Happy Father’s Day

June 21, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

30 years ago. How time flies!

I have the best Dad in the world! I am sure this statement is being lauded around the world again and again. Of course, we think our father was the greatest because of the positive impact he had on our lives, but really, my Dad was the best. Unfortunately, our time together was far too short and over the past 25 years, I sure could have used some of his sage wisdom to get me through some tough times. Fortunately, my father-in-law was there to help fill some of the void and I am grateful for his advice, wisdom, and love along the way.

My Dad taught me so much that it is difficult to list it all. He demonstrated how to be a father through kindness and love that he showed towards my Mom everyday, how to stand up and be accountable for my actions, when to sacrifice for the good of the family, and how to have fun on life’s journey. He taught me that friendship is more important than money and to treat everyone as if they were your friend. His life lessons are the core of my being and for that I am ever grateful to my Dad

He taught me how to fish, the importance of tipping your barber, how to build a cottage, how to play horseshoes, how to hang a picture straight (well I am still learning that lesson), how to ride a bike, and why it is important to spend time with the ones you love. I could go on and on, but I think you get the point.

My Dad was always around for us. His greatest gift to my siblings and I was time. He played games with us, took us places, and understood when to give us our space. He always made the time for everyone and never demonstrated frustration or disappointment when asked for help. My Dad showed me the value of personal discipline in all areas of my life. Looking back, he always seemed to know what to do at the right time.

Also, my Dad taught me how to play golf! He taught me how to swing and how to use of the different clubs. He taught me the importance of etiquette, fixing your ball marks, and where to stand on the green when someone was putting. He showed me all the fundamentals that are essential to being a good golfer. These lessons and more, I have used repeatedly for 40 years. I have taken my Dad’s knowledge and passed them on to many people as his lessons were valuable both on and off the course.

I have the greatest Dad in the world. Although he is gone, he is in my heart and I talk to him everyday! Today is a special day for all Dads. It is a day to express how grateful we are for everything they did to make our lives better.

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

Golf With Friends and Etiquette

May 30, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

As per our weekly routine, on Saturday and Sunday my friends and I converged on our home course for a round at golf. Starting at 7:08 am, we enjoy the weather, the friendship and loads of fun as we walk the course. Our 3 hour and 15 minute round is often filled with jokes, jabs, laughs, and the odd barrage of colourful language. It is something that we all look forward too and rarely miss.

We have played together for years and sometimes this familiarity creates certain learning opportunities. Today, for instance, was a lesson on surrounding the player making the shot. I happen to be taking the picture, but I could easily be interchanged with any of my friends.

With a military competition coming up, we will start to tighten the rules, focus on etiquette, and take a bit longer to make our shots. But, for now all is normal. The picture below is definitely something that would not happen during competition. As you can see, all the players have stopped to watch one of the guys take his shot. The sun is still quite low in the horizon, so standing behind the player gives the best opportunity to track the ball.

Can I have a bit of space?

However, as I stated before, our familiarity and comfort of playing together for years does lead to the odd etiquette breach. As you can see, we have the shooter surrounded. Everyone is standing within 10 feet of the player and in his sight line. This type of configuration is not uncommon for us because the fellas were likely talking all the way down the fairway. We would not give it a second thought that something was amiss.

As we inch closer to the competition (in less than 2 weeks) all of us will be more cognizant of where we stand, how close to be to the shooter, and at what angle to stand of the player making the shot. We will focus on proper etiquette and make sure that we are aware of it during the competition.

The point to this diatribe is that etiquette is very important in golf. Understanding the finer points of where to stand, being ready to play when it is your turn, and not interfering with a player’s routine is quite important. The only way to fully understand the proper etiquette in golf is to ask questions and be aware of your surroundings.

Golf is a gentlemen’s game and etiquette is very important. Arnold Palmer has identified 10 important etiquette points that are good to know. If you have any other questions about etiquette, drop me a line. I will find you the answer.

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

Golf Etiquette On The Pro Tour

February 21, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 10 Comments

Etiquette is important to the spirit of golf. They are many unwritten guidelines that make sure everyone enjoys the game of kings. Of all the players involved in golf, I would expect professionals to display the highest levels of etiquette. As the élite of my favorite sport, there is an expectation that they conduct themselves in a reasonable and professional manner.

