Golf Truly Is For Everyone
Monday, May 30, 2016
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Small Ball Vs. The Home Run
Yes, I do know that my title is a baseball reference. Some of my readers in other countries probably won't understand what I am trying to compare here. Bear with me on this and I hope that I can make it clear.
In baseball, and most baseball fans know this, there are two ways to score. The first way is what is called "small ball" where you try to get as many base runners on the bases and move them over with small hits. You score by moving runners in small increments, not all i one fell swoop. Then there is "The Home Run", where you score a run in one swing of the bat by hitting the ball a long way and out of the ball park. Either method scores runs. "Small Ball" uses strategy and finesse where as the "Home Run" in baseball is nothing but brute strength. Which is better? It depends.
What does this have to do with golf. Funny you should ask. The same principles apply in golf as to how the sport is played. You have the long hitters and you have the short hitters. Among amateurs at least, most long hitters don't have a great short game and most short hitters don't hit the ball far but they score using a fantastic short game. You have to remember now that this is a generalization and I have seen long hitters with great short games, and I have seen short hitter who couldn't putt. But in most cases, the generalization holds true.
I am a bit prejudicial toward "small ball". I am a short hitter. In fact, I have trounced many a long hitter by having a great short game as my weapon of choice. I love to have a long hitter go driver wedge on a long par four and get on in two. I may use driver three wood and be off the green, but recover with a great chip shot close to the hole and make my putt for par. The long hitter on the other hand three putts and I win the hole. I am in awe though of that long hitter and wish I could hit the ball further.
I suppose with some lessons and some conditioning, I could hit the ball further, but my question would be "Why"? I shoot in the middle 80's to low 90's and I am happy with that, so why work on it? I am happy with it and I do chip and putt well. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I am almost sixty years old and enjoy the game. Why cause disruption to my well-being. I have all the frustration in my life so don't add to it by messing up my golf game.
Golf courses are meant to be played, not brought to their knees by going past all the interesting parts of the course. They were designed to be enjoyed and to be a challenge. The game is supposed to be fun and a challenge. Length is a good thing, but it isn't everything. Even if you do hit it far, you still must do the little things well in order to score. I like a good baseball game where there are a lot of walks and singles and strategy is used to get the runners to score. I also like a game with a lot of home runs.
At 6996 yards, Merion is a short course. It took its toll on the long ball hitters during the U.S. Open that was played there in 2013. The short game was a premium. Golf is a skill game as well as a power game. You could have the strength, but you also must have the skill as well. Merion showed us that. To me, skill wins.
In baseball, and most baseball fans know this, there are two ways to score. The first way is what is called "small ball" where you try to get as many base runners on the bases and move them over with small hits. You score by moving runners in small increments, not all i one fell swoop. Then there is "The Home Run", where you score a run in one swing of the bat by hitting the ball a long way and out of the ball park. Either method scores runs. "Small Ball" uses strategy and finesse where as the "Home Run" in baseball is nothing but brute strength. Which is better? It depends.
What does this have to do with golf. Funny you should ask. The same principles apply in golf as to how the sport is played. You have the long hitters and you have the short hitters. Among amateurs at least, most long hitters don't have a great short game and most short hitters don't hit the ball far but they score using a fantastic short game. You have to remember now that this is a generalization and I have seen long hitters with great short games, and I have seen short hitter who couldn't putt. But in most cases, the generalization holds true.
I am a bit prejudicial toward "small ball". I am a short hitter. In fact, I have trounced many a long hitter by having a great short game as my weapon of choice. I love to have a long hitter go driver wedge on a long par four and get on in two. I may use driver three wood and be off the green, but recover with a great chip shot close to the hole and make my putt for par. The long hitter on the other hand three putts and I win the hole. I am in awe though of that long hitter and wish I could hit the ball further.
I suppose with some lessons and some conditioning, I could hit the ball further, but my question would be "Why"? I shoot in the middle 80's to low 90's and I am happy with that, so why work on it? I am happy with it and I do chip and putt well. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I am almost sixty years old and enjoy the game. Why cause disruption to my well-being. I have all the frustration in my life so don't add to it by messing up my golf game.
