Shot of the Day

Chipping In – What a Way to Lower your Score!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

Chipping In

Chipping is a quick way to lower your score!  However this is always easier said than done.  Every time a player steps over the ball they expect the rarest of results – a chip in.  How does one achieve this elusive feat?

I have heard and read many ways to effectively get the ball in the hole.  Use your 60 degree wedge; no, no, use your sand wedge it allows for better roll; wait, I thought that the 52 degree wedge was best…..or was that my pitching wedge…..mmmmm

Ultimately, the best club to use best the one you are most comfortable with.  If you consistently chip the ball short, then use a lower lofted club with the same stroke.  If you are consistently long, use a higher lofted club.  It sounds really easy, but most amateur golfers consistently use the same club over and over expecting different results – now that is the definition of insanity!

I like to use my 7 iron if I have no hazards to play over.  I find it rolls best for my stroke and I can hold it with my putter grip.  It allows for the touch I need to chip the ball in.  Normally, I am no more that 5 yards off the green when using my 7 iron (see the picture.  The dew line shows the result of my shot of the day).  Next, I like to use my 52 degree when I require a bit more loft and of course my 60 degree to flop the ball.  The 60 degree flop shot is always my last option because to the difficulty judging the distance.

What club do you like to use around the green?

Well there you have it.  It was wonderful on the course today.  I chipped in on the 17th hole and was grateful for the time spent on the links!

Skins Game!

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Today was an awesome time on the course.  Three of us hit the links and played a little skins game.  Funny thing is I had the best score and paid the most money.  That is the way it goes sometimes.  Don and Guy played really well and were able to squeeze out 6 and 7 skins respectively.  That left me with 5 skins.  Overall, it was a fun time on the course.

Don passed on a putting tip that I think is very basic and fundamental to proper alignment of your head over the ball.  He suggested that you line up over a putt as per normal.  Take a ball and put it right beside your right eye (if you put right-handed).  Drop the ball; if it hits the ball on the ground you are in the right position.  If not, you should adjust the position of your head, body or ball to make sure the proper alignment.

This tip allows of proper positioning of the head to ensure a smooth stroke on your chosen line.  It really works.

Best shot of the day went to Guy.  He hit a 5 wood 215 yards over a pond onto the green 8 feet away.  It was spectacular to watch.  Yes, he won a skin on that hole.

I hope the rest of my season was as much fun as today.  I am a grateful golfer.

First Eagle of the Year!

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment
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!

4 Birdies and Hitting the Flag

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

My friend and I had a great round yesterday.  We both hit the ball straight and were on the green in regulation quite often.

Playing the fourth hole my friend was by the green in two.  Using his wedge, he hit the ball a bit to hard; however to his surprise it hit flag and dropped 2 feet from the hole resulting in a tap in par.  He also flushed a 7 iron on hole 11 to within 6 feet on a 160 yard par 3.  A smooth stroke netted him a birdie.

I was quite happy with the way I played.  I had three birdies.  One was a chip in, another was a tap in after an eagle putt and the last was surprise 20 foot putt.

Overall, mixed with the fantastic weather, we had a great time.  We are grateful golfers!

Finishing with a Birdie!

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

 

First Tee at Laurentide

First Tee at Laurentide

Today was excellent.  It started out cool and foggy, but turned into a bright sunny day.  I slashed around for a smooth (okay not so smooth) 75.  What made the day excellent was the last hole.  It is a long par 5 and after two shots I ended up just in front of the green.  Using my 60 degree wedge, I pitched the ball up to within 6 inches.  Tap in birdie.  What a great way to finish the round!