Match Play format is a unique one on one or team on team competition that has far more strategy than amateur players can imagine. It is not focused on playing our own game like stroke play, match play offers the opportunity to apply greater pressure to your opponent using the ‘concession’ rule. Basically, a player can concede the hole at any time during that hole and move on to the next. There are many reasons for conceding a hole and strategy is definitely one of them.
Continue readingStill Pulling My Irons Left
Golf is a goofy game. There are times when I hit my ball exactly as expected and then all heck breaks out. For the past three weeks, I am pulling my irons left. In many cases, I have thought I had things all figure out, but for some reason I have not been able to crack this nut. I feel that this challenge will continue to persist if I do not find a fix. I am down to two things: alignment and casting over the top of my swing. Or at least that are my thoughts at this time.
Continue readingLower Your Par 3 Scores
Most amateurs are thrilled to play par 3s because they can reach the green in one…..most of the time. If this is the case, why is the scoring average over par? Is it that we miss hit their irons or select the wrong club for distance? Maybe we miss calculate the distance required to carry on to the green? Or maybe we are overconfident and to not meet our expectations. Regardless, I found a way to improve my scores on par three’s and all approach shots if required.
Continue readingWhat a Fantastic Match Play Duel
Match Play format is a duel between two golfers where anything can happen. As it turned out, my match yesterday against JC turned into a hole by hole battle where neither of us could break our opponents regardless of what we threw at each other. The round had a few surprises, but mostly it was 18 holes of great shot after great shot. JC and I both finished with 4 over par 78 with no doubles. It seemed that when one of us gained a slight advantage, the other responded to half the hole. Overall, it was the most fun I have had in a match in a very long time.
Continue readingHow Hickory Clubs Help My Regular Golf Game
I played with my modern clubs yesterday. It was my first round after playing two days with my hickory sticks and I have to say I noticed the difference in my swing. My friend Blair (who I have played with regularly for years) mentioned a smoother stroke as well. I shot a smooth three over par with four bogeys and one birdie. It was an easy round and I credit my swing success to how my hickory clubs improve my overall game. As I think about it, I realize that two games with the hickories help in three areas.
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The Grateful Golfer 