Phil Does It Again!

February 4, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Congratulations Phil Mickelson! He played extremely well and as one of my favorite players, I was very happy to watch him lead the Waste Management Phoenix Open Tournament from wire to wire. His putt on the 17th hole in the fourth round actually was the shot of the tournament.

Image from: http://wmphoenixopen.com/category/photos/

16 hole WM Phoenix Open

Watching the tournament, I wondered if the players really enjoyed the 16th hole. It was a football stadium style, produced an abundance of noise, and allowed the players to interact with the fans….or was it the other way around.

I for one, enjoyed the 16th hole. It looked like the players had fun. They gave out lots of swag and provided an opportunity to really feel the pressure of the fans. It is an outstanding venue that provides the Waste Management Phoenix Open with something unique to draw fans.

I would not suggest that every tournament should have such a whole, but in this case it was every entertaining. After all, that is why we watch golf on TV…entertainment.

What do you think?

Sweet Music and Golf

January 19, 2013 / 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.

Some 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?

Is Golfing Fun?

January 16, 2013January 16, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Golf is a good walk spoiled – Mark Twain

Is golfing really fun? What is the major draw for people to spend 3 – 5 hours outside chasing a little white ball? I have heard, read and watched many aspects of the game, but is golf really fun? Well, I am here to say without a doubt that golf is fun…..if you get it!

Hole-In-One, 26 Jul 12, Osprey Links Golf Course

Throughout my life, many people have asked me about golf? They wondered why I devoted so much time to a sport that looked easy to play, but in actuality was very difficult. I would explain about the personal challenges, the uniqueness of each round, the enjoyment of spending times with new and old friends, but they never seemed to get it. They just could not grasp the concept of how golf enriches our lives.

I actually had this conversation not to long ago and it made me think of why I spend 25 hours a week practicing, playing and learning about a sport/hobby/pastime. Well, I have finally reach a definitive conclusion and I am sure it really only makes sense to me. My darling wife supports my golf habit, my friends laugh at my desire to constantly play, and my family have given up trying to explain it. So here is my reason why I love to play golf:

IT MAKES ME HAPPY! Yup that is it. It makes me happy. The joy I feel when I walk up to the first tee in anticipation of what is to come is something I have always enjoyed. Stroking a hole-in-one (three times) provides an almost unexplained sense of excitement. Walking early in the morning, experiencing the sunrise, listening to the birds and watching the wild life is so peaceful. Watching your friend achieve a milestone and sharing in their triumph. Connecting with people from around the world and sharing a common theme that only golf can offer is rewarding. Teaching your children how to play golf is priceless. I could go on and on, but I believe you get it!

I am grateful for being able to enjoy golf. It has brought untold joy into my life. I believe golf is the best sport in the world. I truly am a grateful golfer.

What has golf done for you?

Terminology – How Confusing!

January 10, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

I love to visit golf blogs. I have a few favorites and I like to post comments on great articles. Well the other day I was posting on MindfulGolfer.com regarding chipping and pitching. Well, not paying attention or something (actually not enough coffee probably) I confused golfing terms. I confused chipping and pitching. So I thought I would write the definitions of these terms to make sure I am all squared away. So here it goes:

Chip shot – a chip shot is generally a shot played around the green in which the player hits the ball into the air and rolls it forward towards the hole. The distance the ball travels in the air depends on the distance the ball is from the hole.

Pitch shot – is played from 30-60 yards. The ball goes high in the air with very little roll when the ball hits the green. The idea is to stop the ball quickly close to or in the hole.

Bump and Run – the ball has very little height after contact and lots of roll. It is generally used around the green in place of a chip shot.

More in-depth definitions can be found at About.com Golf.

The confusion occurred when I said I use my 7-iron for a pitch shot instead of chip shot or bump and run. Needless to say, I confused my host. I have clarified my remarks, but I realized how easy it is to confuse people when talking about golf. So in the future, I am going to make sure I use the correct terminology when talking about golf, especially to people who may not know their meaning anyway. I love learning new things! I am a grateful golfer!

Golfers and Their Toys!

January 8, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

This is my 100 Post. Thanks for reading.

Golfers love to talk about their clubs and equipment. I believe the most interesting pastime for Canadian golfers in the month of January is talking about the new stuff they received for Christmas.

Between Christmas and New Years, a friend and I went to Golf Town on our yearly pilgrimage. While in Golf Town, I bought a Callaway Razr Fit drive and 3 wood. It was a deal I could not pass up. My friend bought a PING cart bag and four-wheeled push cart. We were very happy with our purchases and are anxiously waiting for spring to try them out.

Today in the gym, another golfing friend asked me about my new “weapons”. I never told him about my purchase, but through our conversation I found out that my friend had told him. We excitedly talked about our purchases after he told me about his great deal on shoes.

Another time while waiting for a meeting to start, I had time to discuss my Golf Town trip with usual playing partner. He was unable go with us and I as I went through all the details he expressed joy for our success and disappointment he missed a trip to the golf store. We agreed to make a trip in the next month or so in search of some more deals.

I could go on and on, however I believe you get the picture. We Canadian Golfers love to tell stories during the winter months. We dream about the good times to come and the excitement of hitting the links for the first time. The more I think about it, the more grateful I am to be a golfer. Life is fantastic!

Do you have an stories to share about your recent golf purchases?