Golf courses are meant to be played, not brought to their knees by going past all the interesting parts of the course. They were designed to be enjoyed and to be a challenge. The game is supposed to be fun and a challenge. Length is a good thing, but it isn't everything. Even if you do hit it far, you still must do the little things well in order to score. I like a good baseball game where there are a lot of walks and singles and strategy is used to get the runners to score. I also like a game with a lot of home runs.
At 6996 yards, Merion is a short course. It took its toll on the long ball hitters during the U.S. Open that was played there in 2013. The short game was a premium. Golf is a skill game as well as a power game. You could have the strength, but you also must have the skill as well. Merion showed us that. To me, skill wins.
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| Morro Bay is a great golf course with only six traps. It is short but places a high premium on shot making. I have seen long hitters cry when the play it. |
Friday, May 27, 2016
Thursday, May 26, 2016
My " Ten Golf Courses I have Driven By On My Way To Somewhere But Couldn't Stop To Play" List
I travel a lot, as I have shared. How many times have you, like I have, been on a trip with a definite purpose and driven by a beautiful golf course next to the road and said, "That looks like a great course and going to play it someday."? I do that all the time. The course doesn't have to be by the roadside. It can be in a city I pass through, but can't stop. It happens all the time and I have prepared a list of those courses I have thought about playing but haven't. At some point in my life, I will make a special trip if I have to.
Here's the list and they are not in any particular order:
1. Coyote Creek, San Jose, Ca.: There are two courses here, The Tournament and The Valley Courses and I want to play them both. Every time I drive to San Jose or somewhere south of San Francisco I pass this venue and vow to play them.
2. Edgewood Tahoe, South Late Tahoe, Nevada: Of all the "Drive By" courses this is probably the one I most want to play. I don't get up to Lake Tahoe much anymore, but I have to play this course at some time in my life.
3. Metropolitan, Oakland, Ca.: This course has an interesting history. It started out as a golf course and then it closed because the Port of Oakland needed somewhere to dump the toxic dredging when they deepened the Port. After a while golfers became angry and wanted their golf course back, and finally they did. The course was completely redone and is now Metropolitan. I understand that you want to play this one in the morning, because it tend to get very windy in the afternoon.
4. Tulare Golf Course, Tulare, Ca.: I have a lot of friends who have played this course. They say it is nothing special, but I would like to judge for myself. I was hesitant to play Rancho Del Rey, but I am glad that I found that course.
5. Mace Meadows, Pioneer, Ca.: This course is located on Hiway 88 on the way to Carson Pass and Reno beyond. I have passed by it many times and have heard some great things about the course. It is there just waiting for me.
6. Lockeford Springs, Lodi, Ca.: Before you get to Mace Meadows, a long way before, you have to pass Lockeford Springs just out of Lodi. I have heard a lot about this course and it has been featured on the "hooked On Golf" golf program. It looks very inviting and I can't wait to make a special trip up there.
7. Shoreline, Mountain View, Ca.: This one is not really right on the road, but I want to play it. My daughter played the course a couple of times in junior tournaments and I had to walk along lusting at the course wanting to play it. She got all the fun, I got the sore muscles.
8. Poplar Creek, San Mateo, Ca.: Growing up and in later years I have fond memories of driving to Candlestick Park and freezing at a San Francisco Giants game. In order to get to "The Stick" you have to pass Poplar Creek just off of US 101. I wanna play this course!
9. Crystal Springs, Burlingame, Ca.: This is another course my daughter has played and I haven't. It lise just over the hills of the San Francisco Penninsula in a small valley between the Pacific Ocean and The San Francisco Bay. Once again, she played it and I walked it watching her play. This was true torture. I plan to go back there and vindicate this injustice some day. It will probably take a special trip and time set aside to play it, but it is well worth it.
10. All The Los Angeles Courses, Los Angeles, Ca.: I don't travel south very often, and when I do it is normally to board a ship for a cruise out of Long Beach. We don't stay. There are several great courses down there, and someday I will get down there to play golf.
Yes, I know these courses are in California and Nevada. California is a huge state and there are a lot of highways that go by golf courses. I live in California as many of you know so I do most of my traveling within the state. Sorry but I am a bit biased but there are many courses around the state to explore and play. I have played in Canada, Mexico, Florida and Missouri so I have played in other states and countries. I won't mention some of the courses I have driven by in those places there are so many but if I ever return to those places I will try to play them.
