Grips – Are They Really Important?

October 12, 2012October 12, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

If you talk to any serious golfer about their grips, you will find that they believe proper grips are important to their performance. For years I never changed my grips….I mean never. The grips would be old, worn, dried up, and cracked. I never thought that it was important and I changed my grips when I changed my clubs. Man, what a mistake!

Golfsmith.com suggests that: “Independent studies show that golfers who play 18 holes per week should change their grips at least once per year. Similar studies show that golfers who have been playing with worn grips show immediate improvement in their scores after regripping – some as much as 3-4 strokes difference.”

EZ Golf Grips suggest that “Some professional golfers may regrip every month or so. That is a little strong for us amateurs, but it points out that they recognize that any worn spots on their grips could cost a stroke…and that means a loss of cash for them.”

Golf Canada Magazine article by David Hearn stated that changing you grips every 20 rounds or so is the way to go. Wear and tear does cause challenges in your swing.

At PGA.com, the discussion goes further from when to change your grips; to which grip to choose for which club. It is very interesting and does open many other questions.

Ultimately the choice is yours, but I suggest that if you golf twice a week or more, changing your clubs at least once a year is important. Besides if you do not have proper equipment, how are you going to GRIP IT AND RIP IT!

How often do you change your golf grips?

Iron or Hybrid?

September 11, 2012March 29, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

In recent years, hybrid clubs have hit the market, which in turn has sparked a hot debate. The question most asked is which is better. I would suggest that the average amateur golfer would benefit from hybrids in their bag verses long irons. Hybrids are more for giving and have a tendency to hit the ball further.

At PGA.com value guide a comparison of long irons and hybrids are made. They conclude that hybrids have three advantages over long irons: club head design, sole design, and shaft and length. These are three pretty important design points and clearly hybrids come out as the winner.

Laird Small, Dir. of the Pebble Beach Golf Academy explains why hybrids are superior to long irons for the average golfer. He talks about making better contact and how the club interacts with the ball. Overall, hybrids are the way to go.

As you can see, hybrids are here to stay. I have replaced my 3-4-5 irons with hybrids and found that I hit the ball further, straighter and with more confidence. It has made a difference of two strokes per round on my overall score. As a single digit handicapper, that is outstanding!

Do you use hybrids? Tell me what a difference it has made in your game. See you on the links. I am a grateful golfer!

Hitting the Fairway

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

Golfing is an interesting sport! Everyone has the ability to play the game and although only a few reach the elite level. One of the basic aspects of the game that leads to great scoring is hitting the fairway off the tee.

Today I played with my usual partner who is on the verge of breaking 90 all the time! Through our discussions we determined that the only real difference in our games is that I hit the fairway 8 times out of 10. He unfortunately does not. Thinking more about our conversation, I realized that hitting the fairway is the first step to scoring well.

So the real question is how do I improve my fairway percentage? Interestingly, it has to do with club selection. For example, on short 350 yard par 4, instead of hitting a driver, I suggest that you use your 3 or 5 wood or even your 3 iron. Generally, golfers are more accurate with these clubs and you will only be 10 to 20 yards shorter than normal. The real benefit is your next shot. It is from the short grass and without having to go around a tree. Another example is a 525 yard par 5. Use your 3 or 5 wood twice and your third shot at the green will be within 100 yards and again from the short grass!

So next time you are on the tee, think if the driver is the best club. Try something new, maybe you will find a better way to manage the course. Enjoy the weekend and I hope to see you on the links! I am a grateful golfer.

A Wedge or a 5 Wood?

June 27, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

I have asked this question for years; should I replace my 5 wood for a 60 degree wedge. This is a tough question. I have researched this question and found no definite answer. So here is what I think:

The lower the handicap the more wedges you require. Most 15-25 handicap players will lean towards the 5 wood. I would support that decision because they are still trying to hit the green from a distance and the 5 wood is a very forgiving club.

If you are a lower handicap player, like me, you have already switched to a 60 degree wedge. I found that I had to practice and learn how to use it properly (and I am still learning) but it has significantly increase my up and down ratio around the green.

So what do you think? Do you use a 5 wood or a 60 degree wedge?