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

Golf Season is Just Around the Corner

As many of my fellow Canadians will attest, the 2016 golf season is just around the corner. The snow is gone, April showers have started, and a crazy cardinal is banging its head against my patio door (I am not kidding about the cardinal)! All of these, and many more, are signs that spring is near and golf season will soon be upon us!

After 4 months, I am ready to hit the links! This off-season seemed exceptionally long and for some reason, time seemed to pass slower than molasses moving downhill in January! As golf season is just weeks away, it is time to prepare. As a creature of habit, I will start my preseason tradition of mentally, physically, and emotionally preparing to golf.
Continue reading

Golfing in Cooler Weather

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Golf in cooler weather is a challenge.

Golf is not a sport for fair-weather players. Well actually, many golfers are fair-weather players, but I am not one. I play in the rain, wind, heat, and cold. Of all these conditions, I find playing in the cold the most difficult.

Playing in the cold is a given in Canada. Unlike this year, the cold weather starts to set in around October and does not leave until April. However, if the brave are willing to embrace the cooler weather, the off-season can be shortened by a couple of months.

I have written about playing in the cold weather before and I touched on 5 main topics to consider when playing fall or spring golf in the northern climates. For more details on the 5 topics below, click here:

  • A toque is a must.
  • Gloves are a benefit.
  • Keeping hydrated is critical.
  • Choosing the correct golf ball!
  • Lastly, avoid getting wet.

I recently did a poll on about golfing in cold weather and wondered what the golfing community considered what to keep warm when playing in cooler temperatures. Not surprisingly, here is what the masses had to say:

Keeping our hands warm is the most important thing for me aswell. When my hands get cold, I loose my feel, strength, and flexibility. Also, every miss hit feels like I am holding a giant frozen tuning fork that will not stop vibrating! Playing with cold hands is extremely uncomfortable and sometimes painful.

As many of you venture out to play golf in cooler temperatures, remember to keep your hands warm; warm hands will help you shoot lower scores and have fun as you loop the links enjoying the great outdoors!

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

Off-Season Golf Strategies

Grateful GolferThere is only one way to prepare for the 2016 golf season! I have a fool-proof way method that will ensure you be ready for that faithful day when golf returns to your neck of the woods. It will not cost you anything for this secret (as this goes against the goal of The Grateful Golfer blog), but if you decide to partake on this journey to lower scores, you must share it with your friends! Are you ready?

Decide!

That is it and thank you for your attention! Details can be found in the next article. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Now What!

Whats Next?The golf season is officially over for me!  It is a sad day, but not unexpected.  So now I have to prepare for the long off-season.  I have an idea of where to start, but I thought I would ask you first.

So, I am reaching out for ideas this year. Should I start with goal setting, a fitness program, finding new drills, asking experts, reading or nothing until January?

Well, all-seeing and all-knowing audience; What is your advice?

 

I am a grateful golfer!  See you on the links in 6 months!