Having Fun With Golf!

October 14, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Having fun with golf is the really why the game was invented. Seeking enjoyment in any part of our lives is truly important to one’s well-being. Many golfers find ways to enhance their time on the links but inventing new games, playing from different tees, playing in fun tournaments, and just socializing with your friends.

Golf Digest has an article with 18 different ways to have fun playing golf. Several different authors quickly outline their views on how to spread joy in your game. My favourite is by Stina Sternberg who suggests you throw out the score card. It takes pressure off the player and allows them to try different shots without worrying about hurting your score.

Personally, the best way to enjoy golf is to play early in the morning, carrying a cup of coffee, and playing with a friends. During that time, we can use a foot wedge, mulligans, and do-overs. I also have my fail safe way of spreading joy. The 30-second rule!

The 30 second rule can be used by anyone. If you hit the ball off the tee – well if you miss hit the ball of the tee; run, pick up your ball and put it back on the tee within 30 seconds, the stroke does not count. You will be surprised how happy it makes everyone.

Overall, golf is all about fun. There are many ways to enjoy your round and using your imagination is the best way. See you on the links!

Grips – Are They Really Important?

October 12, 2012October 12, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

If you talk to any serious golfer about their grips, you will find that they believe proper grips are important to their performance. For years I never changed my grips….I mean never. The grips would be old, worn, dried up, and cracked. I never thought that it was important and I changed my grips when I changed my clubs. Man, what a mistake!

Golfsmith.com suggests that: “Independent studies show that golfers who play 18 holes per week should change their grips at least once per year. Similar studies show that golfers who have been playing with worn grips show immediate improvement in their scores after regripping – some as much as 3-4 strokes difference.”

EZ Golf Grips suggest that “Some professional golfers may regrip every month or so. That is a little strong for us amateurs, but it points out that they recognize that any worn spots on their grips could cost a stroke…and that means a loss of cash for them.”

Golf Canada Magazine article by David Hearn stated that changing you grips every 20 rounds or so is the way to go. Wear and tear does cause challenges in your swing.

At PGA.com, the discussion goes further from when to change your grips; to which grip to choose for which club. It is very interesting and does open many other questions.

Ultimately the choice is yours, but I suggest that if you golf twice a week or more, changing your clubs at least once a year is important. Besides if you do not have proper equipment, how are you going to GRIP IT AND RIP IT!

How often do you change your golf grips?

How to Align Your Shot

October 5, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Aligning your shot is far from easy. I have heard of many methods to align a shot. For example: point your left shoulder towards your target; draw an imaginary line along your toes; place a club on your thighs and let it point to the target; align your elbows, stick out your tongue and close your right eye…. OK, I made the last on up, but my point is that there are hundreds of suggestions on how to align your shot while playing golf.

Recently, I came across a method I had never heard before and it actually is repeatable, simple and makes sense. This is a recipe for success if you asked me! In my Golf Canada Magazine, David Hearn provides a unique tip on how to be successful when aiming at a target. Align your heels! He says it is “imperative that the club be placed on the ground flush against your heels and not your toes. Because feet tend to flare out, the heel line is the best indicator of where you’re currently aimed.” This is brilliant. It makes absolute sense to me.

Aiming your shot has many variables, but the important point about this tip and many others is to consistently have the same set up routine. That is what really ensures success.

If you have a tip about aligning your shot, please pass it on; we would love to hear about it!

Course Management: Reality or Myth?

October 2, 2012October 2, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

Play the shot that makes the next shot easy. – Tommy Armour

No truer words have ever been spoken. I am a huge supporter of course management. I believe that choosing the smart shot over bashing your way around the course is how amateurs break 100, 90, 80 or 70. Course management is something that takes practice and is unique to everyone. No two players can manage their round of golf in the same way. No really, course management is unique to each player.

GolfLink.com states that “Golf course management for a player means understanding how to play the best round possible by using your strengths as a player against the challenges the golf course has to offer.” This article provides further details on course management, but the main point is that each player must play to their strengths. If you cannot reach the green on your next shot, hit the ball to your best distance. For me that is 115 yards. I would rather hit a full pitching wedge than a three-quarter sand wedge from 75 yards.

“Good course management requires planning ahead” by Joan A. King at Positive Mental Imagery is another outstanding article. She outlines many excellent tips on how to successfully manage a round of golf. I especially enjoy how she focuses on the mental aspect of staying focused and being positive throughout the round. As Jack Nicklaus says: “Sometimes the biggest problem is in your head. You’ve got to believe you can play a shot instead of wondering where your next bad shot is coming from.” Staying positive during your round will lower your score.

“A video from the Whittle Golf Tips Series takes a look at some course management. It shows how the seven out of ten rule can be used to make smart decisions in competition and produce the best results.” This is a great rule. Play the shot you can hit 7 out of 10 times and find success instantly.

Course management is something that takes time to learn and is unique to everyone. Playing a round of golf without focusing on your strengths only leads to disaster. I am confident that everyone can be successful on the links; it just takes focus and the willingness to try new things. See you on the links!

Iron or Hybrid?

September 11, 2012March 29, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

In recent years, hybrid clubs have hit the market, which in turn has sparked a hot debate. The question most asked is which is better. I would suggest that the average amateur golfer would benefit from hybrids in their bag verses long irons. Hybrids are more for giving and have a tendency to hit the ball further.

At PGA.com value guide a comparison of long irons and hybrids are made. They conclude that hybrids have three advantages over long irons: club head design, sole design, and shaft and length. These are three pretty important design points and clearly hybrids come out as the winner.

Laird Small, Dir. of the Pebble Beach Golf Academy explains why hybrids are superior to long irons for the average golfer. He talks about making better contact and how the club interacts with the ball. Overall, hybrids are the way to go.

As you can see, hybrids are here to stay. I have replaced my 3-4-5 irons with hybrids and found that I hit the ball further, straighter and with more confidence. It has made a difference of two strokes per round on my overall score. As a single digit handicapper, that is outstanding!

Do you use hybrids? Tell me what a difference it has made in your game. See you on the links. I am a grateful golfer!