Dead of Winter – Golf Blogs

I always knew there were plenty of golf blogs out there.  Many come and go, but a few strike a chord for the average golfer.  As I explore more, I am surprised at the different types of golfing blogs that peak my interest.

I mostly follow the blogs that are not selling anything, that have a personal interest and will help my game in one way or another.  Here are a couple that I enjoy:

Ian Hardie at Golf Habits.com – this blog has plenty of useful tips and interesting discussions.

Tony Carbon’s the Duffers Digest talks about everyday stuff that I enjoy.

Golf Tutorials Hub has many tips and hits in video format that will help the weekend golfer.

Slicedtee deals with the trials and tribulations of a new comer to the game of golf.

Just a Few Photos is a photo blog that has many interesting photos with some relating to golf.

These are just a few blogs that I check every day or two.  Some give great tips, some make we think and some just make me laugh.  So now that the winter months are closing in, you can use golf blogs as ways to stay connected to the game I love in preparation for next season!  I am a grateful golfer….see you on the links!

Keeping Golf Alive in the Dead of Winter!

I have decide to create a new category for the winter bound golfers who are patiently waiting for spring.  I live in northern Canada and golf season is virtually over.  I now have the long wait until mid April when the courses will open again.  So how do I keep the spark alive and yet prepare for another awesome season on the links.

Well, my first suggestion is to have a grip changing party!  I know it sounds goofy, but let me explain.  I have to change my grips anyway, see my previous blog called “Is There a Difference in Grips” so I thought it would be fun and cheaper to do it in a group.

Right now I have 3 friends who are willing to participate.  I am aiming for 5-8 friends.  I will assume that 8 friends will attend.  Each player will be responsible for bringing their own grips unless we want to purchase the same type.  If only 5 of use want to use the same grips, the cost is reduced because we would order in bulk and get a much cheaper price.  The savings could be as much as 50 dollars.  Pays for the party.

I am going to put on golf movies, music or sports depending on what the guys want.  I will provide snacks and some thing to drink.  Everyone will come over, I will have the basic tools to change the clubs ready and wait to see where the party goes.

This idea is simply and fun.  I will have an opportunity to visit with my friends, talk about golf and prepare my equipment for next year.  Hopefully, I will be able to do something every month or so to reduce long wait until next years golf season.

Any ideas?

So Why Golf?

Perception is reality! – Lee Atwater

Discussing any topic with someone is always interesting!  Their point of view or perception of any issue is always correct (for them) and most of the time they can present life examples of why they are correct. I believe that everyone’s point of view provides a window into his or her character and how they think.  One’s perception is truly one’s reality!

Let’s take golf for example.  I have discussed golf with many people and why in my perception its the best sport in the world.  Why it is not always about winning a tournament, but competing with yourself everyday.  Most non-golfers really do not see it.  Their perception of the game is that it is for older people who are not athletic or fit enough to play baseball, hockey, tennis….etc.  Or they see it as a waste of time and they would rather be living vicariously through the TV watching professional sports. (Okay a bit of a rant there…sorry)  Ultimately, they do not get the why golf is such a great game!  So for those none golfers who happen to stumble across this article – this is why golf is GREAT!

Etiquette and Fair Play

“Golf is a sport that will teach your child things like etiquette and fair play because golf is, and always has been, a game of honour. They can learn how to conduct themselves on the golf course, especially when playing in a group or with other groups playing behind. Having regard for other golfers on the course is an integral part of the game and children will do well to learn this early.”  This point is every important to me and InfoBarrel.com deserves the credit for writing it so well.  Although the article focuses on kids; this article applies to everyone!

The Top 10 Life Lessons Your Child Can Learn from Playing Golf

This is an excellent reason for people should take up golf!  It outlines 10 benefits for kids, however I would suggest that if the kids can do it so can adults, teenagers and basically anyone.  My favorite from the ten life lessons is humility and respect.  This trait will benefit everyone, now and into the future.

What can you learn from golf?

By Paul Gittings, CNN, November 17, 2011.  He provides a very interesting perspective on the game of golf.  He suggests that golf is not easy to learn.  Additionally, it takes plenty of practice.  “Better, perhaps, to adopt the attitude of the great South African golfer Gary Player, who often performed miracles around the greens. “The more I practice, the luckier I get,” the nine-time major champion was once famously quoted as saying.””  Gary player summed up the article very well.  His perception is that practice does improve your ability in anything.  I agree and that is my reality.

Sun rising

Sun Rising During and Early Morning Round! Laurentide Golf Course, Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, Canada

Golf, like any sport, should be played to have fun!  I enjoy chasing a little white ball around the course in the early morning when it is quiet and relaxing, walking on fresh-cut grass, seeing the sun rise over a green, getting a hole in one, watching my friend get a hole in one, watching my mom get a hole in one (that was really cool!) watching my friend break 90, 80, 70, me breaking 70, and competing against myself every round to try to improve something about my game.  My perception is that golf is the ultimate sport that transcends all ages and my reality is that no one can convince me otherwise!  I am a grateful golfer.

