Do You Trust Your Swing!

October 29, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Recently, I purchased a TOM TOM 55M. I thought about buying a GPS for some time, but just never made the buy because the need was not great enough. Preparing for a vacation, I realized that the route we wanted take was through unfamiliar territory and a bit off the beaten path. So it made sense to make the purchase and let TOMTOM be our guide. Needless to say, it was worth every penny and after we figured out how to use most of the features it made our trip quite enjoyable.

So how does this apply to golf you may ask? Well, great question. Once we enter the unfamiliar roads on our trip, I started to second guess the TOMTOM. I thought I could cut of miles by taking a different road or have a more scenic route around the next bend. I started to second guess the device until finally my darling wife said, “If you are not going to follow the directions, we are taking it back”. In other words, trust that the TOMTOM is going to direct us on the path we chose and enjoy the drive.

Her statement, although not really earth shattering, was significant because it made me think about how this applies to the golf swing. How many times have golfers stood over their ball and started to make adjustments, change their grip, address, stance, finish or mental attitude because all of a sudden they did not trust their swing. Golfers suddenly decide that, in that moment, it was important not to trust the swing they have honed, shaped and worked on over years of tedious practice. Golfers believe that not trusting something that has proven reliable was a smart.

How many times have golfers found themselves in this situation? The fact of the matter is that trusting your swing is extremely important break 100, 90, 80 or 70. Trusting your swing instills confidence to mentally play well. Trusting your swing empowers golfers to apply proper course management because they are not thinking about mechanics. Trusting your swing just makes sense!

There are times when all golfers need to work on their swing, but that should be saved for the range. Once you leave the range and head to course, it is time to trust your swing. Golf is a sport that is both complex and easy at the same time. The path you choose really depends on trust!

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

Slow But Steady

October 23, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Golf is a Game of Patience!

Golf is a game of patience. Those willing to be the tortoise generally enjoy the game far greater than those trying to be the hare. It is sometimes difficult to describe the inner thought process when playing a shot, but watching the pros and elite golfers they all take their time. Sometimes watching them play equates to watching paint dry, but you will never see Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson rush through their pre-shot routine or their actual shot.

Golf is a game of patience. Many golfers have the best equipment, a gadget or two, and change putters routinely. They follow golfing innovations and always seem to have the newest driver in their bag. They are chasing the dream of shooting low, but never seem to play better than they did the year before. I have often heard “I am 20 yards farther with my new clubs!” or “this new putter makes the ball roll truer!” Unfortunately, they never seem to score better.

Golf is a game of patience. It is important to work on your game in little increments. Too many changes at one time has the tendency to cause more harm than good. Many players ask that if they practice, which part of the game will reap the most benefits. My response is usually, which club do they use the most when they play? As they think for a minute, the usually say their putter, followed by their short irons around the green. I respond “well that answers your question, your short game to reap the most benefit, most of the time.

Golf is a game of patience. It takes practice and more practice to become an elite golfer. It takes the willingness to put in the time to hone you golfing skills. This thought is not always popular because playing is way more fun than practicing. However, it improve your score and really enjoy the finer aspects of golf, practice is required.

Golf is a game of patience. I am a grateful golfer. See you on the links!

How to Play Golf?

October 18, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

The dawn of a new day! What a great time to play golf!

What a great question! If a poll was taken of 100 different teaching pros on what is the most important skill required to play golf, I bet there would be 100 different answers! Golf is a unique sport where the elusive perfect swing comes in a million forms. Yes, a million forms!

The golf swing is a series of different movements broken down, analyzed, and taught at varying skill levels. Each player requires something unique to match their fitness, coordination, and willingness to change. Reading many great articles from White Dragon Golf, Mind Body Golf, Golf Habits, GP Golf Report, or Hitting it Solid, I have concluded that great advice is found for those who are searching. However, to break 100 consistently or to maintain a single digit handicap each player has to find their own way on how to play golf. Golfers must find their swing, develop it, and hone the skills required to find their perfect swing.

If you are just starting golf or wondering how to play better, all I can say is welcome to the endless merry-go-round of trying to improve your swing. It will be challenging, frustrating and exhilarating all at the same time! The first time you hit the shot of your life, you will want to hit a better one! What a vicious circle…..no wonder golf is the greatest sport!

Golf is really meant to be played; the only way to get better is to practice, play, adjust, practice and play; then repeat one million times. It seems like a pretty simple system, well give it a try. Actually, golf is meant to be enjoyed! If you are not having fun, then what is the point.

Finally, 3underthru12 has a fantastic video on how to play golf that will make you laugh. For some of us seasoned golfers, we will remember watching it when it first came out! For others, enjoy it for the first time.

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

Fall Troubles

October 11, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Well golfing enthusiasts, fall is finally here. It is the time of the year that the reeks havoc on everyone’s golf game. There are so many distractions before, during and after playing golf that bring out the ‘Fall Troubles’.

All golfers feel them! Golfers have the desire to play as much as possible, but they never seem to get out as much as they want. Here are my top five reasons that the fall is the toughest time of the year to play:

the kids activities have increase because of school. Your second job as taxi is here;
daylight is much less allowing for less opportunity to hit the links;
it is very cold in the morning and it is hard to golf wearing mittens and a scarf;
great time of year for house renovations because you put them off all summer; and
hockey is starting and it wrecks your golf swing.

Regardless of why you have ‘Fall Troubles’, remember that golfing in the fall is a bonus. It allows golfers to slowly unwind from an awesome season unless you live in New Zealand where your season is just starting! Regardless, I hope you had a great season and plenty of fun!

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

We All Need A Pep Talk!

September 29, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

In my travels through the netherworld of the internet I occasionally come across sites that peak my interest. Recently, SoulPancake.com is one of those sites. It does not talk about golf, but it does talk about gratitude and the various aspects of being happy with ourselves and the world around us.

The following 7-minute video is about an experiment where people were asked who made the greatest impact on their lives and…..well it is worth it to watch the video.

This video made me think about those who have made a tremendous impact on my life. I have a rather long list because I am blessed with many wonderful people in my life right now and those who came and went through the years.

The person I am most grateful for is my darling wife Teri. She is my best friend and continues to love me unconditionally. I love her more and more everyday. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.

Gratitude is something that needs to be shared! It has the power to change people’s lives even if it is just for a moment. As we take stock of our world, it really is important to pass on thanks and gratitude to those who have positively affected our lives. What goes around definitely comes around when you are grateful!

In golf, the one person I am grateful to is a true gentlemen who took me under his wing early in my playing days and taught me about this wonderful sport. He taught me course management, when to press your skill, when to hold back and the importance of golf etiquette. He fixed some of my early swing challenges and showed me how to read greens. He did all this and expected nothing in return; what a gift! His name was Bob Fortune. Unfortunately, I have lost contact with him over the years, but he is fondly remembered when I talk about my early years as a golfer. Thanks Bob!

Expressing gratitude is important. It allows us to feel and experience the positive aspects of life. Who are you grateful for?

I am grateful golfer! See you on the links!