Masters Week!

April 6, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Former Champion Ben Crenshaw playing in his last Masters!

It is finally here! The news is going crazy, the hype is growing, and the pundits are pontificating. For all golfing fans, the Masters Week is the start of so many things. For those of us living in the Great White North, it means golf season is about to start. For all those others who live in warmer climates, it is an opportunity to enjoy more golf.

The news is full of stories about who is going to win, who is going to exceed expectations, and who is going to struggle! I have already announce my picks for this year, but one topic I have avoided and just cannot anymore.

Yup, you guess it: The Role of Past Masters Champions!

Why would players be given a lifetime exemption for winning the Masters? If you think of the names on the list, only about 7 of the 19 have a chance to win again. Of those, few would be rated as any kind of favorite! Why let these aging players, some were superstars in their day, take a position from a young player who would benefit more from the experience of Amen Corner? Before we go any further here are the past winners playing this year:

Cabrera, Angel
Couples, Fred
Crenshaw, Ben
Immelman, Trevor
Johnson, Zach
Langer, Bernhard
Lyle, Sandy
Mickelson, Phil
Mize, Larry
O’Meara, Mark
Olazabal, Jose Maria
Schwartzel, Charl
Scott, Adam
Singh, Vijay
Watson, Bubba
Watson, Tom
Weir, Mike
Woods, Tiger
Woosnam, Ian

After you have given it some thought, what have you come up with? Why let these aging players into the most elusive tournament in the world? Well, let me tell you.

Because they make the game better! These classy gentlemen, although most are past their prime, educate and mentor the younger superstars of today. They add that “savior faire” to an already awesome golf tournament. Some of these great players, like Ben Crenshaw and Tom Watson, are like that favorite uncle we like to periodically visit just talk about life.

These past champions help keep the rich and historic aspects of the Masters alive. They bring their own flair to the event which helps the fans connect to all the players. They become that underdog, who older players like myself can relate to, the fan favorite and unknown that all golfing fans secretly love to follow!

Ben Crenshaw indicated this will be his last year of competing in the Masters. As all the champions will eventually find out, there is a time to take a bow and exit stage left. Ben Crenshaw is demonstrating yet another lesson to the younger players that eventually everything comes to an end. Crenshaw played with class and leaves with class – Thanks for all the great memories.

As this week unfolds, take time to remember the past champions for they bring more to the game than just golf! As they tee it up on Thursday, listen to how loud the crowd cheers when their name is announce! As we watch them tee it up, there is still a small glimmer of hope and the thought that on any given day, anyone can make history!

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

Biggest News in Golf

April 4, 2015April 4, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

He is back! Tiger Woods announced that he will play in the 2015 Masters! This revelation is not surprising and many people associated with golf are elated the hear that the biggest draw in golf is ready to play. His two month absence has stirred speculation on whether Woods would even return, but now all the musing, nay-sayers and arm-chair golfing pundits can focus on if Woods has a chance to win this year.

Woods announcement was short and to the point. From TigerWoods.com yesterday: “I’m playing in the Masters,” Tiger said Friday afternoon. It’s obviously very important to me, and I want to be there. I’ve worked a lot on my game and I’m looking forward to competing. I’m excited to get to Augusta and I appreciate everyone’s support.”

The short message has fueled a fair bit of speculation because it does not mention that he his ready, is game is in form, or that he expects to win. Actually, his announcement was perfect. His attempt to manage expectations by under playing his current state of readiness will allow for a positive reaction to any number of outcomes. If he wins, he smiles rides the wave of excitement in the golfing world and he lets the media take care of spreading the word that he is officially back. If he plays poorly, he will be considered a tough competitor who understands the importance of the Masters and he was playing for the love of the game. Quite brilliant actually.

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Lydia Ko’s spectacular run to break Annika Sörenstam’s record for the most consecutive rounds under par can to a sudden stop yesterday. After 29 rounds of sub-par play, Ko shot a one over 73 at the ANA Inspiration. It is amazing that anyone would shoot 29 rounds under par, but to be 17 years old, be the number one player in women’s golf, and have an excellent attitude is incredible. Watch her composure below:

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In less than 5 days, the world’s best golfers will tee it up in hopes of winning the green jacket. There have been many great articles already written about the first Major of 2015 and of course the speculation of who is going to win is at the top of the list. One of the best to date is by Brian Penn called 2015 Masters Picks. If you have not read it, I suggest you do because it has a unique twist.

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But, before I head down that path of selecting my picks for the Masters this year, let’s focus on the Shell Huston Open which is still under way. It is quite exciting to see some familiar names and unfamiliar names at the top of the leader board. Although this article will be released before the end of the third round, the biggest news from the Shell Huston Open is the play of Canadian Graham DeLaet. I picked him as a “Dark Horse” for the 2015 professional golf season and winning this weekend will only reinforce my psychic abilities. It is great to see DeLaet playing to his potential!

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There is plenty of news out there! Being bombarded by all aspects of golf is sometimes overwhelming. Personally, I try to focus on the positive aspects of golf, fun topics, great tips, and the ‘good news’ stories. If you find any you would like to share, please pass them on!

This is my 501st article since starting The Grateful Golfer blog and I want to thank everyone who has read, commented, and passed on my articles! Thank you for being part of The Grateful Golfer Community!

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

Mental Toughness and Golf

March 3, 2015March 3, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Strength of mind propelled Tiger Woods to dominate the golfing world!

Mental toughness is the cornerstone of golf. Arnold Palmer thinks so and I am sure if you ask any golfer they would agree! The picture above reminds me of Tiger Woods in his prime! In his early years, Tiger was almost unstoppable. Yes he had a great swing, soft touch and a deadly putting stroke, but mostly he was mentally superior to all players.

