golf

Fixing My Golf Swing Through Video

/ The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

While practicing at the range I decided to video some shots with my pitching wedge. The reason was to see if I notice anything out of the ordinary because lately I was not hitting my PW crisp or solid. If I miss hit my PW, it was usually a thin shot. It was a bit frustrating because my PW is one of the best clubs in my bag.

As I watched this video (I realize I was hitting a bit quick) I noticed that when I was hitting the ball thin, my right knee was locked straight. I watched this video over and over to make sure and I was right.

So, I made an adjustment on the range and now hit my PW like the old me. This is an important club for me because my lay up distance is 115 yards – a full and controlled PW!

I find that using video to periodically check my swing really helps identify potential problems. How about you?

Do you use video to help with your golf swing? If so, what did you find out?

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

It is All About Respect – Raking a Sand Trap

/ The Grateful Golfer / 10 Comments

Raking a sand trap is an important aspect of respect for your fellow players and the golf course. How many times have you mistakenly hit your ball into the sand trap only to find it in a poorly raked area. Or, even worse, in an area not raked at all! This is a very frustrating aspect of golf that can easily be fixed.

Sand Trap

Raking a sand trap is really easy, it takes next to no time, and demonstrates a fair bit of character. A poorly raked sand trap is a pet peeve for many players and I guess I would be one. I do find it difficult enough to play out of the sand, without having a poor lie caused by someone taking the time to properly rake the trap. Care for the course is part of golf and helps everyone maximize their fun on the links.

The video below is perfect for those who do not know the proper way to rake a trap. As we expand our knowledge about golf, it empowers us all to fully enjoy the game.

A properly raked sand trap is one of the many things I am grateful for on the golf course. How about you?

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

Happy Father’s Day

/ The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments
JimDad

30 years ago. How time flies!

I have the best Dad in the world! I am sure this statement is being lauded around the world again and again. Of course, we think our father was the greatest because of the positive impact he had on our lives, but really, my Dad was the best. Unfortunately, our time together was far too short and over the past 25 years, I sure could have used some of his sage wisdom to get me through some tough times. Fortunately, my father-in-law was there to help fill some of the void and I am grateful for his advice, wisdom, and love along the way.

My Dad taught me so much that it is difficult to list it all. He demonstrated how to be a father through kindness and love that he showed towards my Mom everyday, how to stand up and be accountable for my actions, when to sacrifice for the good of the family, and how to have fun on life’s journey. He taught me that friendship is more important than money and to treat everyone as if they were your friend. His life lessons are the core of my being and for that I am ever grateful to my Dad

He taught me how to fish, the importance of tipping your barber, how to build a cottage, how to play horseshoes, how to hang a picture straight (well I am still learning that lesson), how to ride a bike, and why it is important to spend time with the ones you love. I could go on and on, but I think you get the point.

My Dad was always around for us. His greatest gift to my siblings and I was time. He played games with us, took us places, and understood when to give us our space. He always made the time for everyone and never demonstrated frustration or disappointment when asked for help. My Dad showed me the value of personal discipline in all areas of my life. Looking back, he always seemed to know what to do at the right time.

Also, my Dad taught me how to play golf! He taught me how to swing and how to use of the different clubs. He taught me the importance of etiquette, fixing your ball marks, and where to stand on the green when someone was putting. He showed me all the fundamentals that are essential to being a good golfer. These lessons and more, I have used repeatedly for 40 years. I have taken my Dad’s knowledge and passed them on to many people as his lessons were valuable both on and off the course.

I have the greatest Dad in the world. Although he is gone, he is in my heart and I talk to him everyday! Today is a special day for all Dads. It is a day to express how grateful we are for everything they did to make our lives better.

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

It is a Matter of Choice

/ The Grateful Golfer / 10 Comments

Choose to be Happy

I believe that being grateful and happy is a choice. For years I have changed the way I thought to help shape the life I want to live. Has it been easy, no, but definitely rewarding. Some days the light I see at the end of the tunnel feels like a train, but as I continue to shape my thoughts, my world changes shape as well! Every day is a better day.

Change your thoughts, change your world – Norman Vincent Peale

I also believe this mindset is transferable to golf. Golfing is a game of immense concentration for short periods of time. The rest of the time I spend enjoying my surroundings by soaking in its beauty, enjoying the company of my playing partners, or just being in the moment. All this has help me be a better golfer. I feel more relaxed, in control and just plain happy.

I am grateful for so many things and I count my blessing every day! I make it a point of using positive affirmations at the beginning and end of each day. For me, it is a perfect way to start and end my day.

What techniques do you use to positively improve your golf game?

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

My Thoughts on the US Open

/ The Grateful Golfer / 12 Comments

2015-US-OPEN_LOGOMany of you may or may not know, but I write for a sports media platform called Pundit Arena; it provides aspiring journalists and highly articulate fans with an audience to showcase their work. My articles focus on golf and hopefully offer some reading enjoyment for all golfers. With the US Open on the horizon, here are a couple of articles that I think you might like.

The US Open – Focus on Golf

The US Open – A Battle of Attrition

I think Phil Mickelson will complete his career grand slam this weekend and finally get that monkey off his back. The competition will be intense, course will be crazy, and the thrills over the top. But, Mickelson is finally ready after 6 second place finishes!

What are your thoughts on the US Open?

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