If you have a course that you drive by and want to play, let me know. In the meantime I have to run. Don't forget to check out my website, http://golfisforeveryonemd.com. Remember, hit 'em long and straight and by all means don't leave that birdie putt short.
Here's the list and they are not in any particular order:
1. Coyote Creek, San Jose, Ca.: There are two courses here, The Tournament and The Valley Courses and I want to play them both. Every time I drive to San Jose or somewhere south of San Francisco I pass this venue and vow to play them.
2. Edgewood Tahoe, South Late Tahoe, Nevada: Of all the "Drive By" courses this is probably the one I most want to play. I don't get up to Lake Tahoe much anymore, but I have to play this course at some time in my life.
3. Metropolitan, Oakland, Ca.: This course has an interesting history. It started out as a golf course and then it closed because the Port of Oakland needed somewhere to dump the toxic dredging when they deepened the Port. After a while golfers became angry and wanted their golf course back, and finally they did. The course was completely redone and is now Metropolitan. I understand that you want to play this one in the morning, because it tend to get very windy in the afternoon.
4. Tulare Golf Course, Tulare, Ca.: I have a lot of friends who have played this course. They say it is nothing special, but I would like to judge for myself. I was hesitant to play Rancho Del Rey, but I am glad that I found that course.
5. Mace Meadows, Pioneer, Ca.: This course is located on Hiway 88 on the way to Carson Pass and Reno beyond. I have passed by it many times and have heard some great things about the course. It is there just waiting for me.
6. Lockeford Springs, Lodi, Ca.: Before you get to Mace Meadows, a long way before, you have to pass Lockeford Springs just out of Lodi. I have heard a lot about this course and it has been featured on the "hooked On Golf" golf program. It looks very inviting and I can't wait to make a special trip up there.
7. Shoreline, Mountain View, Ca.: This one is not really right on the road, but I want to play it. My daughter played the course a couple of times in junior tournaments and I had to walk along lusting at the course wanting to play it. She got all the fun, I got the sore muscles.
8. Poplar Creek, San Mateo, Ca.: Growing up and in later years I have fond memories of driving to Candlestick Park and freezing at a San Francisco Giants game. In order to get to "The Stick" you have to pass Poplar Creek just off of US 101. I wanna play this course!
9. Crystal Springs, Burlingame, Ca.: This is another course my daughter has played and I haven't. It lise just over the hills of the San Francisco Penninsula in a small valley between the Pacific Ocean and The San Francisco Bay. Once again, she played it and I walked it watching her play. This was true torture. I plan to go back there and vindicate this injustice some day. It will probably take a special trip and time set aside to play it, but it is well worth it.
10. All The Los Angeles Courses, Los Angeles, Ca.: I don't travel south very often, and when I do it is normally to board a ship for a cruise out of Long Beach. We don't stay. There are several great courses down there, and someday I will get down there to play golf.
Yes, I know these courses are in California and Nevada. California is a huge state and there are a lot of highways that go by golf courses. I live in California as many of you know so I do most of my traveling within the state. Sorry but I am a bit biased but there are many courses around the state to explore and play. I have played in Canada, Mexico, Florida and Missouri so I have played in other states and countries. I won't mention some of the courses I have driven by in those places there are so many but if I ever return to those places I will try to play them.
If you have a course that you drive by and want to play, let me know. In the meantime I have to run. Don't forget to check out my website, http://golfisforeveryonemd.com. Remember, hit 'em long and straight and by all means don't leave that birdie putt short.
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| I did get to play one course in the Los Angeles area. |
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Golf Goes Hollywood
I love golf and I am sure that many of you do to. You almost have to, especially if you are reading a blog like this that deals with golf. How many of you love movies. I am particularly fond of war movies and historical films. Another of my favorite genres--I like that word genre, its pretty cool--is the golf movie. I really don't know the ratio of war pictures released by Hollywood to golf films, but I bet that war movies wins by a landslide. However, there are some great movies that have to deal with golf.
Here is a short list of the golf movies I have enjoyed, In case you are wondering, I am going to be non-committal as far as which ones I think are the best because I love them all and have chosen them for different reasons. This is just a list, so don't get mad at me at the order I am presenting them.
