Understanding how golf is played can be complicated to any beginner. Like every athlete starting on a journey to learn a new sport, looking for that one definitive tip that will catapult their game to the next level is ever elusive. If you think about it, there cannot be one universal tip for any sport that will fit every athlete. Or is there?
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Hoping For The Best In The 2024 Golf Season
With golf only a few months off, it is time to start thinking about what comes next. Is this the year I try to lower my handicap, again? Or is it the time to focus on maximizing the fun out of my game. I realize that it will likely be a bit of both, however playing golf with hickory sticks has changed my view on my golf game. Fortunately, I continue to play at a decent level, so my options are wide open. Regardless of the path I chose, I am hoping for my best golf season yet in 2024!
Continue readingI Just Want To Play Golf
Golf is a game that demands each player dedicated time to becoming a better player. Rarely have I noticed anyone play golf as a ‘natural’. The swing movement is so complex, that picking up a club and shooting a low score seems impossible. Therefore, it is easy to conclude that dedicating time to practice is important for any golfer to improve their game. Through the years, I put in that time, but now it seems that I just want to play golf!
As a senior player, I think that my game has peaked and I will be riding a plateau for quite some time. There is always a fork in the road where every athlete must decided they have reached the point of diminishing returns. It seems that I am at the point. I still try to practice, but hitting the links and playing an extra ball or two seems to be the norm right now. Of course I can approach my game this way because I have already put in the hundreds of hours needed to be a low handicap player.
I like playing golf more than practicing; actually, I always have. Most athletes, in my opinion, think that way. We experience the joy of competition more than the satisfaction of honing a skill. I do not think it is a far stretch to conclude my statement above because the thrill of playing is what most of us look forward too.
Keeping in mind what motivates us to play golf, I do recommend that practice be a part of your plan to shoot lower golf scores. It is important to hone skills that will set you up for success. Practicing from the pin outward is always a great place to start. There is no wrong answers here because your desire to a certain level of golf will drive your need to practice. The joy of playing will never go away, the desire to practice will dim as we approach our point of diminishing returns.
Ultimately, I am a grateful golfer. I am grateful to be able to practice and play. However, right now I am leaning towards the ‘I just want to play golf’ path. How about you? Where is your game right now?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Stretching Before Golfing
As I turn another age milestone this year, it is apparent that stretching needs to be part of my pre-golfing routine. During the off season, I spend a more time getting limber and this effort definitely pays off during golf season. However, during golf season, I seem to spend less time stretching before golf and I think it is time to change this oversight. I have tried many different types of stretches and I found three by Michael Breed that work for me and I think might work for you. When I use them, I find that my golf swing is fluid and controllable.
Continue readingPlaying Golfing In Our Golden Years
Golf is the type of sport where age becomes less and less of a factor. As I age, I find that I am still able to play at a reasonable level of golf, especially if I stay fit. Of course being fit is key to longevity in any sport and golf is no different. There are a few keys to a healthy lifestyle that accentuates our ability to play golf that really has become more of a lifestyle for me. Of course, my view is developed from personal experience and every person has to make their own choices if they want to play golf long into their golden years.
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The Grateful Golfer 