A Golf Lesson About Life

January 31, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..

‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—-your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—-and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else—-the small stuff.

‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.

Take care of the golf balls first—-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

This is a version of ‘The Lesson Of Life’ circulating on the internet. Something to consider: working on fitness and flexibility is a golf ball and buying a new driver every year is sand. This life lesson struck home with me because setting attainable, challenging goals is extremely important to succeeding in golf. Staying focused on how to achieve those goals is invaluable.

Do you know your golf balls from your sand?

Oh yeah don’t forget, there is always time for a beer with your friend. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

When to Change Your Golf Ball

January 14, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 10 Comments

Have you ever watched the pros during a tournament? They spend a tremendous amount of time looking at their golf ball for blemishes, scuffs, dents and deformities – especially when they miss a sort putt! It makes one ponder if there is something to their obsession with the slightest mark or are they just obsessed.

To check out my bag and found that have my golf balls have scuff, mark, or something. For the past few years, I used Pro V1 seconds from Walmart. But, this year, I decided to change to Srixon Q Star. I know they are completely different balls, but I need a drastic change because …. well just because. If my experiment does not work, I can always change back.

Back to the topic. My experience is that a golf ball is really only good for about two rounds tops. By then, you will hit the ball between 140 – 200+ times. Not to mention the ground even more times. I have used balls with all kinds of blemishes and normally did not care, but this year it is going to be different. For the first part of the season, my rule will be two rounds max….it should make a difference – I think.

I have read that distance, the ability to shape the ball, and accuracy will be affected. It has to do with aerodynamics of the ball and the science behind an object in motion etc, etc, etc. I have never really notice the difference, but I am not at the same skill as the pros so, I never worried about it that much.

One place I have noticed a difference is on the greens. A blemish, scuff or dent will effect the putting line. Additionally, it has the potential not the leave the putter head square…this is similar to dirt on the ball.

On a side note, Rule 15-1 state that a player must hole out with the ball played from the teeing ground, unless the ball is lost or out-of-bounds or the player substitutes another ball, whether or not substitution is permitted (see Rule 15-2). Amateurs can change to any type of ball, but the pros use the one ball rule and they must use the same type of ball for the entire round.

The pros are smart about when to change their golf ball, but what degree of damage prompts the change only they know for sure. I guess it boils down to preference.

When do you change your golf ball that has a scuff or damage?

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

Choosing A Golf Ball

October 31, 2013October 31, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 16 Comments

Image from:http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/744835-halloween-custom-iron-set-sale/

Happy Halloween!

Does a golf ball really make a difference to your game? Is there any significant difference between the top-of-the-line manufacturers’? After some research, I would suggest there is a big difference. Through the years, I started off with Canada Cup (Spalding), Canada Club (Acushnet), Ultra (Wilson), Slanzenger (Slanzenger), many varies of Titleist and Callaway. Each change was driven by my increase in skill level.

For the past 3 years, I played Pro V1 and Pro V1x. However, I have found that I do not have the same feel or touch or something from them, so I have looked for another ball. At the end of last year, I won a dozen Srixon Q Star golf balls at men’s night and decided to give them a try. I really like them. So, I think during the upcoming season, I will start using the Q Star as my primary ball; with the right to change if needed.

Choosing a ball is difficult. Deciding which ball is best for you is no easy feat. Really, it comes down to personal preference. You can use a ball selector from Global Golf, which I did an ended up being directed to Q Star (go figure), or do research with the criteria at Golf Smith. Galaxy Golf has a great chart to compare all the golf balls and more importantly why the ball was designed. It provides an overview of most golf balls and is a good resource.

Even Jack Nicklaus has a newly released system for choosing a golf ball to simplify the entire process. On a side note, his golf balls are sold to support his and Barbara’s charity: Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. Jack’s efforts to simply the ball selection process is something that most manufacturers try to accomplish, but their advertising hype seems to get in the way. I like Jack’s simple approach and would be interested to hear of anyone has played his golf balls.

Regardless of how you choose your golf ball, ensure it feels right for you. I have played with scratch handicappers who use inexpensive balls and those who play the top-rated balls. I could provide lots of advice, but unfortunately it would only apply to my game.

If I was to provide any advice it would be this: try different types and do not be afraid to change. Once you find the ball you like, stick to it for a bit to make sure. The choice is all yours and the right ball for your game will build confidence and ultimately lower your score. Which ball do you use?

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