It is time to innovate golf. I figure that the readers of The Grateful Golfer blog are about the smartest people on earth and can come up with something to change the face of golf. I mean, if you search ‘golf innovation” only 134 million possible websites show up in 0.42 seconds. So, if they can do it, than so can we. Stop holding out, share your big idea! Who knows, it might be worth something.

After playing for 45+ years, I can honestly tell you that I am tapped out. I have nothing that would remotely be considered innovative. I do alter drills and concepts slightly to adapt them to my game, but nothing that would change the face of golf. Although the task would be daunting, and IF we came up with something, how would we break through the white noise spewed everyday on virtually every topic.

I constantly look at possible avenues of success with respect to improving my game. It is a challenge and I rarely find anything substantive. Most of the ideas or concepts require a great deal of practice and patience if I want to follow their path. I do not have a problem with that, however blindly delving into the unknown is just not my style. I have to think things through before moving forward. If I cannot see a distinct advantage in my mind, I will never find one in my swing.

Having said that, I am not adverse to receiving advice on the finer aspects of my game. A friend of mine, Andre Martel who recently became TPI Certified and Precision Nutrition Certified (congrats again Andre), is a player I would listen to if he offered me advice. He and I have different games, but his new knowledge would make him a valuable resource to improve my game. Andre has offered some advice in the past on putting and increasing distance that I found helpful. It is sources like Andre that I find the most valuable in refining my game. On a side note, if you have any questions about the TPI program/certification, Andre says you can as questions directly to him at martelpi@gmail.com

Searching on the internet for solutions to your golf challenges is a great way to pass time. However, I would caution you that making wholesale changes in your swing without proper instruction can be much more damaging than one would think. My friend Brian Penn from All About Golf suggested I take an e-lesson and provided a website. I have yet to do this, but given the current COVID restrictions (and it is the dead of winter), it might be the only way to improve my swing in the off-season. Brian, I am still pondering – don’t give up hope on my yet.

Coming up with ideas to innovate golf (or our swing) is challenging. It takes a tremendous amount of dedication, openness, and foresight. I know for sure I am not the person to make this happen, but maybe you are the next Harvey Penick. If you are, please remember to share you brilliant ideas with the rest of us at The Grateful Golfer. Who knows maybe we can help. 😉

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!