Putting From the Fringe

August 11, 2012August 11, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

As I watch Vijay Singh use his belly putter from the fringe at the PGA Championship, I wonder if the putter is the best club to use. Granted the The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is in fantastic condition and their fairways are as manicured as most greens, I still wonder if using a putter from 10 yards off the green is a wise move. Obviously, for Vijay Singh, it was a good move as he went up and down for par. But in reality was it really the smart play?

The courses I primarily play (Laurentide Golf Course, Osprey Links, Clear Springs Golf Course) it is unlikely that a putter would be the club of choice from 10 yards off the green. Since the putter cannot be use, now what? I have discussed this many times with a multitude of golfers and suggest that there is no clear answer. However, given a choice I would prefer to use my 7 iron first and my 52 degree wedge second.

The 7 iron shot is a bump and run pitch. I use this shot only when the ball is on the short grass. I set the club up like a putter and often use the same grip. I press my hands slightly forward and lead slightly on my left foot (I am a right-handed golfer). I ensure that more weight is on the inside of my left foot to ensure crisp contact on the ball. Next I lock my wrists and swing the club with my shoulders.

A very important aspect of this shot selection, and I cannot overstate this point, is to keep focusing on my club hitting the ball. Then I count to 2, still looking at the point where my club struck the ball, then I look up. Keeping your head down will ensure that your ball remains on the line you chose and that solid contact occurs every time.

There you have it, my solution to lowering your score. I plan to use this shot tomorrow. I am a grateful golfer.

What club do you like to use from 10 yards off the green on the short grass?

How to Hit a Tough Golf Shot

August 1, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Under a Tree on the 15th Hole

I have often thought that hitting a difficult shot is easier than an approach shot from 80 yards in the middle of the fairway. You may laugh, however it is true. When we are trying to hit a tough shot, we focus, think of where we want to land the ball, take into account our surroundings and contemplate which club would be most effective. When we are 80 yards out, we grab the same club and hit the same shot regardless of the wind, conditions or pin position. We think and focus less. Hence, the results are not always what we want.Last week I was playing the par 5, 15th hole at Laurentide Golf Course. After two shots I was 50 yards from the green. After my third shot, by the way it was unfocused, I was 15 yards off the green under a tree. I had to stand under the branches, chip over a hill, land the ball on the green and let the ball roll down to the hole.

Close to the Pin from Under a Tree

As I walked up to the ball, I said a couple grumpy words and thought, wow what a poor shot. Then I proceeded to go through my normal routine. I focused on where I needed to land the ball. Then which club would be best and finally, how hard to hit the shot. Well as you can see I did alright. By the way, I sunk the but for par.

Making a tough shot is more mind over matter. The key to being successful is to stay focused on each shot. It is very difficult, but if you can manage it, your handicap will fall.

If you have any hints or tips on how to hit a tough golf shot, I would love to hear them. I am always looking for ways to improve my game. I am all ears!

Playing Through

July 10, 2012July 10, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

Today was another fantastic day on the golf course. I am preparing for a Ontario Golf Regional tournament for the Military and decided at the last-minute to get an extra round in. I shot even par, but had the opportunity to shoot under par. This all sounds awesome, but again I learned another lesson today that I would like to share.

On the 6th hole I came upon a couple enjoying their round and they waved me through. I suddenly was out of my rhythm and hurried my tee shot. Well, after I dropped the ball outside the red stakes, I proceeded to take a smooth bogey. As I continued, I put that mistake behind me and refocused on my game. At the 16th hole I was waved through by a foursome of women. Not wanting to hold them up, I briskly walked down the fairway, stood behind my ball and bladed it 15 feet from the pin. Oh yeah, I started 12 feet from the pin before the shot. I proceeded to two putt and off I went with another bogey in hand.

Well as you can see, both instances I rushed my shot, was out of my rhythm and was not focused on my shot. I can honestly say that I bogey the hole over half the time when I am waved through a group. I have decided is because I hurry to get out of their way.

Therefore, next time I am waved through, I will take my time and keep to my routine and expect different results. Hope you are enjoying the links!

Advice to Your Fellow Player – Good or Bad Idea?

July 8, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

I have played many rounds of golf with players with varying degrees of skill. As my game has improved, so has the number of questions on how to play a particular shot or what is wrong with my swing or what is the best equipment to buy! Well the challenging aspect of advice is knowing the person to whom you are providing your years of wisdom.

Today I was playing with a friend of mine who is an excellent athlete. Golf is his 4th or 5th sport. He has the basics down and if he really devoted some time to practicing could be a single digit handicapper. As we proceeded around the course, I watched and noticed a couple minor challenges that could be easily corrected. Now here comes the dilemma. Should I say something or not?

I choose to not say anything until the 15th hole when he opened the conversation to a point where injecting my observation was timely. I explained about weight shift and keeping your weight inside your stance during the entire swing. He gave it a try and immediately had success. His immediate question was why did I wait so long to tell him! I explained that there are three types of people, those who really want to know and would openly accept advice; those who ask for advice but have decided that change would be too difficult; and those who ask for advice, but really don’t want you to give it. My experience is to wait until asked and enjoy my round of golf.

Today was fantastic on the course and I shot one of my best rounds of the year! I was one over par and had a chance to shoot under par. The company as fantastic, the course at Laurentide was in awesome condition, and the weather was perfect. I am a grateful golfer.

So, is giving advice on the golf course a good idea or a bad idea?