The 2024 US Open demonstrated that making short putts are critical to playing great golf. I watch player after player hit putts to around 4 feet only to have to sink this knee knocker for par. As it turned out, five feet and closer cost Rory McIlroy this year’s title. Having said that, we all know that the most strokes are gained on the green, especially distances between 3 and 6 feet. Knowing that this short distance is the most challenging for amateur golfers, how about I offer a way for you to make more short putts?
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Shooting A Personal Best Golf Score
Well, how did that happen!? Yesterday, I shot my personal best of three under par 71 at the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort. I was completely surprised as I was able to shoot five birdies, 2 bogeys and 11 pars. All of this with two poor strokes that led to over par one each hole. No one was more surprised than me and after I was able to calm down, I decided to dissect my round to see where things went right. After much thought, I am not surprised at the results.
Continue readingHitting Your Golf Ball Farther and Straighter
The world of golf has shifted its focus to distance over accuracy. With the arrival of Tiger Woods, distance is king at the demise of some other skills. I fully understand this shift and embrace younger players learning how to hit the ball farther, then focusing on other skills such as accuracy. As young players, this approach is solid and should benefit their play in the long run. However, I am not convinced that the distance above all is the proper approach for all players. In my case, my distance (no matter how hard I try to increase) is capped at about 250 yards off the tee. I can poke a drive out a bit farther from time to time, but more often than not that is my final distance. So, where does that leave me if I want to lower my golf scores?
Continue readingPlaying Golf On A Soggy Course
As golfers, we face the entire gambit of weather. From hot, dry days to pouring rain. In between these extremes are the days when the course is soggy after a torrential down pour. I have face these conditions many times over the years and I have to say it does reek havoc on my score. I am not a good mudder (sometimes), however I have learned a few tricks that help me loop the course without too much difficulty. Playing on a soggy golf course can be a challenge if you are not prepared or know the golf rules that can help you take relief.
Continue readingAdding Strokes To My Score By Mistake!
My goal during every round is to shoot the least amount of strokes after 18 holes. I realize this is not an earth shattering revelation. Yet, I felt it needed to be stated at the beginning of today’s discussion. Every thought, decision, and swing are focused on maximizing the chances for the best outcome for each shot. Sounds daunting for sure, however if you take time to think about it I am right. Unfortunately, this focused goal can be a challenge sometimes when my ego, due to frustration, decides to rear its ugly head. When this happens the key to success is to beat back the ego beast. So, how can I do this you may ask! Well…..
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The Grateful Golfer 