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Is Nutrition Really Important?

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

No matter what most people do, when planning a 4-6 hour outing, they bring a snack, or plan to stop for food.  Additionally, they bring water to stay hydrated because on hot days they understand the importance of drinking plenty of water.  So, how many of us have arrived at the golf course with no water, food or plan to make sure we have enough energy for our trek around the course.

While watching the pros on TV, I noticed that they all seem to eat multiple snacks while playing.  I have seen a half of sandwich, a granola bar (at least it looks like a granola bar) and fruit.  Additionally, they are constantly drinking something.  Therefore, if the pros do it, I would suggest that eating the right foods and drinking plenty of fluids is probably important to their game.

As a rule, I always bring water.  Most courses do not have water at various holes anymore due to the health risks, so carrying water is important.  I have a water bottle (I clean after every round) which is permanent part of my golfing equipment.  Water is very important on those hot days when the sun is shining, but equally (and less understood) important on warm cloudy days.

Bringing a snack is very important as well.  I am not talking about a chocolate bar or chips or stopping to get a hot dog or sausage, but bring a health nutritional snack with you.  It is very important to eat nutritional foods because the body needs the energy in the last 6 holes to make sure you continue to play well.

I carry (which has changed over the years because of my growing knowledge) an apple and/or banana, nuts, snack vegetables and/or a granola bar.  These are good snacks for me and I do not have to stop and eat an entire meal.  I just pick away at my feast hole-by-hole.  I feel energized and notice that my game does not diminish as I near the end of the round.

So there you have it, eating nutritional food and drinking plenty of water is important to your game.  Why not set yourself up for success by eating nutritional snacks?

Nutritionally, how do you prepare for a round of golf?

When Life Gets in the Way

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

Not making my living in the golf industry, I find that sometimes life gets in the way of life.  Sound confusing, well I know what you mean.  Life is to be experienced and enjoyed all the time.  I love my job and would consider it a calling.  As a military professional, the demands of my career sometimes reduces the time I have to dedicate towards my off hour activities (the fun stuff).  I am not fussed when this occurs because I believe everything that happens for a reason.  We are the architect of our own lives!

Sometimes we find ourselves running around like crazy working late, doing chores, running errands, taking our kids to whatever, or helping out a friend.  This can translated into players speeding to the golf course, jumping out of their car and running to the first tee.  They take a couple deep breaths and WHACK!  They are off first tee for a run around the course.  Usually, it takes three holes to really calm down and depending how they scored on the first three holes….longer.

Anytime we want to perform well, we generally schedule time to practice, prepare, and mentally focus on the task before starting.  Golf is no different.  Knowing that focus is very important to success on the golf course, I have a little trick I use to prepare for a round of golf when my life is getting in the way of my life.

When I arrive, I shut off my car, the radio, my phone and any other distraction.  I close my eyes and focus on my breathing.  I try not to think of anything at first; just my breath going in and out.  After about 2 minutes (and 2 minutes is longer than you think when focusing on just your breathing) I go through my round of golf in my head.  How well I am going to drive the ball; the accuracy of my wedge play; the confidence I have in my putter.  I go through this part of my preparation for about 2-3 minutes.  Then, just before I leave my car, I take a couple deep breaths and I am ready to play.

I find that this little 5 minute drill allows me to really focus on my game and enjoy my round of golf.  There are many such techniques to get ready.  Do you have any to share?

Sweet Music and Golf

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

I was listening to some music yesterday and was struck by the wonderful sound.  They were playing an acoustic guitar and effortlessly moved from note to note.  The resulting sound was most rewarding and I was grateful to have heard it.  So, I picked up my guitar (which I decided I wanted to learn how to play as a new years resolution) and plucked out some not so soothing sounds.  Then it struck me that when I am playing golf or watching an excellent player, I feel the same as listening to someone play the guitar…..it is sweet music.

music and golfSome may suggest that this is a long stretch, but just think about it for a moment.  When the ball is hit pure the sound is instantly noticeable and a smile usually comes to players face. Same as when you are listening to your favorite song.

Walking on the course early in the morning is like listening to a symphony orchestra.  The wind is gently blowing in the trees, the birds are singing, the frogs are croaking, you hear your repetitive foots steps on the wet grass and the sun is rising over the trees.  If you close your eyes when listening to classical music and think of playing golf you will know exactly what I mean.

