golf

Ball Position in Your Golf Stance

/ The Grateful Golfer / 10 Comments

ball position within golf stance.While on the driving range with a friend a couple of weeks back, we started a discussion about where the ball should be position in your golf stance. Immediately, I mentioned that the position changes depending on whether he was playing a short iron, mid iron, long iron, or wood. I have always used this method and until now, I never realize that there was a second method.

Ted Norby, Director of Instruction for the National University Golf Academy, explains the relationship of ball position to your body position is the real reason for ball placement in your stance. His explanation was excellent and easy to understand. Because of the relationship is between the ball and body, there are actually two methods to determine the correct position of the ball within your stance. Norby explains below:

As stated by Norby, the other method is to pick a position within your stance and widen or narrow your feet as required. This is not something I have tried, however players like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods position their ball in this way.

If you are trying to decide the best method for you, I recommend you hit the range and try each one. One particular method of position your golf ball might feel natural for your swing. Regardless, make sure it is best for you!

Personally, I have no challenges with my current method of moving the ball within my stance, but will try the other method at the range because I want to remain open to all ideas that might help me attain my goal of being a scratch golfer.

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

Science of a Golf Swing

/ The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

The golf swing is amazing. I have studied the almost every aspect of it and thought that I had some of the answers. As I mature as a golfer, I want to know more about the why, than the how when studying a golf swing. I came across this video that really helps me understand the science of generating power which equates into distance when playing golf.

The scientific principles of note are double pendulum, centrifugal force, and torque. After watching the video below, I had several “oh yeah” moments where I understood how these principles affect my golf swing. The more I study, the more I understand that my education was more about how to swing a club, but not why to do it. By understanding the why, I will be able to dissect my swing to make the minor adjustments required to become a better golfer.

What do you think? Did anything in the video give you that “oh yeah” moment?

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

Jordan Spieth Wins the 2015 Masters

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

mastersCongratulations to Jordan Spieth for winning his first green jacket. His steady play on Sunday was more than enough to put his first Major in his pocket.

Spieth’s seesaw round was a bit of a surprise to some, but not unexpected by most. His ability rebound for a bogey is what makes champions. The pundits suggested that before the round, Spieth should play more cautiously than the previous three rounds; but with 6 birdies and 3 bogies, he was playing flat-out. The question on most experts mind this morning about how the double bogey on the 17th hole on moving day would affect his game was quickly answered. It didn’t! Jordan Spieth earned his first Major Championship by winning the 2015 Masters….perhaps, the first of many.

Other notables today were all the players between 4th and 9th position. In reality after everything was all said and done, they were playing for second place. Their low scores were just a little to late. In most tournaments, one exceptional round would put a player in contention to win, but a Major, not so much. It takes at least two and usually three great rounds to win any Major. But, hats off that group for making a great showing down the stretch.

Jordan Spieth was not my first choice to win the 2015 Masters. I thought that Rory McIlroy would complete his career grand slam, but not this year. This feat is very rare, but McIlroy has plenty of time to yet. Overall, I was 50/50 selecting players to win. Here is how I made out:

  • Phil Mickelson – T2
  • Jimmy Walker – T39
  • Jason Day – T28
  • Jordan Spieth – 1st
  • Rory McIlroy – 4th
  • Dark Horse – Matt Kuchar – T46

Overall, not too to bad. I did, however, think that Jimmy Walker would have played better at Augusta this year. He only stepped on to the Major’s scene last year, so he does not have the seasoning that other players have. Although he is considered one of the hottest players in golf right now, playing in a Major is extremely difficult and he may need a bit more seasoning before he is ready to compete at that level.

It was exciting to watch Jordan Spieth rise to the élite ranks by winning his first Major. At 21 years old, he has many years ahead where he can continue to excite the golfing world. He reminds me of a young Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods; hopefully he will be able to handle the new notoriety and stay in form for many years to come.

Again, Congratulations to Jordan Spieth on winning the 2015 Masters.

Bring on The Open!

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

The Masters – Day 2 – Moving Day?

/ The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments
Jordan Spieth

Jordan Spieth Masters Leader after Day 2.

