today was a perfect example.  I felt very confident and had framed (using imagery) how successful my day would be.  Ultimately, it worked extremely well.  I suggest that you try it.

The day before you go golfing, start going through your mind all the positive shots you are going to make.  How successful you will be on each hole.  Focus your thoughts until you can feel the positive energy going through your whole body.  I believe it works and have used it on many occasions.

Today was an awesome day and I am a grateful golfer!

Golfing in the Rain

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Today on Osprey Links was wet!  It started to drizzle after about 4 holes and stopped when we were finishing.  It was the kind of day in which most people would pack up their clubs and head for their car.  Not us, nope, we stayed and finished.  Many would ask “why” and this is a very valid question.

Playing in the rain is important.  I have played in tournaments where the weather played an important role in the outcome.  Playing in the rain is difficult.  The ground is wet which can cause you to slip, the ball does not have as much back spin, the ball does not roll as far off the tee, the sand traps are sticky, and the ball does not roll the same on the greens.  Not to mention it takes more mental capacity to keep your grips dry, your bag dry and of course you dry.  Overall, it is more difficult to play in the rain and just takes more time.

Having said all the negatives – If you do not play in the rain at least once in the year, I suggest you do.  It will give you a greater appreciation to the difficulties associated with being wet.  It will allow you to practice and prepare for those days when you have to play in the rain.

Overall, today was a fantastic day and enjoyed practicing in the rain.  I am a grateful golfer!