I marvel at watching some of the players easily (relatively of course) navigate a course set up by the USGA. The US Open is known for its dangerous rough, lightning fast greens, and manicured fairways. This year at Shinnecock, the USGA has made the course a beast that gives professional golfers fits of anxiety. For an amateur, watching the best golfers in the world seem mortal can be unsettling. Yet some of the players appear to have solved the puzzle and score relatively well. I wonder what their secret is, do you? Continue reading
putting
The First Round of the Year
Kirk and Jim working on our game at the range.
My first round of golf is in the books. I was a bit worried that I would not be able to play 18 holes given everything going on with my health, but that goal is complete. Before I played yesterdays round, I had a chance to hit the range with one of my closest friends. Kirk came up for a quick visit and as we hit a bucket, got caught up. It was great to see him again and the range to work set me up for some success during my first round. I was surprised how our time at the practice area worked wonders from my ball striking, but nothing for my putting or short game. Continue reading
Tossing the Ball on the Green
Putting and chipping are very personal skills in golf. I do not think any two players think, scrutinize or execute these shots in the same way. Over the years, I have used a simple drill that helped me judge the speed of the greens before I place a club in my hand. Within in 5 minutes, I have a very good understanding on how the ball will release, whether the greens are soft or hard, and if the greens are running true. Interested? Then keep reading. Continue reading
Losing or Gaining Strokes Between Nines
Golf is a crazy game sometimes. We can riding a wave of great play to suddenly have the wheels fall off. The problem is that I do not know why it happens. Conversely, I can play very poorly and then 4 birdies in a row. It makes no sense and if I ever figure it out, it would be worth millions! Continue reading
Making Every Putt in Golf
The goal of every golfer is to make every putt and it seems that Ernie Els feels the same way. I subscribe to this thought process believing that science can prove that every putt is make-able. Of course that does not mean that I will make every putt, but the possibility is always there.
Keeping this thought in mind, I have played with players who are notorious lag putters and will always settle for a 2 putt and a bogey. Instead of charging the hole in the attempts to make a 1 and risk a 3 putt. How about you? Continue reading
The Grateful Golfer 