Golf Season is Just Around the Corner

March 18, 2016March 18, 2016 / The Grateful Golfer / 5 Comments

As many of my fellow Canadians will attest, the 2016 golf season is just around the corner. The snow is gone, April showers have started, and a crazy cardinal is banging its head against my patio door (I am not kidding about the cardinal)! All of these, and many more, are signs that spring is near and golf season will soon be upon us!

After 4 months, I am ready to hit the links! This off-season seemed exceptionally long and for some reason, time seemed to pass slower than molasses moving downhill in January! As golf season is just weeks away, it is time to prepare. As a creature of habit, I will start my preseason tradition of mentally, physically, and emotionally preparing to golf.
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Shooting to Make the Team

June 17, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

Tomorrow, I am entering a competition to represent my military base at the Ontario Regional Golf Championship in July. This tournament is a two-day combined stroke event where the top five male and top two female players will move on to the next level. Once the base team is chosen, it is off Regionals.

Regionals is a three-day event with several competitions in one. First, there is the overall team competition. Each day, the lowest four scores of the seven players are used to determine the total score for the base on that day. (For those who think that the female scores do not count, think again; they are usually used a couple of times during the tournament) After three days, your three-day total team score will be use and lowest team score wins the event. That base is crown Regional Team Champions. The receive a pennant which proudly displayed at their base.

Another event inside of the team competition is the singles competition. The person with the lowest score after three days is crowned regional individual champion (men and women). Additionally, the lowest five male and two female scores make up the Regional team that represents their region at the National Competition.

The National Competition is the same format as the Regional Competition except the players are significantly better. It is an exciting time of military golfers and believe me, bragging rights are as important as the hardware.

So here is my question of the day: Any hints on how to prepare for this three-tiered event?

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

Four Bad Holes

May 9, 2013May 9, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

Today I played Timberwolf Golf Course in Sudbury, Ontario. Our pilgrimage to this course was well worth the trip. The fairways were in great shape and the greens were in pretty good shape. We played in under 4 hours and everyone had a great time.

As games go, I was fairly consistent. I drove the ball well, chipped strong and lag-putted very well. Overall, I was very happy with my round. Unfortunately, I had four bad holes. I am not complaining, but it does baffle me sometimes when I can shoot 6 pars in a row….then a triple. On the first hole, I was not warmed up and for my lack of preparation I was given a double from the course and I was not in any trouble! The other double, I actually lost a ball and lipped out for a bogey…so that was okay. The last bad hole was a bogey on the second hole….such is life. So if you are adding up my score, it was an 80 with a triple, 2 doubles and a bogey. Actually, a pretty solid round.

So what did I learn today? I must start implementing my pre-playing routine. I must use my own advice and take 5 minutes in my car to focus my mind before hopping out and running to the tee. I must practice my putting and chipping before I start. And finally, I must make sure I have all my equipment ready before going to the course….it helps reduce my panic of gathering my stuff!

Today was excellent. As I do every-time I play, I learn something….or in this case relearn something. Pre-playing routine is important to eliminating four bad holes!

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

I Should Have Brought A Shovel!

May 3, 2013January 18, 2018 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

After long last, I made it to out golfing. Being away last week during the fantastic weather delayed my yearly pilgrimage to the driving range. Today, a friend of mine and I shared a large bucket of balls….about 40 balls each. That was enough for me. Unfortunately, the chipping and putting area were closed, but that is okay. I will definitely be practicing my short game very soon.

As I hit started to hit balls, I realized something: I should have brought a shovel! I was digging and scooping and, and, and! It was not pretty. I did hit a few good shots with my 7-iron, 3 wood and driver. However, I planted a garden with the rest.

The main reason I only hit a few balls is to reacquaint my body with golf. The twisting and moving of my hips and back. Trying not to hold the club too tight. The alignment of my body to the direction I want to hit. All these are important and my experience is not to over do the first time out.

Tomorrow, I hit the links…not that I am ready, but the season started late this year so I am going to compressing my preseason routine. It was great to swing a club today. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Yearly Traditions

April 23, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

Each year I have traditions that prepare me for the golf season. I am sure everyone has their own way of getting ready, but mine has been the same for years. It is nothing fancy, but it helps me mentally and equipment-wise prepare to hit the links. So here it goes!

I read the rule book. The RCGA 2013 rule book is not out yet, so I read last years rule book. I believe it is important to acquaint myself with the dos and don’ts of golf. It helps with the finer points like the difference between a red and yellow hazard. Reading the rule book helps me prepare for tournaments or other competitions with those who do not read the rule book.

I watch a couple of golf movies. I will watch anything new, but if that is not possible I will watch Happy Gilmore, Tin Cup, and The Greatest Game Ever Played. They are fun movies and they help me mentally to prepare for anything on the golf course.

I check my equipment. This year I am changing my grips. I have used different grips through the years, but this year I am trying tacki-mac. They are similar to Golf Pride Tour Wrap, but cheaper. Additionally, I washed my clubs, prepare my carry bag and mark my new golf balls. I also polish my shoes and change my spikes!

Last thing I do is think about what I to accomplish this season. Each year I make several goals and work to achieve them during my practice and times on the links. I have not made any quite yet, but I am sure one will be to break par and another to win a tournament.

Traditions are important to me. The allow me to prepare mentally and equipment-wise for the upcoming season. Regardless on how I play each year, my yearly traditions are special. How do you prepare for your season?

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