Winter is officially here! Up until now we have experienced higher than normal temperatures that allowed for more golf (for some) and comfortable temperatures for winterizing our property. I still have a few more chores, but that is normal because there is always something to do around here. Having said all that, with the first dusting of snow a switch changes in my brain that directs my thoughts to keeping my golf passion alive for the next six months. Mostly, I will write, train and hit balls in my DIY driving net. This transition is the same as every other year with one minor exception, I am looking a hickory golf more and with great interest. Hickory golf is not all encompassing, but it allows me to focus on other golf related things as I nestle down for a long winter’s nap.
Continue readingimproving your short game
Golf Etiquette: The Practice Area
Golf etiquette is not limited to on the course. Many golf courses have practice areas designed to help players improve their game. These areas are as vital to the course as they are to all the golfers. Respecting and protecting these practice areas goes a long way to ensuring that Superintendent can easily keep the training areas in top notch conditions. There are many different ways to aid the maintenance staff, but I want to focus on three because they are simple, easy to follow and have a tremendous impact on the entire facility.
Continue readingRefining Your Wedge Play For Lower Golf Scores
Hitting consistent accurate wedges is the key to lower golf scores. Often referred to as scoring clubs, hitting the proper wedge, the right distance, at the correct height is a skill that I have worked on for years. In my mind, I think I understand the mechanics to hitting great wedges, but it is never a bad idea to revisit (or learn for the first time) how to control the height of a golf shot with a specific specific wedge. Being able to manipulate the trajectory by adjusting the angle of attack of an approach shot is an advanced skill, but one every golfer will need to eventually know.
Continue readingGolf Tip: Increased Pitching Success
Pitching the golf all is a key part of any golfers short game. If you are like me, you miss the green at least 50% of the time on approach shots. Therefore, you rely on consistent contact to hit the ball up and down. To ensure your score does not soar, understanding two fundamentals of pitching a ball will help in areas of lower scores, confidence, effectiveness of shot making and just plain fun. I think we can all agree that hitting the ball up and down is great fun and wish we could do it every time. Rickie Fowler and Butch Harmon show us the two fundamental swing mechanics need by every golfer……by hitting through a golf cart?
Continue readingDoes The Wind Actually Affect Your Chipping?
Immediately you will answer yes to my question in the title. It is an understood tenet of golf that the wind does affect your ball flight, distance, and accuracy. I have played in strong wind conditions and make the necessary aim adjustments to ensure that my ball travels on the line that I need to chip close to the hole. As the wind blows, I often notice that the wind does not affect my results as much on my chips as on my regular shots. I understand that the height, distance, and contact play a critical role on longer shots, but I am less confident that this happens when chipping.
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The Grateful Golfer 