preparation

Wiarton Willie and Punxsutawney Phil

/ The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

Wiarton Willie and Punxsutawney Phil are my two favorite rodents.  Each year, they have an extremely difficult job to predict the weather.  This year, both of these lovable creatures predicted an early spring.

3 Feet of Snow

3 Feet of Snow and it is time for it to go!

This means that I have only 38 more days until the golf courses are open.  To prepare, I have adopted a muscle-building yoga program (actually it is from the Biggest Loser and it really works well) to increase my core strength and flexibility.  I have worked out for three weeks now and I feel great.  Additionally, I play on a men’s basketball team.  It is also keeping me in shape.  When the basketball stops, I will start swimming.  Additionally, my wife and I walk at least once a day for 45 minutes.  All this exercise has me excited about the upcoming golf season and with the coming of spring, I can hardly wait to hit the links.  In my next blog, I will talk about how I mentally prepare for the up coming season and my plan for success.

As you can see from the picture, there is still a bit of snow left, however in three weeks it will all be gone….I can hardly wait.  For those already golfing…..I hope you are having fun.  For those of waiting, preparing will help re-entry into golf so much easier.

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

Only 75 Days to Go!

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Today marks my official count down to golf season in Northern Ontario!  I usually use 15 April as my target date for the opening of the golf courses in my area.  Sometimes the courses open earlier (like last year – 3 April) and the odd time later (two years ago 21 April).  Regardless, it is now time to start preparing for success.

I have all the equipment I need for this year – thanks Santa!  I purchased a new driver and three wood.  Both are Callaway Razor Fit.  Not the extreme, but last years model.  I know it sounds crazy, but I prefer purchasing last years technology and paying a quarter of the price.  We shall see how my strategy works out.  I have a new carry bag, golf balls, and shoes.  Needless to say, I am ready.

I start to make my goals list for this year.  For example, last year I wanted to break par at least once.  I wanted a hole-in-one.  I wanted to improve my greens in regulation stat.  Finally, I wanted to play in 3 stroke play tournaments.  I achieved all my goals except the last one.  Stroke play tournaments are becoming rarer and rarer.  I have not made my list for this year yet, but when I do I will be sure to share.

I start my focused training program.  At this stage, it is mostly stretching.  Some may say it is a bit early, but I have found that I as I get older it takes me longer to get ready.  Besides, stretching has other health benefits that I like.  Additionally, I focus my weight and aerobics training.  There are certain exercises that will improve my swing.  Again, I will share when I figure out what I am doing.

Lastly, I look to see which course I want to play the most.  I always try to play at least 60 rounds home and 20 rounds away from my home course.  I have 5 options in my area and each course offers something unique.  The course I played last year was awesome.  It allowed early birds, walk ons and the owner always stopped to talk to me.  If I get a membership again, I am leaning towards the same course.  But, this will not stop me from doing my cost comparison.

Well my yearly ritual always starts around this time.  I am really looking forward to another season.  I am a grateful golfer.

When do you start preparing for golf season?

Is Nutrition Really Important?

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

No matter what most people do, when planning a 4-6 hour outing, they bring a snack, or plan to stop for food.  Additionally, they bring water to stay hydrated because on hot days they understand the importance of drinking plenty of water.  So, how many of us have arrived at the golf course with no water, food or plan to make sure we have enough energy for our trek around the course.

While watching the pros on TV, I noticed that they all seem to eat multiple snacks while playing.  I have seen a half of sandwich, a granola bar (at least it looks like a granola bar) and fruit.  Additionally, they are constantly drinking something.  Therefore, if the pros do it, I would suggest that eating the right foods and drinking plenty of fluids is probably important to their game.

As a rule, I always bring water.  Most courses do not have water at various holes anymore due to the health risks, so carrying water is important.  I have a water bottle (I clean after every round) which is permanent part of my golfing equipment.  Water is very important on those hot days when the sun is shining, but equally (and less understood) important on warm cloudy days.

