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!
Continue readingSenior Men’s Ryder Cup Competition
Yesterday, I played in the first leg of the Ontario Northern Region Senior Men’s Ryder Cup competition. I was invited to join the 8 man team and I am grateful for being asked to compete. My partner, Wes Burton (same last name but not related), and I had a fantastic time and once we got our legs underneath us, charged forward to win 4 of 6 points in our scramble, match play grouping. It was the first time I played the Idylwylde Golf & Country Club and I can say I was not disappointed.
Continue readingHitting More Greens By Jason Day
As many of you know, I am always trying to improve my greens in regulation percentage. It is the cornerstone of my approach to improving my scores this year. As such, I like to search for potential avenues to improve and I think I found one by Jason Day. His advice is interesting and something that I think I will take to heart over the next few weeks.
Continue readingPlanning My Escape From Trouble
Almost every round of golf I need to escape from trouble. Sometimes it is the long grass around the green, a bunker, or the trees. Regardless of my next shot, I always plan my escape with at least two options. Why two options you may say, well there is a simple answer: it stops me being fixated on a solution that might not be the best option. Believe me, there are times when I focus on a perceived a perfect solution only to realize that I have overlooked the best course of action. Being fixated on anything in golf usually leads to disaster; however, I prevent troublesome scores by ensuring that I have several shot options.
Continue readingWhat Do You Think About While Standing Over Your Golf Ball?
I read many articles that suggest having no thoughts in your mind while making a golf swing. For the most part I agree with this approach because I try to do all my thinking before committing to swinging a golf club. For the most part, this approach has served me well and my 75 yesterday was a good example of clearing my mind before starting any club in motion. I confident that some players rattle through a plethora of pre-shot routine activities, but I have decided to keep it simple and follow Greg Norman’s advice.
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The Grateful Golfer 