Drive for Show, Putt for Dough

November 7, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

A strong short game in golf saves strokes!

How many times have I heard this statement! And how many times have we ignored this critical advice! My 2015 season was riddled with unsuccessful efforts to increase my distance off the tee. Actually, I was so obsessed to hit it like the “big boys” that I forgot the fundamental rule of successful golf.

The short game rules!

I have trusted this simple tenant and followed it for years. To lower my score and consistently shoot in the 70s, I always worked on my short game. But, for some reason this year I lost focus. I am not sure why I decided to move away from what works, but no matter what I tried, the results to hit longer off the tee did not meet my expectations on any level.

Last night, an epiphany occurred. It was not some earth shattering understanding of golf or some hitch I noticed in my swing. It all started when I asked a simple question on Twitter:

#golf question – If you had to pick between awesome drives or a deadly short game, what would you choose?

— The Grateful Golfer (@TheGratefulGolf) November 7, 2015

Although my sample group was small – the results cannot be ignored. 100% of the respondents, without hesitation, said they preferred a deadly short game over awesome drives!

Well of course they do! Most amateurs marvel at the booming 300+ yard drives of the Pros or the 250 yard 4 irons, but one critical factor we overlook is that most Pros have a deadly short game!

Anyone who has played, studied, or observed golf understands that the most strokes are saved within 25 yards of the green. The ability to consistently chip or pitch the ball for a “tap in” putt is priceless! A deadly short game is more valuable than hitting the ball long off the tee because if it takes 4 strokes to sink the ball from 25 yards, the advantage of distance is lost!

For my first introspective conclusion for this year, I realize that my 2016 season must include more short game practice if I ever want be a scratch golfer.

I am grateful for those who responded to my question last night. Your feedback was extremely valuable!

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

The Things Golfers Do

May 23, 2015May 23, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

Well today was a first for me in a very long time. I am not a fair weather golfer by nature, but generally I do not venture too far if the weather is going to be very poor. This morning is officially the coldest I have golfed in for about 25 years.

When I woke up this morning at 5:30 am it was 0 degrees, but felt like minus 4 Celsius. However, the sun was shining and it looked beautiful! So I donned three layers of clothing and made my way to the course.

After a 1.5 hour frost delay (for you players who do not experience frost, basically, the water on the grass was frozen and until it melts, no one is allowed on the course). So my usual 7 am tee time was pushed to 8:30 am.

All dressed and ready to go. Only zero degrees….brrrr!

My round started off brilliantly. I birdied the second hole and shot par for the rest until the 6th hole. Then I smoothly bogeyed, then a double on 7, double on 8 and par on 9 for a smooth 40 for the front nine. The back started bogey, bogey; then a whole bunch of pars. Still only 6 over after 14, I bogeyed 15, 17, and doubled 18. Not my best round.

My biggest problem was my driver. I was all over the place. Normally, this is one of my best clubs, but lately it is by far my worst. I am in trouble off most tees. I had to punch out 5 times today. That is 5 unnecessary strokes!

In true early season fashion, now is not the time to panic. As I told you before, I do not worry about my score until 01 June. At this point, I need more time at the range to work on my short game and driver. I tried to use some of the great advice on the range prior to the round, but did not have enough time to really make any changes. Well tomorrow is another day and another opportunity to shoot under par!

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

Slow But Steady

October 23, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Golf is a Game of Patience!

Golf is a game of patience. Those willing to be the tortoise generally enjoy the game far greater than those trying to be the hare. It is sometimes difficult to describe the inner thought process when playing a shot, but watching the pros and elite golfers they all take their time. Sometimes watching them play equates to watching paint dry, but you will never see Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson rush through their pre-shot routine or their actual shot.

Golf is a game of patience. Many golfers have the best equipment, a gadget or two, and change putters routinely. They follow golfing innovations and always seem to have the newest driver in their bag. They are chasing the dream of shooting low, but never seem to play better than they did the year before. I have often heard “I am 20 yards farther with my new clubs!” or “this new putter makes the ball roll truer!” Unfortunately, they never seem to score better.

Golf is a game of patience. It is important to work on your game in little increments. Too many changes at one time has the tendency to cause more harm than good. Many players ask that if they practice, which part of the game will reap the most benefits. My response is usually, which club do they use the most when they play? As they think for a minute, the usually say their putter, followed by their short irons around the green. I respond “well that answers your question, your short game to reap the most benefit, most of the time.

Golf is a game of patience. It takes practice and more practice to become an elite golfer. It takes the willingness to put in the time to hone you golfing skills. This thought is not always popular because playing is way more fun than practicing. However, it improve your score and really enjoy the finer aspects of golf, practice is required.

Golf is a game of patience. I am a grateful golfer. See you on the links!