grateful

Golfing in the Rain

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Today on Osprey Links was wet!  It started to drizzle after about 4 holes and stopped when we were finishing.  It was the kind of day in which most people would pack up their clubs and head for their car.  Not us, nope, we stayed and finished.  Many would ask “why” and this is a very valid question.

Playing in the rain is important.  I have played in tournaments where the weather played an important role in the outcome.  Playing in the rain is difficult.  The ground is wet which can cause you to slip, the ball does not have as much back spin, the ball does not roll as far off the tee, the sand traps are sticky, and the ball does not roll the same on the greens.  Not to mention it takes more mental capacity to keep your grips dry, your bag dry and of course you dry.  Overall, it is more difficult to play in the rain and just takes more time.

Having said all the negatives – If you do not play in the rain at least once in the year, I suggest you do.  It will give you a greater appreciation to the difficulties associated with being wet.  It will allow you to practice and prepare for those days when you have to play in the rain.

Overall, today was a fantastic day and enjoyed practicing in the rain.  I am a grateful golfer!

Chipping In – What a Way to Lower your Score!

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Chipping In

Chipping is a quick way to lower your score!  However this is always easier said than done.  Every time a player steps over the ball they expect the rarest of results – a chip in.  How does one achieve this elusive feat?

I have heard and read many ways to effectively get the ball in the hole.  Use your 60 degree wedge; no, no, use your sand wedge it allows for better roll; wait, I thought that the 52 degree wedge was best…..or was that my pitching wedge…..mmmmm

Ultimately, the best club to use best the one you are most comfortable with.  If you consistently chip the ball short, then use a lower lofted club with the same stroke.  If you are consistently long, use a higher lofted club.  It sounds really easy, but most amateur golfers consistently use the same club over and over expecting different results – now that is the definition of insanity!

I like to use my 7 iron if I have no hazards to play over.  I find it rolls best for my stroke and I can hold it with my putter grip.  It allows for the touch I need to chip the ball in.  Normally, I am no more that 5 yards off the green when using my 7 iron (see the picture.  The dew line shows the result of my shot of the day).  Next, I like to use my 52 degree when I require a bit more loft and of course my 60 degree to flop the ball.  The 60 degree flop shot is always my last option because to the difficulty judging the distance.

What club do you like to use around the green?

Well there you have it.  It was wonderful on the course today.  I chipped in on the 17th hole and was grateful for the time spent on the links!

Shooting 77

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I played on the weekend with my friend and his son.  We always have a great time and this weekend was no different.  On Saturday, however, my friend had an even better time than normal.  He broke 80 for the first time.  As many of you know, this is a huge milestone.  To boot, he won our match by 5 strokes (I give him 5 strokes aside).

It was great to see his face and the big smile he had.  One would think he won the US Open.  In a small way, he did.

To make the day even more special, his young son broke 90 for the first time.  He shot 84. I do not know if it was the water, weather or just the company.  He was happier than his father.  He also beat me by six strokes (I give him 9 aside).  Overall it was a fantastic time and everyone was happy to have played together again.

We were all grateful golfers!

US Open

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Well the US Open is upon us.  Like everyone else I must make a prediction.  Well here it goes:  Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, or Dustin Johnson.  Probably not the top picks, but I have a funny feeling that either of these three are ready for big win.

The conditions will be tough and the rough unforgiving.  Ultimately, it will all come down the player who has the best percentage of greens in regulation.  Watch this stat and you will be surprised how many tournament winners lead in this area.

Who do you think with win?

Dustin Johnson Wins for the 6th Time

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Dustin Johnson Wins St. Jude

Dustin Johnson waves to the crowd after finishing on the 18th hole during the final round of the St. Jude Classic. He shot 66 on Sunday to win the tournament at 9 under par. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Dustin Johnson played solid down the stretch.  He demonstrated that he is an elite player on the PGA tour.  His birdies on 16 and 17 vaulted him to the top of the leader board.

The collapse at the top of the leader board showed that all players must stay focused for the entire 18 holes.  But how can one keep their focus for 5 – 6 hours while people are taking your picture, shouting at you, wanting to shake your hand, and of course the millions of golfers watching on TV.

Each person must find their own way to stay focused.  I believe that the mental aspect of the game is directly related to what you do a few days before the tournament and what you do during the tournament.  Competitive-Golfer.com gives very good advice on how to prepare for a tournament.  I agree with most of what they suggest.  Each person has to find their own way to prepare, but physical fitness is the foundation to success on the links!  Enjoy hitting the links this week; the weather is going to be fantastic.