So what am I really talking about?  The right music puts most people into a mental state where they believe they can accomplish anything.  Music can set the stage for success.  When preparing for something special, many people listen to music to put them in the right mood before they have to perform.  Athletes, especially, listen to music all the time to mentally prepare themselves to their sporting activity.

Mentally preparing for golf is no different.  Preparing for success will result in better focus, greater consistency and be more apt to believe they can succeed.  Being in the “right frame of mind” has many benefits and most of which is a more enjoyable time on the golf course.

I listen to music before I play and notice a difference.  You may too!

How do you mentally prepare for golfing?

When to Step Back

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

We have all seen the famous shots of Tiger Woods stopping his swing on the down stroke and stepping back from the ball.  Something disturbed his concentration and he reloaded for another shot.  Also, I have seen players of all kinds step up to the ball, then something has changed and they take a step back.  Additionally, I have seen players step up to ball and say after their hit that they should have stepped back from their ball.

So when is the best time to step back from the ball?  And what should they do next?

I have not found any advice out on the net, so I am going to offer mine.  Generally, I step away from the ball for three reasons:

I have chosen the wrong club.  I was in between clubs and changed my mind.  Usually, I am not confident on my club selection and realize I better make a change.  This does not happen often, but course conditions, the wind or yardage are the contributing factors to wanting to make a change.

Something disturbs my pre-shot routine over the ball.  This could be anything from my foot being in a hole that forces me to loose focus, a loud noise, someone talking, I am hungry, or being attacked by mosquitoes!  Regardless, my pre-shot routine was altered and I needed to start again.

I lose my aiming line.  Sometimes while standing over the ball, what I have decided does not match what I see over the ball.  This causes some confusion so I must step back and re-evaluate my earlier decision.  Most of the time my initial choice was the correct one.  However, I  had to make sure.

Basically, these are the majority of times that will cause me to step away from the ball.  Regardless of the reason, it is vitally important that after stepping back from the ball, you go through your entire shot routine again.  By shortening your shot routine, you increase your chances of playing a poor shot.

These are the reasons for me stepping back from the ball; are there any others?

Choosing a New Wedge

/ The Grateful Golfer / 9 Comments

Today I received an email from a friend asking about wedges.  He is a good golfer and getting better all the time.  He was talking about which wedge he needed from 110 yards. As we had played quite often, I was familiar with his game and was able to explain that he required a 52 degree wedge.  As our discussion continued I realized that selecting the correct club is very important to all aspects of your game.  So I did some research and this is what I came up with:

Pitching Wedge

A pitching wedge has a loft of about 48 degrees.  This club comes with most sets and is used for long approach shots.  The distance varies, but I suggest that it is used by most amateurs from 130 yards or closer.

Gap Wedge

Gap wedges range from 50 and 54 degrees. The distance the ball travels varies from about 110 to about 75 yards.  It allows for a bit of action on the ball and probably used most of the time.

Sand Wedge

Sand wedges range from 54 to 58 degrees.  Many players use a sand wedge for some approach shots as well as sand shots.

Lob Wedge

Lob wedges range from 58 and 62 degrees. The lob wedge allows for a greater amount of spin and is used to fly over hazards or when you are pin hunting.

One of the things to be aware of when purchasing a wedge is the bounce.  The conditions of the course, especially the traps, will determine the bounce required when using a  wedge.  See Golfsmith.com for an explanation on bounce.

I use a 48 degree pitching wedge, 52 degree gap wedge, a 56 degree sand wedge and a 60 degree lob wedge.  I have experimented with different lofts, but I have found that these wedges work best for my game.

Now back to my friend.  Ultimately he made the best decision.  He decided to try out a few wedges before making his purchase.  He was going to try wedges with different loft, brand and bounce.  I suggested that it was a great idea and thus has sparked the reason for this blog.

When picking a club, I recommend that you go the to range, golf store, putting green and practice with your intended choice.  Most courses have demo wedges/clubs and will allow you to take them on the course for a test run.  By doing a bit of research before you buy, you will be happy with your choice and likely lower your score.

How you do you pick your clubs?