goals

The Grateful Golfer 2017 Golf Plan

/ The Grateful Golfer / 12 Comments

My 2017 golf plan is ready and I think it will move much closer to my goal of being a scratch golfer. Unlike last year, I will have specific milestones to reach and timelines in ensure I stay focused throughout the year.

I am planning to use the same process as previous years because it works very well for my game. It is not complicated and helps me identify the areas I need/want to improve. Except, I am going to take it a step further. I found out last year that but not having quantifiable goals, I did not maximize the golfing opportunities. This year this is all going to change. Continue reading →

Building a Golf Plan for 2017

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Well it is time for me to build my golf plan for 2017. I am not exactly sure what my plan is going to look like, but I can say that I getting plenty of help. My treasure trove of information is from sources you may not expect, but they provide straight forward information that I have come to trust. Continue reading →

Golf Season is Here!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

After a long seven months golf season officially starts tomorrow.  Only 10 days off of my prediction of 15 April.  The weather is fantastic (interestingly, the forecast is for light rain later in the day but it is the first day of golf so I am ignoring the forecast) and I am prepared to another awesome season on the links.

It is unlikely that I will actually play any holes because of work, but it is best to practice a bit before I try anything crazy. Besides, each year I set a bronze, silver and gold goal for my first round.  If you have not figured it out, bronze = break 100; silver = break 90; gold = break 80. Normally, I achieve my silver goal, but have won the gold goal a couple of times.

Tomorrow at the course, I will gently hit balls on the range, chip for a few minutes and putt for a few minutes. My past experiences tells me to ease into the golf season to prevent early injuries. My plan for this golf season is a crawl, walk, run approach.  By starting of slow and easy, I will build on success, thereby enjoying my golf season longer.

DSCF7364So my car is packed (not to be unpacked until October unless absolutely necessary) and ready to go.  I have my clubs, two pairs of shoes, rain gear, umbrella, balls, a couple of hats and practice sticks. Now all I need to do his finish work and head to the course.  Today is an exciting day and golf season has officially started!

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

 

Yearly Traditions

/ The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

Ready for the SeasonEach year I have traditions that prepare me for the golf season.  I am sure everyone has their own way of getting ready, but mine has been the same for years.  It is nothing fancy, but it helps me mentally and equipment-wise prepare to hit the links.  So here it goes!

I read the rule book.  The RCGA 2013 rule book is not out yet, so I read last years rule book.  I believe it is important to acquaint myself with the dos and don’ts of golf.  It helps with the finer points like the difference between a red and yellow hazard.  Reading the rule book helps me prepare for tournaments or other competitions with those who do not read the rule book.

I watch a couple of golf movies.  I will watch anything new, but if that is not possible I will watch Happy Gilmore, Tin Cup, and The Greatest Game Ever Played.  They are fun movies and they help me mentally to prepare for anything on the golf course.

I check my equipment.  This year I am changing my grips.  I have used different grips through the years, but this year I am trying tacki-mac.  They are similar to Golf Pride Tour Wrap, but cheaper.  Additionally, I washed my clubs, prepare my carry bag and mark my new golf balls.  I also polish my shoes and change my spikes!

Last thing I do is think about what I to accomplish this season.  Each year I make several goals and work to achieve them during my practice and times on the links.  I have not made any quite yet, but I am sure one will be to break par and another to win a tournament.

Traditions are important to me.  The allow me to prepare mentally and equipment-wise for the upcoming season.  Regardless on how I play each year, my yearly traditions are special.  How do you prepare for your season?

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

Only 75 Days to Go!

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Today marks my official count down to golf season in Northern Ontario!  I usually use 15 April as my target date for the opening of the golf courses in my area.  Sometimes the courses open earlier (like last year – 3 April) and the odd time later (two years ago 21 April).  Regardless, it is now time to start preparing for success.

I have all the equipment I need for this year – thanks Santa!  I purchased a new driver and three wood.  Both are Callaway Razor Fit.  Not the extreme, but last years model.  I know it sounds crazy, but I prefer purchasing last years technology and paying a quarter of the price.  We shall see how my strategy works out.  I have a new carry bag, golf balls, and shoes.  Needless to say, I am ready.

I start to make my goals list for this year.  For example, last year I wanted to break par at least once.  I wanted a hole-in-one.  I wanted to improve my greens in regulation stat.  Finally, I wanted to play in 3 stroke play tournaments.  I achieved all my goals except the last one.  Stroke play tournaments are becoming rarer and rarer.  I have not made my list for this year yet, but when I do I will be sure to share.

I start my focused training program.  At this stage, it is mostly stretching.  Some may say it is a bit early, but I have found that I as I get older it takes me longer to get ready.  Besides, stretching has other health benefits that I like.  Additionally, I focus my weight and aerobics training.  There are certain exercises that will improve my swing.  Again, I will share when I figure out what I am doing.

Lastly, I look to see which course I want to play the most.  I always try to play at least 60 rounds home and 20 rounds away from my home course.  I have 5 options in my area and each course offers something unique.  The course I played last year was awesome.  It allowed early birds, walk ons and the owner always stopped to talk to me.  If I get a membership again, I am leaning towards the same course.  But, this will not stop me from doing my cost comparison.

Well my yearly ritual always starts around this time.  I am really looking forward to another season.  I am a grateful golfer.

When do you start preparing for golf season?