Modified Scramble

May 30, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

Out of the Sand Like A Pro

I played Men’s Night at Osprey Links golf course and had a blast. As most players know, men’s night is a great time to meet new people and play fun golf games. Yesterday, I played a modified 4-man scramble that I have never heard of before. Here is how it went:

It was a 9-hole 4- man scramble. Each player teed off at every hole. After the drive, the team decided which player would play their own ball alone while the other three played a scramble format.

Side note: for those who do not know, scramble format is where everyone hits off the tee, you pick the best shot, everyone else picks up their ball and goes the the best shot location and hits again. Continue until holed out.

After the singleton and scramble team holed out, we added both scores together for our total score. Each player had to play by themselves for two holes. The ninth hole could be played by anyone. For a par 36, we scored 35 for the scramble and 42 for the singleton. I tell you it was loads of fun! It was interesting because of the strategy we were trying to use to outsmart the game, but it all came down to playing your own ball under pressure.

The weather was great, the course was great and the company was fantastic. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Dogs On the Golf Course

May 28, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

Today was interesting on Osprey Links. As I walked around the mosquito infested course, I tried to focus on making good contact. The weather and course conditions have prevented me from playing much to date, however that is soon to change. While playing today I had 14 good holes. (I changed my thinking from 4 bad holes – thanks Norman Vincent Peale) I hit the ball relatively well, but nothing fantastic yet. Well I digress.

On the 16th tee box, a gentlemen and Bella asked if they could join my friend and I for the last three holes. Of course, we let him because I am always grateful to meet new people. The interesting thing about this request is Bella is a dog. She is quite beautiful, quiet, and very well behaved. My friend and I are both animal lovers and enjoyed both their company. Bella did not cause any problems, nor her master, during the rest of the round. I know some may be thinking that a golf course is no place for a dog, however it is a tough call.

So here is my question, should dogs be allowed on a leash on the golf course?

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

May I Join You?

May 25, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 13 Comments

The Boys at Voyageur Days Golf Tournament

How many times have we been asked by someone to join your group? Usually it is singleton and they are looking for a game. I always say yes unless I am in a Match Play Competition (this has happened only twice in 35 years) I enjoy playing with different players and relish the opportunity to meet someone new. But, are you really obligated to let a player join your group?

My short answer is yes! Golf is a social game that allows individuals to meet and enjoy the company of others. The Mindful Golfer says that golf is a contact sport and I could not agree more. It is a great way to meet like minded people and enjoy a sport for transcends age, wealth, and background.

Other reasons that you should allow someone to join your group is – speed of play. Generally, keeping singles and doubles off the course is great for speed of play. I personally believe that three is the ideal number for keeping the game moving, but that is a discussion for another day. Having a foursome play in front of a bunch singletons and doubles slows play down throughout the course and increases the frustration of those wanting to play through. By joining up, the singles and doubles will match the speed of play and enjoy their game more than waiting all the time.

Letting others join your group improves your game. Watching other player is always good for your game. Sometimes a scratch player is just looking for a game and joins your group. It is nice to watch someone play the game really well and most of the time, you learn unique things on how to play shots that you would not normally have figured out.

Lastly, it is proper etiquette. I believe that if someone sticks their neck out and join total strangers to play a game of golf; the group should say yes. Having a stranger in the group will help everyone remember the dos and don’ts of playing proper golf. It allows everyone to be a little nicer! And that is always a good think!

So remember, if someone asks to join your group, say yes! You never know where it may lead. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

One Year Old!

May 19, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

One year today I started The Grateful Golfer! I have had a great time and will continue to talk about my favorite game. Specifically, I have enjoyed talking to like-minded golfers around the world and realize how much golfers have in common. We love this sport, feel the same joys and experiences no matter where we are.

I am grateful for all those who continue to read, share, educate, and comment on my blog.

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

Grateful to be Golfing

May 8, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Well, I have two games under my belt and each time I played my game was a bit better. The first round I was lucky to finish because I was tired and not at all ready for a round of golf. But, I was grateful to be playing and I have not complaints.

The second round was more interesting. Each hole was an adventure. I would drive well and chip like a clown. I would chip well and putt like a wimp! I would putt well….actually I putted terrible because I 3-putted 7 greens. I am not really disappointed though because this is exactly how every year starts. On a side note, I shot 80 on the second round….44 – 36.

Regardless of the score, these are the things I am grateful for:

Playing in the beautiful sun.
Putting for eagle….and no I did not leave it short!
Two birdies in on the back nine.
Hitting four greens in a row in regulation.
Playing with two of my very good friends.
Laughing, smiling, and joking around for 4 hours.

I am off to play golf tomorrow with three of my friends. It is going to be fun and a little sad. One of my friends is retiring from the military and starting a new chapter in his life. We only have a short time left to play as much golf as possible. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

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