Infographic: Golf Terms for Beginners

May 1, 2016May 23, 2016 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

When first starting golfing, most beginners and juniors are overwhelmed by the vast quantity of golf terms. Many terms focus on specific areas of play while others are adopted sayings that morphed over time through misuse or lack of understanding.

It is important for beginners, especially juniors, to build a strong base of knowledge and to develop strong fundamental habits right from the start. Proper use of golf terms is the first place to start. Therefore, The Grateful Golfer is starting a new series of info graphics focused on expanding the knowledge of beginners and in some cases, seasoned players.
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Chipping In Again and Again

March 7, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 5 Comments

One of the more exciting strokes in golf is chipping in from anywhere. Of course, the closer to the hole increases the chances of success. Watching the ball roll up to the hole, take the break in the perfect way, then drop right in the heart is a thrill! Fantastic shot – your player partner says as you collect high 5s from the group! Some players will say ‘boy, that was lucky’…..or was it. Is that not the intent of every shot….to go in every time?

Watching the highlights of the WGC Cadillac Championship, it was amazing to see how many players recovered from a missed approach shot and chipped in. From the sand, the fringe, the fairway, it did not seem to matter. A while back, I posted an article on how to use the bump-and-run to increase a players changes of chipping in and as a result lower their overall score. Happily, after watching the pros, some of my technique had some similarities with the pros, but my skill level has a long way to go!

What do the pros have that empowers them to be more successful? Yes, they are highly skilled, make their living at playing golf, and have the time to practice, but that is not what I mean. So again – What do pros have that empowers them to be more successful?

Is it confidence, mental toughness, lack of fear, strong visualization skills or what? Actually, it seems to be all these things. When an élite player walks up to their ball, they immediately start to analyze the ball position, the lay of the green, the grain, hole location, and possible hazards. Watch their eyes. Sometimes they are looking at a spot that baffles the amateur, but it has caught their attention. When they have figured out what they want to do, they prepare to execute.

All their actions are feeding the best kept secret in golf – there is always a perfect shot that will result in a chip in. Every shot has one, every shot! The trick is to figure out what it is. It sounds complex and sometimes it is…..others it is obvious. Armed with this knowledge, the pros play with confidence knowing the answer is out there and they are the ones to figure it out.

If every amateur approached all their chip shots armed with the same knowledge and confidence, they would have greater success and their misses would not miss by that much.

Chipping in is possible for every shot. Figuring out exactly how all the pieces fit together is the fun part. It is the ultimate jigsaw puzzle. If you have any hints or secrets you would like to share, please send them along for all to share.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Chipping In!

November 12, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

One of the most rewarding shots in golf is chipping in. It not only saves strokes, but provides an adrenalin rush for a couple more shots. All golfers try to hole the ball on every shot, but are we really doing the right things to accomplish that ever elusive chip in?

Being within 5 yards of the green provides the best opportunity to chip the ball in the hole. To carry out this feat – the bump and run is the best shot. Yes, if a bunker is in the way or a sprinkler head or….then a lob shot is best. However, if you have a straight shot at the green, the percentage shot is the bump and run.

Over the years, I have realized that I can save 5 strokes around (depending on if I hit the green in regulation or not) by focusing on my set-up for a bump and run shot. Recently, I have made some changes with some excellent results.

First, line the bump and run up like a putt. Take the time to actually read the green, the slope, grain, and location of the hole.

Second, decide how hard to hit the ball by choose the landing spot for the ball. This part is extremely important! By determining where to land the ball will result in how far the ball will eventually travel and the line it travels on.

Third, select a club. Normally, I use a 7-iron. But that will change depending on what hazards I have to navigate around. The traditional wisdom is to use an 8-iron, but I am anything but traditional. The point is, pick the club you feel will get the job done.

Fourth, I use a putter grip on the club. It softens your hands, ensures your wrists remain locked and enables the club head to follow the path of your line.

Fifth, take practice swings. Take as many as required until you have determined the speed required land the ball on your aiming point. It is very important that you take these practice swings in the type of grass your ball is in.

Six, I visualize the ball going in the hole. This step is also very important. Some will say to visualize a three-foot circle around the hole, but think that approach is not aggressive enough.

Seventh and last, do not be afraid to hit the ball past the hole. 100% of short puts do not go in! It is easier to hit the ball a little softer on the next stroke than to try to hit it a bit harder. Additionally, watch the ball go past the hole – it will show you the line coming back if needed.

Well now you know my secret to the bump and run. I believe it is a very important skill that is easily practiced. It will save strokes.

If you have any bump and run tips, please pass them on! See you on the links.

Sand Play – Not Just a Day on the Beach!

September 7, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Hitting it close out of the sand!

I was reading a post by Ian Hardie from Golf Habits – Simply Better Golf called “Don’t hit the ball out of a sand trap”. He talked about how to successfully play out of the sand. His advice resonated with me because this skill is one of the least practice of all. There are many aspects to consider when playing out of the sand. To expand on Ian’s post here are a couple of things to consider.

In a green side bunker that has compacted sand and no lip….use a putter. This type of shot is called using a Texas Wedge. Strike the ball with some authority and you will find that the ball will play like a bump and run shot. It works very well, especially if you are not confident with your sand wedge.

In a green side bunker that has compacted sand and a lip….use a 8 iron. Play it exactly like a bump and run from the fringe. Ensure that you do not take any sand and make contact with the ball first.

From a green side bunker with soft sand regardless of the lip…use a sand wedge and follow Ian’s advice. It really does work. One important point about this type of sand shot (and all others aswell) is the follow through. You must follow through towards your target and the club head must finish above your head. If you follow through your ball will come out of the sand just like the pros!

If you are in a fairway bunker and you are plugged….use your sand wedge or pitching wedge and get the ball in play. Sometimes it is best to take your medicine and advance the ball 50 yards down the fairway than to hit your next shot from the same bunker.

If you are in a fairway bunker and you are sitting on top of the sand….use one club more than you would from that distance. If you are right-handed, aim a bit left and opposite if you are a lefty. Make sure you do not use any legs and the ball will travel the distance you wanted….one club more is the key to this successful shot.

Playing out of the bunker is an important skill. Making an up and down from the bunker is rewarding and significantly lowers your score. If you get a chance to practice, take advantage of the opportunity. Remember, playing out of sand traps is not just another day on the beach!

See you on the links! I am a grateful golfer.