1.Caddyshack. What can I say but "Its in the hole" and "Be the ball"? How about "its your honor your honor". That movie cracks me up and is a classic golf movie. It is still relevant today. Is it wrong that I still watch it whenever it is on, preferably on a station where the original is uncut. By the way, both of my wives don't think that any of it is funny, although my second wife is an avid golfer.
2. The Legend Of Baggar Vance. I am watching this one again. What a story. The golf references are timeless and very well said. I like the concept of the "authentic swing". Also Baggar put it very well when he says, "Golf is a game you can't win, only play. You can never be perfect." How true that is and maybe that is why so many of us play and enjoy the game so much.
3. The Caddy. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were quite the comedy team. I enjoy this film and its comedy. If any of you wondered where the song "Amore" originated, this movie was it. You remember, don't you? When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's amore. Well, maybe you don't.
4. Follow The Sun. This is probably a movie that has been forgotten but I highly recommend it. It is about Ben Hogan and the tragic accident he had that almost ended his golf career. What a man of courage and determination. It shows the determination and courage to mount an almost miraculous comeback from that accident. That's what our game is all about.
5. Happy Gilmore. I don't know if I should follow up Follow The Sun with Happy Gilmore, but oh well. I didn't like Happy Gilmore when it first came out. I thought that it was going to give golfers who don't play the game or those who don't respect the game the wrong idea. But the bottom line on the move was it was funny. I guess I am just a golf purist at heart.
6. Tim Cup. Hasn't every golfer had the dream of playing in a US Open tournament. The closest I got to that was to play in a tournament paired up the starter for the USGA. No one will remember who won the US Open, but they will remember the 12. That was a great line, and I think that Rene Russo is hot. Don't tell my wife I said that though.
7. The Greatest Game Ever Played. Both of the main historical characters in the film had demons to come to grips with. Funny thing is that their demons were very similar. It was great to see golf played as it was in 1912. I recommend highly that you see this movie.
8. Bobby Jones: Stroke Of Genius. This was a fascinating movie that brought to life Bobby Jones. I would venture to say that he was the greatest golfer to ever play the game, strictly by his accomplishments. he was quite a man as well, earning several college degrees and earning both a CPA plus a Law degree. By the way, all of his golf accomplishments were done as an amateur. He never turned pro.
9. Banning. I would be willing to bet many of you have never heard of this one. It was a T.V, movie in the late 60's or early 70's. Robert Wagner plays a disgraced golf pro who finds a job at a country club. Its a great soap opera centered around the game of golf and what goes on among the course staff.
10. Dorf On Golf. This really isn't a movie per se, but it is one of my favorites. Tim Conway plays a psuedo golf pro giving lessons. The funny thing about all of this is he is only three feet tall and speaks with a heavy Scandanavian accent. It is a very hilarious look at trying to learn the game of golf. Hey Mark, have you ever tried to give a lesson in a Scandanavian accent?
These are twn of my favorites. I left out quite a few of movies simply because I never saw them or just saw parts of them. If you have a favorite or would like to comment on these, by all means do so in the comments section or email me at golfisforeveryone@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you.
Here is a short list of the golf movies I have enjoyed, In case you are wondering, I am going to be non-committal as far as which ones I think are the best because I love them all and have chosen them for different reasons. This is just a list, so don't get mad at me at the order I am presenting them.
1.Caddyshack. What can I say but "Its in the hole" and "Be the ball"? How about "its your honor your honor". That movie cracks me up and is a classic golf movie. It is still relevant today. Is it wrong that I still watch it whenever it is on, preferably on a station where the original is uncut. By the way, both of my wives don't think that any of it is funny, although my second wife is an avid golfer.
2. The Legend Of Baggar Vance. I am watching this one again. What a story. The golf references are timeless and very well said. I like the concept of the "authentic swing". Also Baggar put it very well when he says, "Golf is a game you can't win, only play. You can never be perfect." How true that is and maybe that is why so many of us play and enjoy the game so much.
3. The Caddy. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were quite the comedy team. I enjoy this film and its comedy. If any of you wondered where the song "Amore" originated, this movie was it. You remember, don't you? When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's amore. Well, maybe you don't.
