Osprey

Putting From the Fringe

/ 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?

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!

Best Ball Game

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Tonight was my first men’s night tournament at Osprey Links Golf Course.  We played a Best Ball format and had a blast.  My friend, Rick, and I shot 4 over.  We both 3 putted the first three holes.  Man what a poor way to start.  We hit the ball very well, but nothing close.  Overall, we had a great time.

For those who are wondering, Best Ball means each player plays their own ball for the entire hole.  The lowest score is recorded.  It is a fun format and usually favors the lower handicap players.

The best part of the night was meeting our playing partners.  Darren and Guy were very nice guys.  It was great to go out and play a relaxed game with people you have never met before.  Meeting new people is the main reason behind men’s night and we definitely accomplished that goal.  I am a grateful golfer.

First Match Play Win

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Today was a great day on the Osprey Links Golf Course.  It was my first match play of the year.  We won 7&6.  However, the game was overshadowed by the great company I had while playing.  The gentlemen were very lighthearted, relaxed and there to enjoy the day.  None of us did anything exciting, yet we did not do anything that would have lost the hole early.  This was one of the most enjoyable games of golf this year.  I am a grateful golfer!