As many of you know, I play golf for about 7 months a year. I might be able to squeeze out 8 months in the area, but playing golf with gloves is not always a fun thing to do. Because my golf season is short, I have to pack in as much as I can in order to quench my passion for the game. However, I think that my short season does hurt my game in the long run! Continue reading
fitness
Ready, Set, Wait – Wait – Wait
The northern Canada golf season was off to a fantastic start! The sun was hot, the courses open and the excitement of playing over the top. Then suddenly, the weather turned cold…..again! For me to say it is cold means it has really turned cold. Additionally, it is wet and very windy. This combination only leads me to believe that Mother Nature has a very sick sense of humor! Continue reading
Crushing The Ball Off The Tee
I am amazed at how far players are hitting their ball off the tee. I am not only talking about professionals, but amateurs as well. It seems that distance is the holy grail of golf and is what most players are focused on. I agree that distance can be a great equalizer, however it is not the end all for shooting low scores. It helps, but it is only one part of any great player’s game. Continue reading
Training in the Off-Season
Training in the golf off-season is a fundamental activity for any golfer. For me, it is critical to prepare for what comes next in my game. I am not a physical trainer, nor do I profess to be an expert in building training programs. I do, however, understand the importance of being physically fit for golf and life in general.
As an aging golfer (this is relative), I find that staying fit is easier than trying to get fit. I find that I recover from physical exertion faster if I stay fit. I sleep better, feel better and my general attitude remains positive if I stay physical fit. So, and I guess you figured this out by now, that training in the off-season has many benefits that transcend golf. Continue reading
Setting Goals for 2014
As in previous years, I set goals at the beginning of my golf season. I find that by setting goals, it keeps me focused throughout the entire season. Sometimes, I achieved all may goals and more, others….not so much! I am always excited about each new season because of the fantastic opportunities improves my game it offers.
Today, I hit the range and putting green. I had no expectations and no real plan. It felt fantastic to be be playing again. Normally, I have a plan on the range, but being the first time this year I just wanted to hit balls. I was quite surprise at how well I struck the ball, but I am sure it was beginners luck! A quick note to my buddy in the UK, I still want two strokes aside!
2014 golf season is upon us and it is time to make goals. Experience tells me that reaching for the stars is great for my ego, but not necessarily for my game. So as I progress, I need to build a plan and set goals to achieve my dream of being a scratch golfer. Setting goals in golf is important for players serious about lowering their score.
Previously, I came up with following to prepare me for the season:
- get fit – focus on exercises designed to improve my golf game;
- research – the drills and techniques required to improve my game;
- practice – dedicate time to practice to improve my game; and
- compete – either formally or informally compete every time I hit the links.
It is fair to say that I have successfully accomplished the first two goals. I have remained fit and completed my research on different drills to help improve my game. So now it is on to phase three – practice.
My practice focus will start from the green out. Putting is critical to lower scores. Grooving my putting stroke early will help save strokes in the long run. Next, will be chipping from the fringe and moving further from the green. I will be using the 3-6-9 drill to simulate playing on the course because it will help hone my short game.
I am not ready to compete. Having swung the club for the firs time today, competing would be stretching even my expectations.
Setting goals is a helpful way to improve anyone’s golf game. This year will be a special year because of my goal to be a scratch golfer. The plan is in place and my desire is strong…I am ready to succeed!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 