Ran across this music video by Golf Boys – “2.Oh”. It is very funny. It brings a whole new meaning to not taking yourself too seriously!
I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know what you think!
golf
Titleist Vokey Wedge
As I said yesterday, I did go to golf town and bought a new 56 degree 11 degree bounce Titleist Vokey wedge. I went with the SM2 not the SM4. For the $40 difference, I can live with the reality that it may be illegal in 2020. Until then, I am good to go!
One interesting thing happened while in the golf store. As usual, I went to the putting green (artificial) and tried all the new putters. I tried the New Odessey putter, Callaway, Nike, Titleist, Scott Cameron, and others. The prices ranged from $350 to $75. You know what I found, I putted the exact same way with each putter.
I used a mallet, blade, offset, goof heads, traditional heads….they were all the same. So it started me thinking and I decided that I did not need to buy a new putter. I bought a new putter grip for $8. I figure that my old “Billy Beru” will do just fine for another year.
The point about my story is that new equipment is not always the answer. Sometimes it is important to purchase new technology, but really, how much does it change from year to year. That answer is really up to you!
So, did anyone buy new equipment this year? If you did, what do you hope it helps improve in your game?
Well, see you on the links!
Buying a New Sand Wedge
Today is the day! I have waited, researched, and mulled over the purchase of a new sand wedge. Currently, I use a 30-year-old Ping Eye 2 Black Dot that has been golden for many years. But, I rarely use it in the fairway because the bounce is too high….so it is time to retire one of my favorite clubs.
On an earlier post, “Choosing a New Wedge” I went through all the aspects to consider and linked you to Goldsmith.com for a more in-depth discussion. I used these two sites extensively. They were very helpful and greatly aided in my decision.
Next, I look at reviews. Reviews are very important to cut through the hype of advertisement. Virtually every site I went too rated the Titleist Vokey Wedge as the top wedge to buy. Additionally, I looked at customer reviews because the average golfer has plenty to say and generally are more honest. The Titleist Vokey Wedge still came out on top. Next, I went to the Titleist website and found a very good guide to Vokey Wedges with information that could be applied when choosing any wedge.
After all of this, I have chosen to by the Titleist Vokey 56 degree wedge with an 8 degree bounce. When I hit the links, I will let you know how my decision made out. \Well, I am off to Golf Town….any thoughts?
Lowering Your Score…..or Not
I decided to do some research on how to lower my golf score. Everyone, even single digit handicappers, looks for ways to lower their score. I have to say I was a little disappointed at the number of websites that were more interested in selling stuff than helping people improve their game. I guess that is why I am the grateful golfer for all those people who give free advice without wanting anything in return…but that is a completely different conversation.
I have my own views on lower your score, but during my search I did find a 2005 article from GOLFTIPS that struck a chord. It outlines five tips that would be helpful to lower ones score. The are
- Hit To The Fat Part Of The Green
- Play Golf, Not Golf Swing
- Monitor Your Tempo And Rhythm
- Be Positive
- Know When To Leave The Driver In The Bag, Baby
I have talked about these tips in one form or another, but what I like best is the simplicity of the points. Basically, play within yourself. Pretty simple. Unfortunately, the ego has a tendency to sabotage that plan. I guess that is why we are not Pros!
Lowering your score in golf is one of the most difficult goals to accomplish. It takes disciple, desire and sometimes laughing at yourself. Regardless of your handicap, lowering your golf score can be achieved….it really depends on how important it is to enjoying the game!
See you on the links!
When You Have Been Away
I have been asked as the first thing I would recommend as a place to start when away from the game of golf for a time. I have pondered this question a fair bit and always come back to the same question: What is it you want to accomplish – short or long-term success?
I know answering a question with a question seems like I am avoiding the question, but it really is important to my answer. So for those just starting again or have had 5 months of winter, this is what I came up with as a way ahead.
Short term – go to the range and practice hitting the ball. Try and reproduce muscle memory that will ensure a consistent swing. Make sure you use every club in your bag and mix it up. Hitting driver most of the time is not the answer. Once you have determined how far you ball will travel on a consistent basis, head to the chipping and putting green. Practice chipping with your 7/8 iron, PW and 60 degree wedge. Hit from different distances. Then putt! Putt for as long as you have chipped. Realistically, this whole process should take about 1 hour. 20 minutes on the range, 20 minutes chipping and 20 minutes putting. This approach is generally more fun for the player and they feel they will have immediate success. Of course that varies depending on the skill of the player.
Long term – head to putting green first! Practice putting for 20 minutes and chipping for 20 minutes, the sand trap for 10 minutes and pitching from 25-35 yards for 10 minutes. Once you have established your short game, then start working on our long game. Practice your short game for the first two weeks, then head to the range alternate times for 30 minutes. I have found that muscle memory in your short game is harder to achieve, but has greater long-lasting results.
Well I can hardly wait to start golfing, I guess you figured which approach I am going to use….the long-term. I am well into my workout routine to prepare for golf season in 48 days. Hope this helps. I am a grateful golfer. See you on the links!