Today felt like “moving day” at the Masters! The number of players jockeying for position reminded me of the Kentucky Derby! Well, halfway through the race anyway. Jordan Spieth carded another stellar round and by all accounts, he just might be wearing his first green jacket. But hold your horses everyone, we are only just getting started.

Great rounds by Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose, Ryan Moore and Kevin Na have caught everyone’s attention. Their low rounds have vaulted these players into the top 10 and the golfing world is abuzz with the possibilities of what will happen tomorrow! Let us not forget Charley Hoffman; his round of 68 keeps him within striking distance of, the now perennial favorite, Jordan Spieth. Any other year, Hoffman would be leading the Masters and would be the focus of all the attention.

Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Mark O’Meara show why veterans cannot be counted out at any time. In true Masters fashion, their slow and steady approach kept them in the hunt for another day. Mickelson’s 4 under currently has him sitting in 6th place, 8 strokes back. A big shout out to Mark O’Meara who shot 68 today and is sitting tied for 12th. At 58 years-old, O’Meara was never in the picture, but he is competing against the world’s best and succeeding. Surprised?

Ernie Els shot even par today. His score did not hurt him, but did not help him either. With the leaders shooting sub-par rounds, Els will have to shoot a 68 tomorrow to keep pace and have any kind of chance at winning this year’s Masters.

There were plenty of surprises today. The biggest was three rounds of 66. Normally, 6 under par will happen once or twice over the Masters’ weekend, but three in one day! Additionally, I was impressed by the composure of Jordan Spieth. At 21 years old, he is demonstrating the wiles of a seasoned veteran. As I mentioned before, we are only at the half way point and whether he or any other contender can keep focused will remain to be seen.

Tomorrow is the real “Moving Day!” The weather forecast calls for 80 degrees and 10 mph winds for Saturday and Sunday. For the Masters to become a closer tournament this year, two things must happen: Jordan Spieth must take off his superman cape, then give it to one of the players chasing him. Anything can happen on ‘Moving Day”, so stay glued to your TV and watch all the action!

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

The Masters – Day 1

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

The first round of the 2015 Masters is in the books. The stellar play by Jordan Spieth (-8), Ernie Els, Charley Hoffman, Jason Day and Justin Rose (all -5) have them leading the field. Except for Jordan Spieth and Jason Day, the rest of the names in the top 10 were not on most pundits’ radar! But, it is still the first day.

The Masters is a game of endurance, it is not a sprint. As the next three days unfold, many aspects of the leader’s game will be tested. Most of all, their ability to handle the pressure of leading the Masters.

The first day of the Masters is always exciting where the anticipation for fantastic golf changes to reality for golfing fanatics. However, for me, there is always one aspect of the Masters I look forward to seeing each year. The honorary starters hitting the first ball. This year, like others in the past, Arnold Palmer , 85, Gary Player, 79, and Jack Nicklaus, 75, thrilled the crowds with three awesome shots.

When I look at these great players, I cannot help but remember all the fantastic memories they have created. They transcend time as I see them bend over (more of a feat than we would think given their age), line up, and launch their drives down the first fairway. These three giants are worthy of our respect and admiration for making golf the game it is today. Their stats are simply amazing. Here is a quick snapshot of how great these players really are:

Honorary Starters of the 2015 Masters
Arnold Palmer Gary Player Jack Nicklaus
Masters Played 50 52 45
Masters Won 4 3 6
Masters Top 10 9 8 15
Total Majors 7 10 14
Professional Wins Worldwide 95 178 116

The stories these golfing legends could tell would be mind-boggling. Each time they tee it up at the Masters, I take a trip down memory lane. The championships they have won and lost; the spectacular shots over the years; and the grace and gentlemanly fashion in which they carried themselves is a lesson for us all. Watching the honorary starters is a tradition I love about the Masters and if you missed it:

Tomorrow is another day. The pressure will continue to build. I am looking forward to seeing if the current leaders have the game (both mentally and physically) to extend their lead. Right now, many players are working towards the privilege of playing on the weekend; I still think Rory McIlroy will win and he will start making his move tomorrow. Who are your movers and shakers for tomorrow?

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