So what does golf mean to you?

 

Who Is Your Favorite?

This is a discussion I have with my friends all the time.  Who is your favorite?  Of course the answer changes depending on the rest of the question.  I have many favorite golfers and below are just a few.  So let’s get started!

http://www.golfdigest.com/magazine/2010-01/jack_nicklaus_at_70

Photos: Golf Digest Resource Center (35), Nicklaus family archives (10), Focus on Sport/Getty Images (1983), Augusta National/Getty Images (1990), J.D. Cuban/Getty Images (1996)

Who is your favorite golfer of all time?  This is easy for me – Jack Nicklaus!  I grew up watching him play and change the face of golf.  All the players of his time contributed to the success of golf today, but Jack is my favorite.  He is classy, skilled, humble, focused and most of all has given back to golf more than he received.  Golfdigest.com has a very good article about his career and life.  It is a petty good read.  Jack Nicklaus’ overall career stats are amazing and he is as well.

Image from: http://www.pgatour.com/golfers/001810/phil-mickelson/

Who is my favorite present day golfer?  Without question Phil Mickelson!  I think Phil is very much like Jack Nicklaus.  He is classy, skilled, humble, and gives back to the game.  I love his approach to the way he plays golf.  He uses a devil-may-care attitude mixed with wedge play that is unparalleled.  I realize he has mixed success, but I feel stroke for stroke he is the best in the game today.  He makes golf fun for those around him; he interacts with the crowd and is a larger than life figure that makes time for the fans.  I know all the Tiger and Rory fans will disagree, but that is fun to discuss the many facets of golf.

Image from: http://www.pgatour.com/golfers/030925/dustin-johnson/

Who is my favorite golfer with the greatest potential?  Dustin Johnson is the man.  He is a long hitting, cool under pressure, up-and-coming pro that has endless potential.  Many would say Rory Mcilroy, but I would suggest that he has already made it to the top.  Dustin Johnson is ranked 14th in the world, but I believe he has not reached his full potential.  He won once this year and then missed the cut at the US Open the following week.  He was either on or off, nothing in between.  He continues to get better and now that he is back from injury, I expect great things from him next year.  He is a young guy with tons of potential.

Mike WeMike Weir tees off at the 12th hole during the first round of the 2009 PGA Championship golf tournament at Hazeltine National Golf Club<br />Photo credit: Eric Miller/REUTERSir

Who is my favorite Canadian Golfer?  It has to be Mike Weir.  He is a Masters Champion, a 5-time member of the Presidents Cup (first Canadian) and has won 8 times on tour.  Of course I would be remiss not to mention his 2007 Presidents Cup win of Tiger Woods in Montreal!  I realize he has not played well since 2008, but he is still my favorite Canadian golfer.  He is a true sportsman and has brought class to the game of golf.  Additionally, he continues to promote golf in Canada and has several charitable foundations.  Overall, Mike Weir has been great for golf no matter where he plays.

Golf is an amazing game filled with many players who provide excellent examples of how to play the game.  I have many players who I have enjoyed watching through the years and these are but a few.

Who is your favorite?

Is There a Difference in Grips?

Recently we discussed the importance of grips.  So now what?  Which grip should I choose?  What brand?  What type?  Is there really a difference in grips?  These are all very important questions that every golfer has asked at one time or another.

Lampkin out lines why people want to regrip their clubs.  They suggest that GOLFERS TYPICALLY REGRIP FOR 4 REASONS:

  • To fit their grips to their particular hand size
  • To achieve the desired feel for their playing preference and climate conditions
  • To simply replace their favorite grips that have become worn
  • To upgrade to a more premium and longer lasting grip

How does someone determine if their grips are worn?  Lampkin gives suggestions on what are some of the tell-tale signs of wear?  These signs are:

  • Smooth, hard surfaces
  • Cracks
  • Shiny patches
  • Wear spots, especially where the thumbs make contact
  • Faded or bare spots on grips that have been painted or have logos
  • Insufficient tack

Golf Pride has great videos and tools to choose the proper grip, size and type of grip.  There are lots of tools to help determine the right grip for you; ultimately, it is a matter of what feels best.  It really is the only way to decide what will work best for your swing and intended results.

Golf.com suggests that there are three things to keep in mind when choosing a grip:  material, diameter and style.  They make an excellent suggestion to choose your favorite club and experiment by regripping and practicing with it.  This is inexpensive and will allow you to find the right grip for your game.

TourWrap_StandardBlack2G - Image from: http://www.golfpride.com/Grips/Default.aspx?cat=noncord&grip=tourwrapI have used many grips through the years.  I have used full cord, half cord, chamois,  rubber, ribbed and wrap type grips.  Presently, I use a mid-sized tour wrap golf pride grip.  I do not wear a glove and use this grip because of the feel and comfort.  The only draw back is that I should change the grips twice a year, but have resisted and only replace them once a year.

Grips are important and ensuring your equipment is in top-notched shape will go a long way to improving your overall game.  See you on the links!