I went to my old stomping grounds yesterday to sharpen up my game at their updated practice facility. As a fan of Osprey Links Golf Course, it is great to see that they invested in a new training facility. It is definitely great new and improvement from when I played as a member 5 years ago and will be the place where my friend Blair and I meet for coffee to improve our golf game. I am happy to see Osprey Links is carved out this training area as it adds to the appeal and golfing experience for everyone!
Continue readingpractice area
Golf Etiquette: The Practice Area
Golf etiquette is not limited to on the course. Many golf courses have practice areas designed to help players improve their game. These areas are as vital to the course as they are to all the golfers. Respecting and protecting these practice areas goes a long way to ensuring that Superintendent can easily keep the training areas in top notch conditions. There are many different ways to aid the maintenance staff, but I want to focus on three because they are simple, easy to follow and have a tremendous impact on the entire facility.
Continue readingI Want It All At My Golf Course
I have played at many courses over my career and I am never shy to express what I like and do not like. It is not that I am picky, but I understand the value of playing a great course that has all the facilities needed to round out my experience. If I cannot have it all (practice facility), then at least there is a bare minimum I want / need to ensure I am prepared to play my rounds.
Continue readingWhat to Wear When Practicing Golf
Golf shorts and a golf shirt are a must when I golf. I always wear a collared shirt unless it is very cold and I am dressed in many many layers. However, when practicing, I like to relax my dress a bit. I figure I might have to roll up my sleeves and get dirty, as they say, then shorts and a tee shirt are my prefer apparel.
Continue readingPlanning a Golf Trip
Heading out for a golfing trip with ‘The Duck’
Are you planning an excursion to a golfing mecca in the next little while? If you are like me, you will have researched locales, checked prices, and planned your time to squeeze the most out of your upcoming adventure! Planning a golf trip can be both exciting and frustrating at the same time!
There are many hidden aspects to a golf trip that will make or break it. Staying at a hotel that does not meet your expectations; showing up to your tee time and waiting for an hour are just some unforeseen challenges that can affect the value of your trip. Regardless of the best laid plans, it is important to try and plan for the unexpected!
While planning my trips, I like to focus on the value of the golf. Am I getting my money’s worth for the four hours I am spending on their track? Does the customer service add or detract from my experience? Was the course in good shape? Was the course too challenging? These and many more questions help establish the value of golfing at specific courses on my trip.
Value means something different to everyone. The ‘cost versus experience’ formula is key to determining the value of a course. I have played on some highly rated courses in all parts of North America only to be disappointed; conversely, some unrated courses were diamonds in the rough waiting to be discovered. Value is the prime factor for me when planning a golf trip or just heading out the links for a day.
To determine the courses I want to play, I have three factors I consider when determining the courses value. They are:
- Cost. I do not mind paying to play golf. However, I am a player on a budget. I like to find 2-for-1 green fee deals or an all-inclusive package (meal, range balls, cart, and a round of golf) that helps reduce the cost of hitting the links.
- Practice Area. I like to warm up and practice before I play. To increase the value of a course their practice area has to have a driving range, chipping green, a separate putting green, and a sand trap. The 30 minutes I spend at the practice area helps set the positive atmosphere for the loop around the course.
- Customer Service. I check reviews of the customer service. I like to feel like that my business is valued, not that I am disturbing anyone. I understand that the smaller courses do not offer the same attention as big resorts, however when I am talking to a customer service representative, I expect them to focus on our conversation. It is the small things they do that can drastically increase the value of a golf course.
When planning any golf trip, there are certain things that add or detract from the value of the experience. Most golfers do not mind paying for golf; however they expect to have a worthwhile experience as well. I know what adds value to my golf trips, what areas add value to yours?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 