Every 365 days Groundhog Day rolls around. Today all golfers in the northern climes wait in anticipation for the weather prediction of rodents: Wiarton Willie and Punxsutawney Phil. The pressure exuded by golfers on these special creatures to predict an early spring is overwhelming. Each year as these loveable creatures climb out of their hole, millions of eyes are focused on their every move; if they see their shadow and scurry back home to safety, it means that golfers will have to wait an additional 6 weeks for winter to slowly become a distant memory.
Continue readingUnfinished Business On The Golf Course!
I have never played a round of golf where I did not think I had unfinished business on the golf course. Yup, even breaking par I thought that I could have shot a lower score. As my friend Kevin reads this article, I know he feels the same way….most of the time. 😉 Although I think I can always do better I wonder if this is really true. Each round of golf is a unique experience because I have never hit the same 75 strokes from the same position ever! After thousands for rounds, every round played out differently and needed to be navigated like it was my first round. This is the fun of golf and I hope that the feeling of unfinished business never changes.
Continue readingMan Is It Cold!
There is zero chance of doing anything outside that is golf related in the winter! We are entering a cold snap where temperatures at night are expected to reach the mid to high 20s…..below zero. This morning when I rolled out of be it was a brisk minus 27° C (-16° F) and the thought of doing anything golf immediately rocketed from my brain. On days like this everything is moves slower including my thought processes. Given that this situation is not unique to this time of year, one would think that I had a contingency plan to keep my golfing passion rolling. Well, usually I do have something in the fire, but not today.
Continue readingDiscussing A Ruling In Golf
The rules of golf do not always provide a clear answer. Sometimes, a ruling is required through a discussion of the playing group. If a consensus on the interpretation cannot be found, then an alternative resolution process engages to ensure that the field is protected. Of course, these rules discussion rarely happens in a friendly because the stakes are generally not that high. In a competition, however, the proper interpretation is needed. Therefore, a process of finding an equitable solution is needed. This process needs to be simple, easy to enforce, and relatively quick. It just so happens I have a process that you might find useful if you are planning to play in any golf competition.
Continue readingFocusing On Confidence In Golf
Every golfer walks the tight rope on the links. It is that fine line between over-confidence and apprehension. You know the spot where each shot offers a player the opportunity to think about success, envision success, and execute a successful golf shot. Being an experienced player, I find walking this narrow path easier because I understand my strengths and limitations. Interestingly, my ability to focus on confidently hitting golf balls was developed over years of playing successful golf. The peaks and valleys of my play showed that there is a zone of success created in the six inches of real estate between my ears. I was able to do it and you can as well!
Continue reading
The Grateful Golfer 