Golf Etiquette is Important For Everyone to Know!

A while back, I wrote an article about “Etiquette on the Green“. In it, I outlined many do’s and don’ts of being on the green. It is something I believe is very important and should be on the mind of all players, novice and professional. However, I did not touch on an etiquette incident I notice earlier this week.

While watching Thursday’s round of the Northern Trust Open, I noticed something that I thought was a breach of etiquette, but after discussion with a work mate (who is an avid golfer) I am not so sure. Maybe you can help me out, am I being paranoid or not?

On the 10th green, a player had lined up his putt and was preparing to execute his shot. Off to his left, another player was patiently waiting for his turn to play. As the original player made contact with his ball, the second player started walking towards his ball. Now, I applaud the second players actions to speed up play, but this is where I thought he went over the line.

With the ball still in motion, the second player walked between the person putting and their ball. At first I thought I was seeing things, but after the replay, it was true. The breach of etiquette for me was that he blocked the view of the ball from the person playing while it is still in play. Watching your ball until in completely stops is a great habit to get into because it provides a better understanding of the break on their next shot. So someone blocking your view, in my opinion, is a breach of etiquette.

So, am I crazy or what? Should the second player have stayed still until the ball finished rolling? Maybe walked around the person playing? What are your thoughts?

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

Golf and Darts

November 25, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Golf is a game of precision, patience and skill. It takes hours of practice, practice and more practice to be considered an outstanding player. A golfer trying to break any number of milestones will attest that golf is not easy.

Darts, the unwitting spectator will suggest is just the opposite. It is a game that requires little skill and can be played almost anywhere.

Interestingly, I suggest that golf and darts have many common challenges and to be skilled at both is more difficult that one may think.

Both sports require players to follow certain rules or etiquette. In darts, no Player or Member shall act in a manner which may reasonably be considered to be prejudicial to the interests or standing of the DRA or which could reasonably be considered to injure or discredit the DRA or bring the game of darts into disrepute. In golf, the same basic rule applies.

Golf uses cool terms like bogey, birdie, lag putt, big dog, chili dip, and shank.

Darts uses terms like Bed & Breakfast, Diddle for the Middle, Mugs Away, Robin Hood, Ton, and Sunset Strip.

Score of 180

Golf is played with friends – so is darts.

Drinking while playing darts is fun for some (actually encouraged) – the same for golf.

Finally, the elusive shot in golf happens rarely (hole in one) – same for darts (score of 180 with three darts)! Well they are extremely rare for us amateurs.

Regardless what you may think, golf and darts are just fun to play. Both offer unique opportunities to excel and enjoy the company of other players. My suggestion would be that if you have never played either, then give it a try! You never know how much fun you are missing.

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

Are My Clubs In The Way?

September 7, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

How many times have we heard “Are My Clubs OK?”

While golfing with our friends, most of us are lax with the rules of etiquette. Besides, it is more fun poking fun at our friends, telling jokes, and pretending that your friend does miss that four-foot gimmie (gimmie in their eyes, even though they have not made a four-footer all day). However, during a competition, the way we play should be different and we should be more aware of the etiquette of golf because it is important.

On particular aspect of etiquette is club location while your opponent is playing. Equipment should be out of sight, not in the line of intended ball travel or close enough to cause a shadow over their ball. Actually, these guidelines should apply to their clubs as well.

Whats Wrong With This Picture?

There are many reasons for this particular rule (although rule might be a bit strong).

Safety. Standing forward of someone hitting the ball is not too smart. But, it happens all the time. Usually, the other members are across the fairway and move to their ball for speed of play. Sometimes, however, they get to close and that is when a the safety aspect kicks in.

Penalty Strokes. Keeping your clubs behind you will prevent penalty strokes (one stroke for hitting your own equipment, caddie or partner – rule 19). Ever wonder why the pro caddies move so far from the player when they are hitting…..probably for this exact reason.

Etiquette. Standing in someones golf space can cause problems. Some players like opponents to stand-off to their right. Others left. Some behind….but never in front of their field of view. My general rule for this is at least 10 – 15 feet away from the player.

So placing your clubs close to someone playing is not a very good idea. Placing your own clubs in the way is just a bad idea. One last point, if you have to as “Are My Clubs OK?” They are not!

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