The Grateful Golfer Mid Season Review

August 7, 2016August 7, 2016 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

It is about that time to review my current progress during the 2016 golf season. Each year, I like to examine how my season is progressing and figure out if I need a mid-season adjustment in order to meet my pre-season goals. I am sure many of you do the same thing and my process is not unique, but it is something I do every year!

This year, my mid-season review is a about 1 month late. Normally, I try to examine everything by mid-July, but due to several big life changes (retiring, moving, starting work again) I did not play as much golf in early July as normal. That is okay, however, because I needed to ensure my priorities were on my life changes and nothing else. So here is what I think so far!

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Golf or Not to Golf – Really?

June 21, 2016June 20, 2016 / The Grateful Golfer / 17 Comments

Golf or not to golf is not really a question most avid players need to answer. A raised eyebrow or puzzled look is really all that is required to send the appropriate message. However, there are times in the season when I have to ask myself whether to hit the links or not.

This question is usually driven by two possible influences: live events and over golfing! The first is a no brainer and I to make a list of life events that would prevent me from golfing is a waste of your time! However, over golfing is a real concern for most avid players. Being able to identify the symptoms is the real key to preventing your game from going stale. Continue reading →

Journey to Scratch Golf: A New Hope

November 27, 2015November 23, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Being Grateful A long time ago in a galaxy far far away…..

Of course we all know this epic line to the original Star Wars movie! I bet the song is going off in your head right now! Before the rest of the opening scenes explain the challenges faced by the rebels against the empire, our minds soar to new possibilities in almost every area of our lives.

That is where I sit right now. Golf season is over, I have 5 months before the links open, and I need to prepare for next season if I ever expect to be a scratch golfer. As with previous years, I like to take time to think about where I can most effectively make changes to lower my scores.

For me, it is a creative time. It is a time to be grateful for great 2015 golf season! It is a time to be introspective. It is a time envision the how to take my game to the next level. It is a time to embrace a new hope in my golf game.

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

If You Could Change One Thing….

November 12, 2015November 12, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

What would you change in your swing?

If you could change one thing about your golf swing, what would it be? Would you adjust your shoulder turn? Would you increase your hip rotation? Would you delay your wrist release? What would your one change be?

Through the years I have attempted to change every aspect of my swing. It was all a very slow process and I am far from finished. My changes have had mixed reviews, but each adventure increases my knowledge and understanding of golf.

My journey to scratch golf experienced many peaks and valleys, but the process has been very rewarding. I will have to say that some of my success were the result of changing something different as long as I was paying attention.

In earlier posts, I discussed Opening Pandora’s Box, The Domino Effect, and Pareto’s Theory, and everyone one of these posts have a direct effect on the rest of this article.

So back to my original question; If you could change one thing about your golf swing, what would it be? Before I suggest what I would change and what you think you should change, consider the following:

What are the follow-on effects will occur by making the change?
What change will have the greatest long-term impact?
What change will force a change in other areas of your swing?
Will a quick change improve your golf scores?
What is the final goal or expectations from the change?
Are you mentally prepared for a drastic improvement in your golf game?

These and likely many other questions should be addressed before making any change – quick or deliberate. Even simple changes to your golf swing change several secondary aspects of your swing mechanics! So beware of what you ask!

As I have stated before, I like to tinker with all aspects of my game. So, if the magical golf fairy gave me one wish, I would change my the amount of torque generated between my initial hip turn and then movement of my shoulders! My choice is founded on much introspection and I decided that to go to the next level a need to develop more power through all my woods, hybrid and irons!

I believe that this change will affect my club choice, alignment, and course management. I am sure there are others that do not immediately come to mind, but I would be ready! So the secondary effects are just as exciting as the initial change.

The question remains: if you could change one thing about your golf swing, what would it be?

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

Slow and Steady Wins the Race!

October 24, 2015October 22, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

As I walked in beautiful surroundings of our favorite path today with my best friend, the feeling of gratitude flowed through my body. As we strolled in the falling leaves breathing the crisp fall air, we both felt at peace. It is during days like this, I take the opportunity to get lost in my thoughts.

During this particular walk, I was counting my blessings and came across this little fella!

Slow and Steady Wins the Race!

As my wife and I watched him slowly make his way across the path, I was amazed by his unwavering focus and desire to move forward. It took little steps and just kept moving. Each step, he moved closer to his goal or destination. Although, I believe the journey is as important as the destination, this little guy seemed focused on his end goal.

As I thought about my little friend, I thought of my 2015 golf season. I realized that my journey towards scratch is becoming more and more difficult. The reason for my increased difficulty falls in my willingness to make changes, practice difficult shots, and to for my ego to accept short-term poor scores! These and many more challenges face players with a single digit handicap!

I am not sure what the 2016 golf season will bring, but thanks to my new friend I will keep moving towards my goal. Life sometimes throws us curve balls, but keeping our eyes on the prize will help us achieve anything!

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