Bringing a snack is very important as well.  I am not talking about a chocolate bar or chips or stopping to get a hot dog or sausage, but bring a health nutritional snack with you.  It is very important to eat nutritional foods because the body needs the energy in the last 6 holes to make sure you continue to play well.

I carry (which has changed over the years because of my growing knowledge) an apple and/or banana, nuts, snack vegetables and/or a granola bar.  These are good snacks for me and I do not have to stop and eat an entire meal.  I just pick away at my feast hole-by-hole.  I feel energized and notice that my game does not diminish as I near the end of the round.

So there you have it, eating nutritional food and drinking plenty of water is important to your game.  Why not set yourself up for success by eating nutritional snacks?

Nutritionally, how do you prepare for a round of golf?

Sweet Music and Golf

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

I was listening to some music yesterday and was struck by the wonderful sound.  They were playing an acoustic guitar and effortlessly moved from note to note.  The resulting sound was most rewarding and I was grateful to have heard it.  So, I picked up my guitar (which I decided I wanted to learn how to play as a new years resolution) and plucked out some not so soothing sounds.  Then it struck me that when I am playing golf or watching an excellent player, I feel the same as listening to someone play the guitar…..it is sweet music.

music and golfSome may suggest that this is a long stretch, but just think about it for a moment.  When the ball is hit pure the sound is instantly noticeable and a smile usually comes to players face. Same as when you are listening to your favorite song.

Walking on the course early in the morning is like listening to a symphony orchestra.  The wind is gently blowing in the trees, the birds are singing, the frogs are croaking, you hear your repetitive foots steps on the wet grass and the sun is rising over the trees.  If you close your eyes when listening to classical music and think of playing golf you will know exactly what I mean.

So what am I really talking about?  The right music puts most people into a mental state where they believe they can accomplish anything.  Music can set the stage for success.  When preparing for something special, many people listen to music to put them in the right mood before they have to perform.  Athletes, especially, listen to music all the time to mentally prepare themselves to their sporting activity.

Mentally preparing for golf is no different.  Preparing for success will result in better focus, greater consistency and be more apt to believe they can succeed.  Being in the “right frame of mind” has many benefits and most of which is a more enjoyable time on the golf course.

I listen to music before I play and notice a difference.  You may too!

How do you mentally prepare for golfing?

When to Step Back

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

We have all seen the famous shots of Tiger Woods stopping his swing on the down stroke and stepping back from the ball.  Something disturbed his concentration and he reloaded for another shot.  Also, I have seen players of all kinds step up to the ball, then something has changed and they take a step back.  Additionally, I have seen players step up to ball and say after their hit that they should have stepped back from their ball.

So when is the best time to step back from the ball?  And what should they do next?

I have not found any advice out on the net, so I am going to offer mine.  Generally, I step away from the ball for three reasons:

I have chosen the wrong club.  I was in between clubs and changed my mind.  Usually, I am not confident on my club selection and realize I better make a change.  This does not happen often, but course conditions, the wind or yardage are the contributing factors to wanting to make a change.

Something disturbs my pre-shot routine over the ball.  This could be anything from my foot being in a hole that forces me to loose focus, a loud noise, someone talking, I am hungry, or being attacked by mosquitoes!  Regardless, my pre-shot routine was altered and I needed to start again.

I lose my aiming line.  Sometimes while standing over the ball, what I have decided does not match what I see over the ball.  This causes some confusion so I must step back and re-evaluate my earlier decision.  Most of the time my initial choice was the correct one.  However, I  had to make sure.

Basically, these are the majority of times that will cause me to step away from the ball.  Regardless of the reason, it is vitally important that after stepping back from the ball, you go through your entire shot routine again.  By shortening your shot routine, you increase your chances of playing a poor shot.

These are the reasons for me stepping back from the ball; are there any others?