4. Follow The Sun. This is probably a movie that has been forgotten but I highly recommend it. It is about Ben Hogan and the tragic accident he had that almost ended his golf career. What a man of courage and determination. It shows the determination and courage to mount an almost miraculous comeback from that accident. That's what our game is all about.
5. Happy Gilmore. I don't know if I should follow up Follow The Sun with Happy Gilmore, but oh well. I didn't like Happy Gilmore when it first came out. I thought that it was going to give golfers who don't play the game or those who don't respect the game the wrong idea. But the bottom line on the move was it was funny. I guess I am just a golf purist at heart.
6. Tim Cup. Hasn't every golfer had the dream of playing in a US Open tournament. The closest I got to that was to play in a tournament paired up the starter for the USGA. No one will remember who won the US Open, but they will remember the 12. That was a great line, and I think that Rene Russo is hot. Don't tell my wife I said that though.
7. The Greatest Game Ever Played. Both of the main historical characters in the film had demons to come to grips with. Funny thing is that their demons were very similar. It was great to see golf played as it was in 1912. I recommend highly that you see this movie.
8. Bobby Jones: Stroke Of Genius. This was a fascinating movie that brought to life Bobby Jones. I would venture to say that he was the greatest golfer to ever play the game, strictly by his accomplishments. he was quite a man as well, earning several college degrees and earning both a CPA plus a Law degree. By the way, all of his golf accomplishments were done as an amateur. He never turned pro.
9. Banning. I would be willing to bet many of you have never heard of this one. It was a T.V, movie in the late 60's or early 70's. Robert Wagner plays a disgraced golf pro who finds a job at a country club. Its a great soap opera centered around the game of golf and what goes on among the course staff.
10. Dorf On Golf. This really isn't a movie per se, but it is one of my favorites. Tim Conway plays a psuedo golf pro giving lessons. The funny thing about all of this is he is only three feet tall and speaks with a heavy Scandanavian accent. It is a very hilarious look at trying to learn the game of golf. Hey Mark, have you ever tried to give a lesson in a Scandanavian accent?
These are twn of my favorites. I left out quite a few of movies simply because I never saw them or just saw parts of them. If you have a favorite or would like to comment on these, by all means do so in the comments section or email me at golfisforeveryone@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you.
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| Trump National Los Angeles has never been used in a movie to my knowledge, but I see it all the time in commercials. No politics intended, its a great course with some great views. |
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Life Is A Bowl Of Cherries And The Game Of Golf
I stopped off at a fruit stand the other day and bought some strawberries and cherries. I love strawberries. I think I love cherries--I hate apricots--even more than strawberries. As I was looking at these wonderful round morsels of red sweet fruit I thought about golf. Why golf I don't know and sometimes I wonder how my mind gets to where it is going sometime. I began to think about what golf and cherries have in common. They have much in common, especially if you look for their similarities.
Cherries are for the most part very sweet and have a wonderful taste. They provide a great amount of fun and satisfaction as you eat them. Although you can't eat golf, the game does provide a lot of fun and satisfaction.
Cherries help you sleep better. They contain a high amount of melatonin, which aids in better sleep. Melatonin helps bring about a deeper sleep. Golf can have that same effect. Have you ever walked eighteen holes? You know what I am talking about, especially after the couple of beers you may have at the nineteenth hole. You go home and sleep like a baby. I won't even mention the naps you can take on a Saturday afternoon while playing the crowded golf course during your six hour round and the play is very slow.
Cherries are very low in calories and can assist in losing weight for those of us who have a sweet tooth. Golf will help you lose weight as well. Remember, our's is an active sport which involves movement and activity. You walk a lot and swing the club, especially when the greens keepers have the "No Carts" signs a quarter of a mile away from the hole. How about when the place you park your cart is about 200 feet up from where the hole is down the hill. You walk a lot in this game. It is very healthy for you, just like the low calorie cherry. One warning though and that is don't order that double cheeseburger and beer at the coffee shop at the end of the round. I know it is so good, but it kind of nulifies the health benefits of the round. Eat more cherries to counteract this.
Cherries are good for your heart. They are very high in potassium which regulates potassium levels in you body. I don't know exactly what that means but I know it helps your heart. After all, I'm a golf blogger and not a doctor. Golf is good for your heart because it gets you off the couch and out into the fresh air. No matter what, you are going to do some walking and walking I am told is
good for your heart.
