Positive Intent

Hitting it straight off the tee

I am back in the hunt after day 2 of our 3 day, 54 hole military golf tournament. As previously posted, the current stroke-play event is to determine who will represent our Wing at the Ontario Regional Golf Championship in July. So after two days, I am tied for third. Top 5 make the team.

Yesterday was a round of, well, it was hard to describe. I actually played well for 14 holes. The other 4 holes, I was 9-over! Up, 9-over! I finished the day with an 86. Not my best day. The weakest part of my game was driving, long irons, and chipping. My putting was quite good and it saved me from scoring my higher. We also used the lift-clean-place through the greens local rule. It had rained a fair bit and the course condition warranted this decision. Unfortunately, this helpful rule did not help me.

For those who do not know the lift-clean-place rule

“Adverse conditions, including the poor condition of the course or the existence of mud, are sometimes so general, particularly during winter months, that the Committee may decide to grant relief by temporary Local Rule either to protect the course or to promote fair and pleasant play. The Local Rule should be withdrawn as soon as the conditions warrant.”— Rules of Golf, Appendix I; Part B; Section 3b. As this article outlines, the USGA does not like it, but it is a rule nonetheless.

Basically, we were allowed to pick up the ball, clean it, and place the ball within 6 inches of its original condition; no closer to the hole. Additionally, if you are in the rough, you must stay in the rough.

Today, I was the best round of the year. Except for the triple on the 5 hole, I shot even par. Yup, I shot a 75. Everything was smooth; I was in play all day; and my approach shots were deadly. I shot a 41 (with the triple) / 34 with 3 birdies and a bogey. The ball was on target most of the time and my misses were close. Overall, I am extremely happy with the results.

Tomorrow I will play in the last group. I am right in the middle of the 5 players required to make up the team. I am 4 strokes behind first place and 4 strokes ahead of fifth place. The plan tomorrow is to follow what I did today. The goal is to make the team so taking needless chances is definitely not in the books for tomorrow.

I want to thank everyone who sent me positive comments, great tips, and quick notes of encouragement! I am grateful for the support and tomorrow will be a day to play well and continue to have fun.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

It is that time again! It is time to set my golf goals for the upcoming season. This does not mean I have a plan yet, but it is time to set some achievable goals that I can build my plan around. Last year, I set four goals and met them with moderate success. These goals were realistic and achievable, yet one thing or another prevented me from reaching my full potential.

My partial success was due to the goals themselves. They were very…..mmmmm…..vague. Here is what I said last year:

get fit – focus on exercises designed to improve my golf game;
research – the drills and techniques required to improve my game;
practice – dedicate time to practice to improve my game; and
compete – either formally or informally compete every time I hit the links.

Realistically, I achieved all these goals with ease. Unfortunately, I did not tie a result to my goals. Thus, technically all were met, but the bar was so low, it was impossible not to succeed.

This year, I am trying something different. My goals will be tangible, realistic, achievable and results oriented. Here is what I am going to accomplish this year:

Win 1 golf tournament;
Make the Ontario Military Regional Golf Team;
Place in the top 10 at the Military National Golf Tournament;
Help someone become a better golfer;
Play 60+ rounds of golf; and
Become a scratch golfer!

My 2015 golf goals are quite lofty. I will have to dedicate the proper time and effort to accomplish all of them. Personally, I love a challenge and these goals will spark the motivation I need to become a better golfer.

Finally, I will use positive intent while golfing this year. I will focus on the positive aspects of my golf game. I will objectively analyze the areas of my game that need improvement! I will gratefully accept any golf advice as it is intended.

Setting goals is a helpful way to improve your golf game. My 2015 goals are in place and my desire is strong…I am ready to succeed!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!