Question of the Day

Under a Tree on the 15th Hole

I have often thought that hitting a difficult shot is easier than an approach shot from 80 yards in the middle of the fairway. You may laugh, however it is true. When we are trying to hit a tough shot, we focus, think of where we want to land the ball, take into account our surroundings and contemplate which club would be most effective. When we are 80 yards out, we grab the same club and hit the same shot regardless of the wind, conditions or pin position. We think and focus less. Hence, the results are not always what we want.Last week I was playing the par 5, 15th hole at Laurentide Golf Course. After two shots I was 50 yards from the green. After my third shot, by the way it was unfocused, I was 15 yards off the green under a tree. I had to stand under the branches, chip over a hill, land the ball on the green and let the ball roll down to the hole.

Close to the Pin from Under a Tree

As I walked up to the ball, I said a couple grumpy words and thought, wow what a poor shot. Then I proceeded to go through my normal routine. I focused on where I needed to land the ball. Then which club would be best and finally, how hard to hit the shot. Well as you can see I did alright. By the way, I sunk the but for par.

Making a tough shot is more mind over matter. The key to being successful is to stay focused on each shot. It is very difficult, but if you can manage it, your handicap will fall.

If you have any hints or tips on how to hit a tough golf shot, I would love to hear them. I am always looking for ways to improve my game. I am all ears!

With the 2012 Olympics well on the way, I thought it would be interesting to discuss golf being included in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It will be first time that South America hosts the games of the XXXI Olympiad and should be extremely exciting.

Golf is going to reappear in the Olympics after 100 years. It is an exciting time for all golfers who have (after much debate with those who do not think that golf is a “real sport”…yes they would be the ones who cannot play or even have the slightest desire to even give it a try, but that is a discussion for another blog) believed that golf should never have been dropped. The PGA Tour Commissionaire Tim Finchem said to Laura hill in 2009 that “This is, I think, a great day for the sport of golf. We are absolutely delighted with the decision by the IOC… ”

Of interest to Canadians, we are the reigning Olympic gold medalists. In 1904, George Lyon won the gold medal in the individual event. Of course we are very proud of this fact and hope to repeat in 2016.

There is still some discussion on how people will qualify for the Olympics. If they use the top 60 world ranked golfers from TSN, as being discussed, Canada would not field a person. As of today the USA has 25 players and 3 other countries have 5 in the top 60. Total, there would be only 13 countries represented. I completely understand that the field needs be limited, but I think a better way to limit the field should be found. My reasoning, why not make it another tournament of PGA golfers and let them figure out who will receive the gold medal. Sometimes, a nobody shows up and exceeds all expectations on their way to gold.

So here is the question of the day – how would you decide the field at the 2016 Olympics?