Next time you go to your local fruit stand or grocery store, pick up some cherries. Enjoy each and very one of them and think about how they have so very much in common with the game of golf. Take some along with you when you go to the course and play. They make a great on course snack. I will make one last comment about all of this. I hate apricots.
Cherries are for the most part very sweet and have a wonderful taste. They provide a great amount of fun and satisfaction as you eat them. Although you can't eat golf, the game does provide a lot of fun and satisfaction.
Cherries help you sleep better. They contain a high amount of melatonin, which aids in better sleep. Melatonin helps bring about a deeper sleep. Golf can have that same effect. Have you ever walked eighteen holes? You know what I am talking about, especially after the couple of beers you may have at the nineteenth hole. You go home and sleep like a baby. I won't even mention the naps you can take on a Saturday afternoon while playing the crowded golf course during your six hour round and the play is very slow.
Cherries are very low in calories and can assist in losing weight for those of us who have a sweet tooth. Golf will help you lose weight as well. Remember, our's is an active sport which involves movement and activity. You walk a lot and swing the club, especially when the greens keepers have the "No Carts" signs a quarter of a mile away from the hole. How about when the place you park your cart is about 200 feet up from where the hole is down the hill. You walk a lot in this game. It is very healthy for you, just like the low calorie cherry. One warning though and that is don't order that double cheeseburger and beer at the coffee shop at the end of the round. I know it is so good, but it kind of nulifies the health benefits of the round. Eat more cherries to counteract this.
Cherries are good for your heart. They are very high in potassium which regulates potassium levels in you body. I don't know exactly what that means but I know it helps your heart. After all, I'm a golf blogger and not a doctor. Golf is good for your heart because it gets you off the couch and out into the fresh air. No matter what, you are going to do some walking and walking I am told is
good for your heart.
Next time you go to your local fruit stand or grocery store, pick up some cherries. Enjoy each and very one of them and think about how they have so very much in common with the game of golf. Take some along with you when you go to the course and play. They make a great on course snack. I will make one last comment about all of this. I hate apricots.
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| Careful now, you don't to overdo it an cancel out the great weight loss effects of the cherries. |
Monday, May 23, 2016
No Birdies, But It Was A Lot Of Laughs
You just don't realize how much you miss it until you are away for a while. No matter how bad, I keep coming back and I am very glad that I do. My golf abilities are not where they once were but one thing is for certain. I love the game of golf. Tuesday and Thursday of last week have conviced me that I must find a way to play more. I played both days--badly I might add--and enjoyed every minute of it.
I actually got to play golf last week--not once but twice. Tuesday I played my local home course as a tune up for a round with a good friend that moved to Las Vegas. The round with my friend was Thursday and we played at a resort course in the Gold Country Hills close to Angels Camp, California. Both days the temperature was in the high 80's with a slight wind and very sunny. Is there anything better than golf on a warm spring day? How can you not love this sport, even if you don't play well?
My round on Tuesday did not start well on the short par 5. I duck hooked my drive into the trees. The rest of the hole did not go well as I developed a shank and everything went ugly right. I walked off the green with a 9 and walked to the next hole where the left-right army style golf continued with a triple on the hole. At that point a took a short inventory of what I was doing in my swing and tried slightly dropping my right shoulder. I also slowed down my swing. Hole number three saw me hit a magnificent towering drive straight and down the middle. Eureka, I found it! There were still a coupple of triples thrown in and two birdie putts missed, but it was a fun 100. Things did come together even though the score didn't show it. This is no time to panic.
Thursday rolled around and I was excited. We were originally sceduled to play a course South of Sonora, California but my friend called and said that there was a course near where he was staying that was in what looked to be in great shape. I had heard of the course he was talking about and the course was on my list of courses to play as was the original course. I agreed to make the change and play the second course. What a course and it was in fantastic shape. The fairways were lush, tree lined and green with the greens putting true and quick. It was very easy to fall in love with this course which was very playable and yet challenging.
The round started out well, at least on the drive. I did hit my drive into the rough on the left. I topped my second shot but hit a great seven iron onto the green with my third shot. Things went well on the front with me scoring a 46 over the nine holes. I was encouraged. The three pars kind of helped out the situation.
