The success to most sand shots is the position of the clubface on impact. For years I tried to hit my sand shots with a square clubface only to be met with disappointment. Most of the time, my sand wedge would turn into a shovel that did not facilitate contact with the ball. It was very frustrating until I was taught to open my club face in order to allow the bounce to do its magic. Now, sand shots do not bother me one bit. However, there are a few things to remember when hitting out of the sand that will increase your chance of success.
Continue readingHitting Fairways and Greens
A challenge all golfers face is hitting fairways and greens. My young friend Alex is playing in a school tournament today. We have been played a few times with the intent of improving his game from tee to green. On Sunday past, we walked 9 holes at the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort to discuss course management while playing in a stroke play tournament. It was a great round and Alex asked many great questions. The main topic of our conversation was how to play well at Osprey Links (a course I am very familiar). As we walked around our home course, we discussed the best way to loop Osprey Links; I told him to hit shots that keep him on the fairways and greens!
Continue readingOverreaching On The Golf Course
The ability of any golfer is limited in a moment in time. Regardless of your skills, when faced with a difficult golf shot most amateurs (myself included from time to time) look at shots that is not in their arsenal. During my two tournament victories last week, I was faced with this exact situation multiple times and each time I decided on the conservative approach to shot making. In all instances but one, I made par. The other was a bogey to half a hole. When playing in an event where every stroke matters, overreaching is a mental failure that most amateur golfers experience to the detriment of their score.
Continue readingGolfing At Laurentide Golf Course
Playing golf at anytime is generally a good time. Yesterday, I played a round at the Laurentide Golf Course with my very good friend Blair. We have been playing golf together for a long time, however this year we only played about five times together. Regardless, our round yesterday was one of the best of the season. We played fairly well ( I shot 77 and Blair shot 83) considering the challenges the greens at Laurentide presented. Every hole was an adventure that I would gladly do again at anytime.
Continue readingWinning The 2023 Club Championship!
The Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort Club Championship is in the books. Yesterday, I played a match play round against my friend Misha for all the marbles. Not surprisingly, it was a very close match that came down to the last hole. As we battled back and forth, it was clear that neither of us was giving an inch and it would take a great shot or two to close the match. Regardless of the results, it was a fun competitive match that was a highlight of my 2023 season.
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The Grateful Golfer 