Every time he hit the links, the knew he was going to win. Obviously Tiger did not win every tournament he entered, but his record speaks for itself:

Woods has won 79 official PGA Tour events, second only to Sam Snead, and six ahead of Jack Nicklaus with 73 wins.
Woods has won 14 majors, second all time, behind Jack Nicklaus.
Woods is 14–1 when going into the final round of a major with at least a share of the lead.
Woods scoring average in 2000 is the lowest in PGA Tour history, both adjusted, 67.79, and unadjusted, 68.17.
Woods has the lowest career scoring average in PGA Tour history.
Woods has amassed the most career earnings of any player in PGA Tour history (even after inflation is considered).
Woods is one of five players (along with Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player) to have won all four professional major championships in his career, known as the Career Grand Slam, and was the youngest to do so.
Woods is the only player to have won all four professional major championships in a row, accomplishing the feat in the 2000–2001 seasons. This feat became known as the “Tiger Slam”.
Woods set the all-time record for most consecutive cuts made, with 142. The streak started in 1998, he set the record at the 2003 Tour Championship with 114 (passing Byron Nelson’s previous record of 113 and Jack Nicklaus at 105) and extended this mark to 142 before it ended on May 13, 2005 at the EDS Byron Nelson Championship. Many consider this to be one of the most remarkable golf accomplishments of all time, given the margin by which he broke the old record and given that during the streak, the next longest streak by any other player was usually only in the 10s or 20s. It should be noted that when Byron Nelson played far fewer players made the cut in a given event.
Woods has won a record 26.2% (79 out of 301) of his professional starts on the PGA Tour.
Woods is the only golfer to have won the U.S. Amateur three consecutive times (1994–96). (Source Wikipedia)

In my opinion, Tiger Woods current woes are mental. I am confident that if he was a mentally strong as he was in 2000, he would continue with his winning ways. Mentally, he is one of the strongest players to ever play professional golf. I am not sure how he regains his mental toughness, but if he does, he will be a force to contend with!

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

Farmer’s Insurance Open – Players to Watch

February 4, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

The Farmer’s Insurance Open starts tomorrow. This tournament will have a very strong field and if you look close, some players are generating more attention than normal. Personally, I do not have a favorite for this weekend’s event, however I am intrigued by all the discussion and questions asked by the media.

Of all the players this weekend, there are four players who have caught my attention without being in contention. I bet you can guess who they are; just in case you cannot here they are: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Mike Weir. These players in the spotlight and it will be interesting to see how they play at Torrey Pines in San Diego.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are in the hot seat because of their poor play. It is difficult to comprehend that these two superstars are under performing for various reasons, but yet they are. Many pundits are posing the question of what his going on, but I suggest that nothing is happening. It is far to early in the season to count either of these players out of anything. After accomplishing just about everything a professional golfer can, I suggest that their motivation to play well does not come from the week to week grind of being on the tour. With only two months before the Masters, Tiger and Phil are carefully planning their strategy to peak at the first Major. Like it or not, I believe that their overall plan for the season is to play less, compete at the important tournaments and win Majors!

Dustin Johnson is returning after a self-imposed break from professional golf. During that time, he suggests he fixed challenges in his personal life, become a father, and a is better person. There are many articles speculating about why he left golf, but in the big scheme of things only he knows the real reasons. I am not sure how Dustin Johnson will be received by the golfing fans, but he is back and I wish him the best of luck on his personal journey.

Mike Weir is not playing very well this year. He has missed the cut at 4 out of 5 tournaments this year. He has struggled for some time due to injuries and well, just poor play. The reason I grouped Weir in the others is just to wish him well. I have followed Weir for years and thought I would send him positive thoughts during this weekends tournament. Good luck Mike; hit them long, chip them close and putt them true!

The Farmer’s Insurance Open is a fresh opportunity for Tiger, Phil, Dustin, and Mike to prove all the nay -sayers wrong. This week is a fresh canvas for these famous artists to create a masterpiece. I will be watching the action closely and wishing these four players well!

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

Let the Games Begin!

January 27, 2015January 27, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 10 Comments

The Waste Management Phoenix Open starts in two days. This tournament has been one of my favorites over the years because of the caddie races and the interaction of the players with the golfing fans. Unfortunately, my excitement is waning for this event. The first blow came in 2013 when they cancelled the caddie races and to add salt to my wounds, this year, the players are not allowed to give out swag on the 16th hole. I guess the over indulging and exuberant fans were taking away from the real reason they were there; to watch professional golf.

This year, after a 14 year hiatus from the Waste Management tournament, Tiger Woods chose this event to return to professional golf after 10 months of rehab. He and Chris Como, his new swing coach, will be trying to make their way back into the winners circle. I do not expect too much from Woods this weekend, but it will be great to see him golfing again.

Other notables like Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed, Rickie Fowler, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson and Graham DeLaet will be teeing it this weekend. If they have anything to do with it, Woods triumphant return will be short lived. Woods, Spieth, and Reed will be playing partners for the two days and Mickelson and Fowler will be in another group. I am pretty sure the coverage of both days will focus on these players regardless of how they are playing.

As this weekend unfolds, I expect plenty of media coverage to focus on the 16th hole. This is one of the best holes in golf. The stadium just enhances the atmosphere for the fans. It looks like a Roman Coliseum where to people go crazy as the gladiators enter the field of battle. Well that was before the PGA cancelled caddie races and swag give away….but I transgress. It is still one of my favorite holes in golf.

The Waste Management Phoenix Open should be a great tournament this weekend. I know who is my favorite. But what I really want to know is who is yours?

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