We bumped into the pro at nine and he asked how I liked the course so far. I told him that I had fallen in love with it. He told me that the course has that effect on players. His last comment was that the back was a bit harder. Well, let's get to it shall we?
I wish I could say that I played the back better than the front. Unfortunately, I felt a bit of a tug in my right side and it started to hurt. I took a couple of Tylenol to brunt the pain, but it never went away. I swung as well as I could and it didn't hurt on all swings. However, I did need to slow down my swing just a bit and was always mindful of the pain. My swing was unpredictable as that little tug was in the back of my mind. I would of loved to have erased the three quadruple bobies on the back, but that was due to the twinge in my back. I ended up shooting a 57 on the back for a 103 overall.
A 100 and a 103 are about ten to fifteen strokes away from where I was when I was playing regularly. I am not playing as much. Here is the important part of all of this. Even though I didn't score, I had a lot of laughs with my friend and I also had fun with the two guys I played with at my home course. Golf is about having fun and enjoying the company of others. It is not about score. I didn't throw my clubs in the lake and I didn't quit the game. I am going to play more this summer. The point of all this is golf is a lot of fun, especially if you keep in "fun" mode and stay out of "score" mode. Keep things in perspective and have fun.
I actually got to play golf last week--not once but twice. Tuesday I played my local home course as a tune up for a round with a good friend that moved to Las Vegas. The round with my friend was Thursday and we played at a resort course in the Gold Country Hills close to Angels Camp, California. Both days the temperature was in the high 80's with a slight wind and very sunny. Is there anything better than golf on a warm spring day? How can you not love this sport, even if you don't play well?
My round on Tuesday did not start well on the short par 5. I duck hooked my drive into the trees. The rest of the hole did not go well as I developed a shank and everything went ugly right. I walked off the green with a 9 and walked to the next hole where the left-right army style golf continued with a triple on the hole. At that point a took a short inventory of what I was doing in my swing and tried slightly dropping my right shoulder. I also slowed down my swing. Hole number three saw me hit a magnificent towering drive straight and down the middle. Eureka, I found it! There were still a coupple of triples thrown in and two birdie putts missed, but it was a fun 100. Things did come together even though the score didn't show it. This is no time to panic.
Thursday rolled around and I was excited. We were originally sceduled to play a course South of Sonora, California but my friend called and said that there was a course near where he was staying that was in what looked to be in great shape. I had heard of the course he was talking about and the course was on my list of courses to play as was the original course. I agreed to make the change and play the second course. What a course and it was in fantastic shape. The fairways were lush, tree lined and green with the greens putting true and quick. It was very easy to fall in love with this course which was very playable and yet challenging.
The round started out well, at least on the drive. I did hit my drive into the rough on the left. I topped my second shot but hit a great seven iron onto the green with my third shot. Things went well on the front with me scoring a 46 over the nine holes. I was encouraged. The three pars kind of helped out the situation.
We bumped into the pro at nine and he asked how I liked the course so far. I told him that I had fallen in love with it. He told me that the course has that effect on players. His last comment was that the back was a bit harder. Well, let's get to it shall we?
I wish I could say that I played the back better than the front. Unfortunately, I felt a bit of a tug in my right side and it started to hurt. I took a couple of Tylenol to brunt the pain, but it never went away. I swung as well as I could and it didn't hurt on all swings. However, I did need to slow down my swing just a bit and was always mindful of the pain. My swing was unpredictable as that little tug was in the back of my mind. I would of loved to have erased the three quadruple bobies on the back, but that was due to the twinge in my back. I ended up shooting a 57 on the back for a 103 overall.
A 100 and a 103 are about ten to fifteen strokes away from where I was when I was playing regularly. I am not playing as much. Here is the important part of all of this. Even though I didn't score, I had a lot of laughs with my friend and I also had fun with the two guys I played with at my home course. Golf is about having fun and enjoying the company of others. It is not about score. I didn't throw my clubs in the lake and I didn't quit the game. I am going to play more this summer. The point of all this is golf is a lot of fun, especially if you keep in "fun" mode and stay out of "score" mode. Keep things in perspective and have fun.
 |
| It just doesn't get any better. Now let's make the putt for birdie. |
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Lady's Day--Uh Weekend: Part 4: Conclusion (This Is It, I think)
I think that this may be the final installment of this series of blogs on bringing women into the game of golf and making them feel welcomed. There were a lot of responses and suggestions of which I wanted to share with you. One of the biggest challenges that we all face in this question is the changing of attitudes. As golfers we must be accepting of all players and understand that our is a fellowship of golfers and a community. It is not an us versus them war. We are a diverse community of golfers and all must feel welcomed, no matter who the player is.
