Buying a New Sand Wedge

March 3, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Today is the day! I have waited, researched, and mulled over the purchase of a new sand wedge. Currently, I use a 30-year-old Ping Eye 2 Black Dot that has been golden for many years. But, I rarely use it in the fairway because the bounce is too high….so it is time to retire one of my favorite clubs.

On an earlier post, “Choosing a New Wedge” I went through all the aspects to consider and linked you to Goldsmith.com for a more in-depth discussion. I used these two sites extensively. They were very helpful and greatly aided in my decision.

Next, I look at reviews. Reviews are very important to cut through the hype of advertisement. Virtually every site I went too rated the Titleist Vokey Wedge as the top wedge to buy. Additionally, I looked at customer reviews because the average golfer has plenty to say and generally are more honest. The Titleist Vokey Wedge still came out on top. Next, I went to the Titleist website and found a very good guide to Vokey Wedges with information that could be applied when choosing any wedge.

After all of this, I have chosen to by the Titleist Vokey 56 degree wedge with an 8 degree bounce. When I hit the links, I will let you know how my decision made out. \Well, I am off to Golf Town….any thoughts?

Lowering Your Score…..or Not

March 1, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

I decided to do some research on how to lower my golf score. Everyone, even single digit handicappers, looks for ways to lower their score. I have to say I was a little disappointed at the number of websites that were more interested in selling stuff than helping people improve their game. I guess that is why I am the grateful golfer for all those people who give free advice without wanting anything in return…but that is a completely different conversation.

I have my own views on lower your score, but during my search I did find a 2005 article from GOLFTIPS that struck a chord. It outlines five tips that would be helpful to lower ones score. The are

Hit To The Fat Part Of The Green
Play Golf, Not Golf Swing
Monitor Your Tempo And Rhythm
Be Positive
Know When To Leave The Driver In The Bag, Baby

I have talked about these tips in one form or another, but what I like best is the simplicity of the points. Basically, play within yourself. Pretty simple. Unfortunately, the ego has a tendency to sabotage that plan. I guess that is why we are not Pros!

Lowering your score in golf is one of the most difficult goals to accomplish. It takes disciple, desire and sometimes laughing at yourself. Regardless of your handicap, lowering your golf score can be achieved….it really depends on how important it is to enjoying the game!

See you on the links!

When You Have Been Away

February 26, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

I have been asked as the first thing I would recommend as a place to start when away from the game of golf for a time. I have pondered this question a fair bit and always come back to the same question: What is it you want to accomplish – short or long-term success?

I know answering a question with a question seems like I am avoiding the question, but it really is important to my answer. So for those just starting again or have had 5 months of winter, this is what I came up with as a way ahead.

Short term – go to the range and practice hitting the ball. Try and reproduce muscle memory that will ensure a consistent swing. Make sure you use every club in your bag and mix it up. Hitting driver most of the time is not the answer. Once you have determined how far you ball will travel on a consistent basis, head to the chipping and putting green. Practice chipping with your 7/8 iron, PW and 60 degree wedge. Hit from different distances. Then putt! Putt for as long as you have chipped. Realistically, this whole process should take about 1 hour. 20 minutes on the range, 20 minutes chipping and 20 minutes putting. This approach is generally more fun for the player and they feel they will have immediate success. Of course that varies depending on the skill of the player.

Long term – head to putting green first! Practice putting for 20 minutes and chipping for 20 minutes, the sand trap for 10 minutes and pitching from 25-35 yards for 10 minutes. Once you have established your short game, then start working on our long game. Practice your short game for the first two weeks, then head to the range alternate times for 30 minutes. I have found that muscle memory in your short game is harder to achieve, but has greater long-lasting results.

Well I can hardly wait to start golfing, I guess you figured which approach I am going to use….the long-term. I am well into my workout routine to prepare for golf season in 48 days. Hope this helps. I am a grateful golfer. See you on the links!

Only 75 Days to Go!

January 29, 2013 / 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?

January 27, 2013 / 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?