grateful

Too Much Respect!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

True Patriot Love FoundationToday I had the tremendous opportunity to play at the North Bay Country Club (NBCC).  They opened 4 tee times for military members in support of True Patriot Love Foundation.  The NBCC, like other courses in the North Bay, Ontario, region such as Pinewood Park Resort and Osprey Links Golf Course, presents an excellent challenge to any golfer.  The course was in fantastic shape, the greens were fast and the fairways plush.  The sun was shining…..I guess you get the picture.  I am a grateful golfer.

Too Much Respect!  The greens at the NBCC constantly presented a challenge.  They are extremely tough to read, fast if you are not below the hole and most are elevated.  As I played the course today, I found myself extremely tentative and unsure of my approach shots.  I was intimidated and afraid to play my game.

Well after 5 holes, I decided that I was giving the greens too much respect!  So I decided to play my game, hunt for pins and focus on my strengths.  What a difference.  I started to take advantage of my opportunities and as a result I scored the same over par for the last 13 holes as I did for the first 5 holes.  So the lesson for me, and I suggest for many golfers, is to always play my game, stay focused on my strengths and enjoy the time on the links.

I want to thank the local courses for opening their doors for the serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces.  Your generosity is heart warming and appreciated!

True Patriot Love Foundation Launches New Initiative

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments
True Patriot Love Foundation - Out of the Sand

Out of the Sand Like A Pro

Today I had the honor of playing golf at the launch of the True Patriot Love Foundation Golf Tournaments.  True Patriot Love is a national foundation that supports and honours members of the Canadian military and their families. It was founded by a group of citizens dedicated to building bridges between Canadian civilians and their military, in order to better understand and appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and their families. In celebrating the patriotism of our military families, our foundation also strives to inspire Canadians to serve their country, whether it’s in or out of uniform.

Score Golf says:  “Our part is simple. Golfers who play this Labour Day weekend at participating Patriot Day courses across Canada can donate any dollar amount to help the cause and show we care about this nation’s military and their families. Thirty-seven courses from across Canada have made the commitment to this first Patriot Golf Day. You can see a full list of the participating courses by going to www.pgaofcanada.com. Courses not yet signed up can still do so by also visiting the website.”

We played 18 holes at the North Bay Golf and Country Club.  It is a top rated private course.  Pros from around the area came and showed their skills and help us launch this fantastic event.  The course was in fantastic shape, the greens were amazing and the company was outstanding.  We were extremely fortunate to LGen Dechamps, the Royal Canadian Air Force Commander, as the guest of honor.  Overall, the day was fantastic.

As a serving military member, I cannot express my gratitude to the True Patriot Love foundation and want to thank them for caring for the men and women in uniform.  Their contribution to our welfare is truly touching!  Thank you.

Which Shot Was the Worst?

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Today, I learned a valuable lesson.  I was golfing with a friend and we were playing pretty well.  We were enjoying the beautiful weather, excellent conditions at Osprey Links, and great conversation.  I am a grateful golfer just for the outstanding time on the links.

All was going well until the 16th hole.  It is a long uphill par 5 with a difficult approach shot.  I hit the ball a little long and rolled off the back into the long grass.  Now the fun begins.  I hit my 52 degree and chilly dipped the shot.  Frustrated, I walked up to the ball on the fringe and sculled it 25 feet from the pin.  A smooth 2 putt and ta da – 7.

So which was the worst shot….you are right.  It was the 5th shot I sculled across the green.  Every once in a while, I make silly mistakes like this.  I should have walked over to my bag, grabbed the proper club and my putter.  Then walk back to the ball and focus and visualize the ball going in the hole.  This is an important lesson I continue to relearn.

Everyone makes a bad shot, it is what you do next that counts.  Reducing strokes by staying focused and accepting that sometimes bad shots happen will reduce your overall score.  Besides, on such a fantastic day what did I have to complain about…I am a grateful golfer!

Monkey Golf

/ The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

If you want to have some fun with a group of players, try Monkey Golf.  I am not sure what the rest of the world calls it, but it is a fun game to improve your game, challenge the way you look at a course, and forces you to be creative.

Here’s how you play.  Grab three clubs.  Yes, only three clubs.  For the course I play, I would choose my three hybrid, 8 iron and putter.  Then off you go.  Play your round.  I will bet your score will be the same, if not lower, than what you normally shoot.  You have to concentrate more, think of better ways to play the course (instead of just bashing you way around with the same clubs all the time), and encourages a Seve way of golf.

If you have never played before Monkey Golf; try it; you will be pleasantly surprised!  Having fun on the links is what golf is all about.  I am a grateful golfer!

Playing in a Scramble Tournament

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments
The Boys at Voyageur Days Golf Tournament

The Boys at Voyageur Days Golf Tournament

Playing in a four man scramble is loads of fun.  It is even more gratifying when you play with family.  The annual Voyageur Days golf tournament is something my brothers-in-law look forward to every year.  This year, we indoctrinated our nephew to make complete our team.  We have finished in the top three every year and have won the tournament twice.  This year we finished tied for 5th with a 7 under 67.  More importantly, the weather was fantastic, company outstanding, and laughs galore!

As in past years, this tournament was held at Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort.  It is a par 74, nine-hole course that offers a fantastic opportunity for anyone to enjoy a round of golf.  Mike and Brenda Martel create a fun atmosphere and always exceed our expectations.  If you are in the area, it would be worth the stop to play a round or enjoy a great meal at the club house.  We had a fantastic time and I am a grateful golfer!

However, there is a strategy to playing in a scramble tournament.  Over the years, I like to have our team set up with the more experienced players going last.  It helps out in many ways.  First, it allows the more novice players to participate all the time.  Their job is to get the ball in play.  Each player is to try to hit the ball further, still in play.  This allows for the more experience players to attempt shots that they would not normally try; like hitting the ball harder, cutting the corner, and being ultra-aggressive going for the pin.  This strategy has me well over the years and ensures everyone contributes to the team.  When putting, it allows the stronger putters to see the line a couple of times, thus increasing the changes of the ball going in the hole.

What would be your strategy for a 4 man scramble?