Ever watch a professional golfer go pin hunting? It seems from the moment they struck their first ball, everything went in their favour. Brandt Snedeker is a perfect example after shooting a 59 at the Wyndham Championship. After jarring his approach shot on the 7th hole, it was noticeable that he was dialed in on every shot. It was magical to watch. But, what does being dialed in actually mean? Continue reading
Brant Snedeker
It Is Masters Time Again!
The Masters is only a few days away! The golfing world is a buzz about the first Major in 2014. Adding to the normal hype, Tiger Woods will miss this ‘must attend’ event after 19 consecutive starts. There will be many new faces vying for the Green Jacket with realistic chances to be crowned champion. “Who will win?” is always the topic of most golfing pundits and the links below will give you an idea about some are thinking.
- All About Golf – Jason Day
- Pundit Arena – Rory McIlroy (Dark Horse – Jordan Spieth)
- Golf Week – Rory McIlroy – most votes
- The Bleacher Report – Adam Scott and Rory McIlroy – same odds
- CBS Sports – Brandt Snedeker
All of these fortune tellers, from a pure analysis point of view, are correct. Selecting a Masters Champion is extremely difficult and some subjectivity must leak into their decision. In six days, we shall see which oracle is correct.
The focus on Thursday does have a tendency to overshadow another important event linked to the Masters. Announced back on 07 April 2013, this new initiative of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship concluded on Sunday past. This year-long event provided young men and woman golfers between the ages of 7-15 an opportunity to compete for the thrill of playing at one of the world’s most prestigious course. These future superstars performed on the biggest stage in golf and they did not disappoint. Congratulations to all the champions!
Regardless of expectations, there is one aspect of the Masters often overlooked – the course. This course is a par 72 – 7425 yard beast that is not tamed easily. This course rewards the daring and punishes the foolhardy. If the professionals do not bring their ‘A’ game, it will be a long four days…or should I say a short two days.
Augusta National Golf Club is a sanctuary for serious golfers. Even people who do not play golf understand the reverence shown to this famous course. As a biased golfer, I am not surprised! This gem is known for Amen Corner (which will make or break a round of golf), Eisenhower Tree (well not so much any more, but it will be mentioned plenty this weekend), Rae’s Creek, Ike’s Pond, and many more. Each hole has a special name with their own unique difficulties. My favorite hole the 13th. It is the 510 yard par 5 beauty named Azalea! What a beautiful risk-reward golf hole!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHzhAzYlRUY
These famous landmarks will play an important role this weekend. The Masters is “A Tradition Like No Other” because of the great players who continue to grace the tournament, the electrifying atmosphere, and of course – the course. Regardless of your sporting preference, the Masters transcends all barriers as on of the greatest sporting events of the year!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Canadian Open – More Than Just a Game!
Brandt Snedeker of the United States poses with the championship trophy after winning the Canadian Open in Oakville, Ont., on Sunday, July 28, 2013. (Nathan Denette /The Canadian Press)
The RBC Canadian Open did not disappoint this year. The Glen Abbey Golf Club is one of the great venues in Canada for golf enthusiasts. This 7200+ yard course was challenging and yet playable for the pros. Finishing with 16 under and a 3 stroke lead, Brandt Snedeker was smooth down the stretch and did not crumble when the pressure increased during the 16th and 17th hole. Famous for his putting, Snedeker demonstrated that playing fast and staying focused can a benefit for any player.
Adam Sarson, White Dragon Golf, and TSN provide great synopsis of the tournament including some of the highs and lows. Regardless of who you were rooting for, the RBC Canadian Open provide all the excitement of any PGA tournament.
As per The Open, the pros demonstrated many aspects of golf that can show amateurs how to lower their scores and be successful on the course. The pros were very accommodating by their play and the following is how I would recommend lowering your score.
Breaking 100
To break 100, putting was the key. Watching Brant Snedeker use his putter like a surgeon wields a scalpel! “I hung in there really well and made the key putts I needed to and I was able to survive,” said Snedeker, the reigning FedExCup champion who, with the win, moves up one spot to No. 3 in the 2013 FedExCup standings. “That’s what today was all about.” (PGATOUR.com) Snedeker demonstrated that the flat stick saves strokes and lowers scores. In his case, putting propelled him to victory!
Breaking 90
Eliminating costly mistakes is key to keeping your scores low. How many times have we been playing fantastic and decided to take a chance that we know had a low percentage of success. Then, oh noooo, a triple brings our hopes of your best round ever crashing to the ground. Unfortunately, Dustin Johnson experienced the same feelings of despair. Following Johnson’s career, it is easy to see a repeat of costly mistakes. An article from the Bleacher Report outlines his many disappointments, but does provide a lesson for amateurs. Play within yourself, and manage the course to eliminate costly mistakes. There are many ways to achieve this difficult task and staying focused down the stretch is the best way.
Breaking 80
Practice difficult shots around the green. Then know how and when to press a difficult position. Place your ball in deep grass, plugged in the sand trap or chipping over a hazard. Watching the pros navigate the difficult shots makes it clear why they save strokes during difficult times. Take the 12th hole, Snedeker shot bogey and David Lingmerth tripled from the woods just off the green. Snedeker’s ball was partly open and Lingmerth’s was buried deep in the cabbage. The result speaks for itself. Knowing when to press a difficult position and when to take your punishment is extremely important to breaking 80. On a side note, Jim Furyk provides a great article on how to play 20 difficult shots at Golf.com.
The RBC Canadian Open was very entertaining. Brant Snedeker is a great champion and deserved to win. Of all the events that occurred during the Canadian Championship, Hunter Mahan provided the best headline. He left the tournament as the leader after the second round to jet home to Dallas for the birth of his first child. I am grateful that he provided an awesome example what is really important in life.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 