grateful

What Golfers Will Do!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

Sergio Garcia is in the spotlight again.  The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Golf and Country Club always produces things to talk about.  Right now, many media outlets are talking about Garcia’s climb up a tree to play the ball out to the fairway.  It can be seen at PGATOUR.COM.

I, however, what to talk about another shot that Sergio made during the second round.  Unlike Nicholas Thompson who hit the ball out of the water hazard to within 2 feet of the pin, Garcia hit a ball, it landed on the bank in the hazard and jumped back into the water.  He could not play the ball the second time and took a drop adjacent to the spot he took his swing.

While watching, I was confused how they figure out the point of entry in the red staked hazard.  I did not see the ball go into the hazard, but must assess that his point of entry into the hazard would not have changed regardless if he tried the shot or not.

I realize this sounds confusing.  Well I am confused.  I have not encountered this situation before so I need some help.  I believe that rule 26 applies, but since he took a shot, missed and it stayed in the hazard….does it still apply?  Can someone explain which rule to apply and number of stroke penalty Sergio Garcia should be assessed?

Francis Ouimet – A Golfing Legend!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments
Image from: http://www.usgamuseum.com/about_museum/news_events/news_article.aspx?newsid=318

Francis Ouimet and Eddie Lowery, his 10-year-old caddie, during the 1913 U.S. Open, when Ouimet defeated the Englishmen Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in a historic playoff and became the first amateur to win the Open. (USGA Museum)

I recently read the golf news and came across an article stating the top 5 golfers of all time.  The Bleacher Report stated that these golfers have / are standing the test of time to make their list.  In case you are wondering Tiger is number 2 and Jack is number 1.  It is worth a read.

Additionally, this report gave a couple honorable mentions.  One in particular stood out. Francis Ouimet is a name I had heard before, but never really paid much attention too.  So, after a bit of research, I found him to be a trend setter!  He was the first real american golf star.  Ouimet was a 20-year-old amateur and local hero who tied Harry Vardon and Ted Ray after 72 holes at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, in the 1913 US Open.  This famous match was featured in the movie “The Greatest Game Ever Played“.   Ouimet went on to win this contest and later was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Francis Ouimet’s story is great for golf.  It demonstrates that anyone can succeed if they have the desire.  The game of golf can be played in your back yard like Francis Ouimet, in a field, or on a beach.  The game provides opportunities to meet people, see fantastic sites or be introspective at 6 am on a quiet peaceful course.  Golf is a great game and I am fortunate to be able to play.

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

Taking Lessons…From a Pro or Your Buddy!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 14 Comments

Everyone who reads the title says, “Of course from a Pro!”  I agree.  However, how many amateurs are really willing to go to their local pro, pay $40 – $50, practice and then go back in four weeks to see how they made out?  I would suggest not very many.

At Golf Link, they outline the positives of taking individual or group lessons.  Additionally, they ask some important questions regarding what your expectations are from lessons.  It is a good article to read as a foundation for those thinking of investing in their game. Continue reading →

Entering the 21st Century!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Today is a new day for those of us who have decided to enter the 21st Century.  I create a Facebook page called The Grateful Golfer.  I realize it is not a big deal for most, but I had a Facebook account, once, for about week.  Okay, stop laughing; I never thought it was important, but I think I will give it a try.

Interesting thing about this particular step….it relates to keeping up with technology.  I was reading an article Why the R&A and USGA Need a Major Reform after the Long Putter Ban by Troy Vayanos at Talking Golf Online about technology.  His point about whether to embrace technology or to limit its advancements for the love of the game makes me ponder its merits.  Ultimately, technology can even the playing field for amateurs and that may not be a bad thing.

Entering the 21st Century and embracing technology; I am still waiting for the snow to melt so I can go practice….too bad technology could not do something about that!  I am a grateful golfer – see you on the links!

A Change is as Good as a Rest!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

Recently, I visited my family who I have not seen in quite some time.  During our visit, I was caught up on all the news, entertained by the young and potential golfers (well everyone is a potential golfer in my eyes) and realized how much I miss visiting these fantastic people.  During many of the interesting conversations, I thought how refreshed I felt and how energized I was when we had to say good-bye.

This fantastic visit had a positive impact on my attitude and energy level.  As always, I wondered how my experience could be applied to golf.  After much contemplation, I think I have it:  a change is a good as a rest in golf?  I would say a change is absolutely good for your golf game.

I and many golf advocates talk about consistency, repetition, and staying focused.  Of course this is very important.  But what do we do when we hit the wall and all our efforts do not result in any tangible improvement in our game.  I suggest making a change.  Specifically, play a different course!

Playing a different course will help change your mental thought processes towards your game.  I know, many are saying no way, but how many of us are choosing the same club on the same hole even before we get to the tee.  On our home course, we know which club we want to use (whether it is the right club or not), when, and where.  After ten rounds in two weeks, this approach may become stale and actually have a negative affect on our score.

Many websites provide information on vacations, rating and walking of golf courses.  Sites like: Golf Vacation Insider,  World Golf, The Walking Golfer, Golf Association of Ontario, Dallas Divot Report, and Gorilla Golf.  All are valuable resources when choosing local or destination golf excursions.

Regardless, the benefits of periodically playing different courses throughout the golf season will only improve your game.  It will keep you mentally strong, focused and provides many new experiences.  I like to play about 10 different courses throughout the year.  An added bonus is that playing different courses helps check if my handicap is real or not!  Additionally, It is fun, challenging and as the Mindful Golfer says: Golf is a Contact Sport.  Meeting new people is always a grateful experience.

How many courses do you try to play during the year?

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