During every team event, there is always that one player who makes the others on their team play better. Some call this person a ‘leader’, others ‘the intangible’, or others ‘the man’. I have used those terms in the past, but over the past 15 years (through my many coaching opportunities) I have come to see this player as an anchor for success. More importantly, I have also learned that ‘the anchor’ is not always the same person, but generally some players continue to lead their team. The Ryder Cup is no different; both Team Europe and Team USA will have that one player that will drag, push, or lead their team to victory. After giving it some thought, I have decided on who I think will step up this weekend and try to be the anchor for their team.
Continue readingThe 43rd Ryder Cup – Initial Thoughts
It is Ryder Cup week! Many golf fans are preparing for the fun and excitement as the defending champions, Team Europe, sharpen their game in attempts to win yet another trophy. This year’s event will be played at Whistling Straits Golf Course, Wisconsin, United States. Pete and Alice Dye designed this amazing golf course and playing at just over 7300 yards, it will provide the perfect venue for Team USA to try and defeat Team Europe and regain the Ryder Cup. “Open, rugged and windswept terrain defines the walking-only, links-style Straits course sculpted along two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline” (Ryder Cup); normally, the host country would have home field advantage, but I am not so sure that this will be the case this year. Regardless, the golf is going to be exciting and I am sure not short of pivotal moments.
Continue readingThat Is Just Crazy Golf Talk!
I was playing golf the other day when low and behold I found myself in position that I needed to talk out my possibilities for my next shot. At a moment or two of this process, I actually talked out loud to myself in hopes that the best solution would pop into my head. Before moving forward, my score was not a factor because I was having a mediocre round at best, so a few more strokes would not matter, hence my options increase significantly. My process always boils down to risk/reward regardless of the multitude of factors that my influence my shot.
Continue readingThe Grateful Golfer Blog – Is It Worth The Read?
I often wonder if my daily musings are worth the effort. My original intent was to help me cope with serious health issues (twice) and after nine years of writing, this little golf blog has morphed into something else. I enjoy clacking away at the keyboard everyday because it brings me joy and I am grateful for all the visitors to The Grateful Golfer. ,Now, ongoing intent has expanded so that I provide the readers with fresh ideas on how they can improve their game and to read about the successes and challenges of playing golf regardless of one’s ability. Although I am enjoying punching out an article daily (currently sitting at 630 days in a row) I sometimes wonder if The Grateful Golfer is worth the read?
Continue readingTaking A Different Approach To Playing Golf
Playing the same course round after round tends to produce a stale golf game. My membership at Osprey Links is fantastic and the value for my money is definitely there; however, I do find that my game does following similar paths each time I tee it up. So, yesterday I decided to do something different to shake up my play and I am happy to report that I was successful in my endeavour.
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The Grateful Golfer 