I am fortunate to represent Osprey Links Golf Course on the Senior Men’s Ryder Cup team. This team will compete against four other teams in the region with a chance to play at the provincial championship in August. The interesting aspect of this competition is that I will play on three different courses in the span of five weeks. The change in venues will challenge my ability to adjust to the speed of the greens at each club to ensure I help my team gain the much needed points. Fortunately, I found a simple drill by Paula Creamer that builds on my putting foundation that is easily transportable to any golf course. I can say that it works very well and I plan to use it today when I play in the second leg of our competition.
Continue readingTips
Putting From The Right Side Of The Hole
Watching the action at Torrey Pines, I am continually struck by the importance of putting from the proper position. I watched many players lip out because they were in the wrong position caused by being on the wrong side of the hole. I realized that many approach shots were made with medium irons and that makes a difficult task for any golfer and Torrey Pines just makes it more challenging. But enough of the difficult conditions at the US Open, the lessons I learned from watching golf this weekend is hitting my approach shot the proper side of the hole is as critical for shooting low scores.
Continue readingHow To Beat The Chipping Yips
During various times during every golf season, I develop a case of poor chipping. I am not sure it would be considered the yips, but needless to say it is very frustrating. With such a short season, I am always looking for ways to beat my chipping woes and return to the path of confidence that leads to positive results. I am sure many of you feel the same way and wish you had a process that works for your game…..don’t we all. I found an interesting drill by Butch Harmon that just might be the answer.
Continue readingControlling The Distance With Your Wedges
Many golfers, including myself, refer to our wedges as the scoring clubs. It is with these short irons that will determine if we have a 3 foot or 30 foot putt. I spend a great deal of time practicing with my wedges and in the past decided to replace my 5 wood with a 60° wedge. It was a smart move for my game and it has helped me slowly lower my handicap. Understanding that wedges are critical to lower shooting lower golf scores, I am often asked about controlling my distance with each wedge. Well, my method is simple and it follows the guidance of Annika Sörenstam.
Continue readingHitting A Clutch Golf Shot
Golf is a series of pressure shots topped off with uber pressure shots. In between, there are your regular shots that require the same amount of focus as the pressure shots, but do not seem to have the same weight of consequence if missed. Hitting clutch shots would fall in the uber pressure category that most amateurs have challenges executing. Over the years, I played in many such situations and surprisingly, my success outdistances my failures. My last approach shot at the Senior Men’s Ryder Cup competition a few days ago is a perfect example of leveraging my past experiences of hitting a clutch shot when needed. I have a process that works 100% of the time, honest!
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The Grateful Golfer 