golf

Shot of the Day!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

I like to go on various sites and watch the shot of the day.  It is exciting to see these exciting and rare shots.  But are these shots really rare?  Some would say that the pros (and amateurs) make these remarkable shots all the time.  I would say, that media has allowed the average golfer to watch special shots without having sift through countless mundane shots.

Take for instance Phil Mickelson’s putt at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.  The 56 foot 7 inch putt was awesome.  It was considered the shot of the day.  I am sure there were other great shots, but this one was clutch and led to him winning the tournament.

Well, to put this into perspective: there were 74 players, 5089 shots in the final round with a scoring average of 68.77.  Out of all those strokes, Phil’s putt was the selected shot of the day.  That is 0.00019652 percent of a chance to have his shot selected.  I would say that is pretty impressive.  Additionally, he was under tremendous pressure because Brandt Snedeker was making a late charge and Phil’s putt closed the door.

My point today is that anyone can have a shot of the day.  The perfect shot is in everyone at any time.  But, the pros (or even extremely capable amateurs) seem to make it look easy.  It is something to aspire too!  57 days before the courses open….see you on the links!

What Makes People Laugh

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

What makes people laugh?  Really, what does make people laugh on the golf course.  Everyone is different and each situation has the potential to bring a smile to your face.  This topic is very interesting because golf should not be all about focus, mental imagery, a perfect swing, or scoring low.  It is important to enjoy yourself on the course; it really helps lighten the load.

Many years back I was playing in a tournament to make a military team.  I was in the last group and playing with three friends.  We had played on the team for several years together and were very comfortable with how each other played.  My friend was the last to tee off on the first hole and the rest of us were watching in silence.  For the first time ever, my friend whiffed his drive, the ball hit red tee marker, went up in the air and landed three feed behind him.  At first, the three of us were shocked, but then could not hold in our laughter!  We know this is very cruel and we should not have laughed, but we could not resist.  My friend, after the fact, told us he was amused as well and said he did everything in his power not to laugh as well.  After the tough start, he shot extremely well and finished second overall.

Other thing that make me laugh is hitting the ball out of a sand trap over the green into another sand trap.  It reminds me of the movie “Happy Gilmore” and I say I spend more time in the sand than David Hasselhoff.

When I four putt, I laugh so I do not cry!

Finally, I laugh at the goofy freaking lies I get in the middle of the fairway.  I know, but I really find them amusing.

There are many things that make people laugh on the golf course, whats your favorite?

Phil Does It Again!

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Congratulations Phil Mickelson!  He played extremely well and as one of my favorite players, I was very happy to watch him lead the Waste Management Phoenix Open Tournament from wire to wire.  His putt on the 17th hole in the fourth round actually was the shot of the tournament.

Image from: http://wmphoenixopen.com/category/photos/

16 hole WM Phoenix Open

Watching the tournament, I wondered if the players really enjoyed the 16th hole.  It was a football stadium style, produced an abundance of noise, and allowed the players to interact with the fans….or was it the other way around.

I for one, enjoyed the 16th hole.  It looked like the players had fun.  They gave out lots of swag and provided an opportunity to really feel the pressure of the fans.  It is an outstanding venue that provides the Waste Management Phoenix Open with something unique to draw fans.

I would not suggest that every tournament should have such a whole, but in this case it was every entertaining.  After all, that is why we watch golf on TV…entertainment.

What do you think?

Conceive – Believe – Achieve

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

Image from: http://www.cafepress.com/+conceivebelieveachieve_poster,574312749The phrase ‘Conceive, Believe, Achieve’, finds it roots from the mentor Napoleon Hill – It was later adopted and given an addition by another highly successful man – W. Clement Stone.  No truer words have been spoken!  But really, what do this have to do with golf.

Do you think that Phil Mickelson, who was 1 centimeter from shooting the ever elusive 59, has ever sat on his couch and thought of what it would feel like to break 60.  I say – absolutely!  Hasn’t everyone.  Do we not think of shooting a hole-in-one, chipping in from 150 yards, making a 60 foot put for eagle or winning the club championship on the 18th hole with everyone watching?  If you said yes to any of these statements, then you are half way to setting yourself up for success on the golf course.

Manage your internal expectations and reality will tend to meet them.  Although this is not just for golf, it can easily be applied to our favorite game.  The use of positive mental imagery is nothing new.  It is all around us.  At Clear Mind Meditation Techniques, they describe how to use this powerful technique.  It is very simple, yet can change even the greatest obstacles.  Norman Vincent Peale said that “we tend to get what we expect.”  So why not expect great things on and off the golf course!

At GolfMindShop.com, they talk about four benefits of positive mental imagery:  emotional control, perfect result imagery, physical bio mechanics imagery and self-image “Engineering” imagery.  These benefits are very important to success on the golf course.  It is not just about swing mechanics, but developing a strong mental attitude in all areas of the game.

At Golf Mental Game Coaching also outlines the benefit of using mental imagery to change your game.  They go into more detail of what areas can be affected, but the process is basically the same.  Ultimately, each player will decide the area they what to improve – keeping it all positive will definitely help.

In an earlier post “When Life Gets In the Way“, I suggested a 5-minute mental exercise to calm your mind and to focus your efforts while running to the first tee.  The techniques suggested today are an extension of that exercise.  It allows for a total examination of your game and will help improve your mental toughness.  There is no specific length of time one should perform mental imagery….it really is up to the individual.

Golf is not just about swing a club.  A positive mental attitude through imagery is a fantastic technique to improve your game.  What other tips would you suggest to help with your golf game?

Only 75 Days to Go!

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Today marks my official count down to golf season in Northern Ontario!  I usually use 15 April as my target date for the opening of the golf courses in my area.  Sometimes the courses open earlier (like last year – 3 April) and the odd time later (two years ago 21 April).  Regardless, it is now time to start preparing for success.

I have all the equipment I need for this year – thanks Santa!  I purchased a new driver and three wood.  Both are Callaway Razor Fit.  Not the extreme, but last years model.  I know it sounds crazy, but I prefer purchasing last years technology and paying a quarter of the price.  We shall see how my strategy works out.  I have a new carry bag, golf balls, and shoes.  Needless to say, I am ready.

I start to make my goals list for this year.  For example, last year I wanted to break par at least once.  I wanted a hole-in-one.  I wanted to improve my greens in regulation stat.  Finally, I wanted to play in 3 stroke play tournaments.  I achieved all my goals except the last one.  Stroke play tournaments are becoming rarer and rarer.  I have not made my list for this year yet, but when I do I will be sure to share.

I start my focused training program.  At this stage, it is mostly stretching.  Some may say it is a bit early, but I have found that I as I get older it takes me longer to get ready.  Besides, stretching has other health benefits that I like.  Additionally, I focus my weight and aerobics training.  There are certain exercises that will improve my swing.  Again, I will share when I figure out what I am doing.

Lastly, I look to see which course I want to play the most.  I always try to play at least 60 rounds home and 20 rounds away from my home course.  I have 5 options in my area and each course offers something unique.  The course I played last year was awesome.  It allowed early birds, walk ons and the owner always stopped to talk to me.  If I get a membership again, I am leaning towards the same course.  But, this will not stop me from doing my cost comparison.

Well my yearly ritual always starts around this time.  I am really looking forward to another season.  I am a grateful golfer.

When do you start preparing for golf season?