tips

Best Ball Game

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Tonight was my first men’s night tournament at Osprey Links Golf Course.  We played a Best Ball format and had a blast.  My friend, Rick, and I shot 4 over.  We both 3 putted the first three holes.  Man what a poor way to start.  We hit the ball very well, but nothing close.  Overall, we had a great time.

For those who are wondering, Best Ball means each player plays their own ball for the entire hole.  The lowest score is recorded.  It is a fun format and usually favors the lower handicap players.

The best part of the night was meeting our playing partners.  Darren and Guy were very nice guys.  It was great to go out and play a relaxed game with people you have never met before.  Meeting new people is the main reason behind men’s night and we definitely accomplished that goal.  I am a grateful golfer.

Playing in the Rain

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Warming Up in the Rain!

Warming Up in the Rain!

Well today was a wet day!  It started to sprinkle when we started and by the 5th hole it was raining.  Interestingly, the wet weather did not really affect my score, but it sure changed the way I played.

The first change I made is how I swing the club.  I generally swing at about 80% normal strength.  This allows for a smooth transition through the ball.  I also allows for the extra rain gear that I wear.

To compensate for the less aggressive swing, I use one extra club on most shots.  This seems to work very well for me.  It allows for the distance I required  and keeps me in balance while playing on a wet surface.

Lastly, I am more aggressive when chipping around the green.  The ball always lands softer and as a result does not release as far.  By being more aggressive, I adjust for the changing conditions and alter my game to match my environment.

The casual water rule (24-2 25-1) was used extensively today.   “Casual water’’ is any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after the player takes his stance. Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player. Manufactured ice is an obstruction. Dew and frost are not casual water. A ball is in casual water when it lies in or any part of it touches the casual water. This definition was taken from the Rules of Golf 2012.

Overall it was a great round and I am a grateful golfer!

Rules of the Game

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While playing golf on Thursday, I encountered an interesting situation.  I hit my second shot on the 15th hole par five and my ball came to rest beside a tree with a red ribbon attached to it.  Under our local rules, these trees are ground under repair and I was to take full relief.  Nearest relief present a wide open chip shot to the green which I stuck within 6 feet and made my birdie putt.

This is an unusual situation, but the point of my story is that everyone should know the rules of the game.  If you have not read them yet, make a point of doing so as proper enforcement of can help or cost you strokes.

Putting Tip

/ The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

Confidence While Putting!Putting is more difficult than it sounds.  To make square contact or putt the ball on its intended line; focus on the tip – Back 6 – Forward 12.

What does this mean:  ensure your putter head follows through twice as far as you take it back.  This will allow for solid ball striking and a greater chance the ball will travel on its intended line.  I find that by focusing on this tip, I decrease the number of putts per round.  It is a great way to lower your score.

Give it a try and tell me what you think.