One of the first suggestions was to have more women's days and clinics designed to meet the needs of women players of all abilities. Along with this goes women's league play with different formats and activities after the league event. Included in this are more tournaments for women only. I know that sounds a bit separatist, but we men play in men's only events don't we. What would the difference be. These women's tournaments and leagues can mix formal events with casual events to make the golf experience more varied and fun.
I had a couple of comments about women's leagues and tournaments and those were about prizes and rewarding accomplishments. There was a complaint that in women's club events prizes were not comparable to those prizes offered in men's events. I have not run across this in the lady's club tournaments that I have seen in courses I have been at. This does have to be looked at as a simple respect issue. Scores may be higher in a lady's event, but it is still an accomplishment to place, even with a score of 109.
I got a lot of feedback and suggestions about couples playing together and what can be done to get couples playing together. All the suggestions were great, but what happens when you have a woman that is not in a couples relationship? What do we do in that case? I think that is where the women's leagues and tournaments come into play. Why not open couple's play to singles with a playing partner as well.
Several of you shared what was happening at the course you play at and events that bring couples to the course to play. It was clear that many courses offer couples tournaments and offers. One person talked about a "Nine and Dine" evening for couples--singles with playing partners were also invited--which included a nine hole tournament with dinner. If the one spouse did not play golf, the non golfer's part of the deal would translate into a golf lesson for the golfer or a beginner's lesson for the non-golfer. There was also a suggestion for a "Couples Club" with a nine hole tournament and then Bar-B-Que with raffle and prizes. Sounds like a lot of fun, doesn't it?
How about holding more mixed tournaments? At the course I used to belong to we had a Senior's Tournament which was open to both the Men's and Women's club. The turnout was fantastic and everyone looked forward to the event. It was an 18 hole scramble event with a blind draw. We had a lot of laughs and the competition was fierce even for a scramble event. By the way, when we had a club event it was always open to women or at least had a women's division with equal prizes.
I play golf with my wife a great deal. I enjoy the time being with her and the time on the golf course with her is well spent. She also is going to play a lot this summer without me and that is great. I would love to see more women on the course. We as golfers need to encourage women to get out and enjoy the game. Come to think of it, we need to encourage more people to come out and enjoy the game. Golf is after all, for everyone.
One of the first suggestions was to have more women's days and clinics designed to meet the needs of women players of all abilities. Along with this goes women's league play with different formats and activities after the league event. Included in this are more tournaments for women only. I know that sounds a bit separatist, but we men play in men's only events don't we. What would the difference be. These women's tournaments and leagues can mix formal events with casual events to make the golf experience more varied and fun.
I had a couple of comments about women's leagues and tournaments and those were about prizes and rewarding accomplishments. There was a complaint that in women's club events prizes were not comparable to those prizes offered in men's events. I have not run across this in the lady's club tournaments that I have seen in courses I have been at. This does have to be looked at as a simple respect issue. Scores may be higher in a lady's event, but it is still an accomplishment to place, even with a score of 109.
I got a lot of feedback and suggestions about couples playing together and what can be done to get couples playing together. All the suggestions were great, but what happens when you have a woman that is not in a couples relationship? What do we do in that case? I think that is where the women's leagues and tournaments come into play. Why not open couple's play to singles with a playing partner as well.
Several of you shared what was happening at the course you play at and events that bring couples to the course to play. It was clear that many courses offer couples tournaments and offers. One person talked about a "Nine and Dine" evening for couples--singles with playing partners were also invited--which included a nine hole tournament with dinner. If the one spouse did not play golf, the non golfer's part of the deal would translate into a golf lesson for the golfer or a beginner's lesson for the non-golfer. There was also a suggestion for a "Couples Club" with a nine hole tournament and then Bar-B-Que with raffle and prizes. Sounds like a lot of fun, doesn't it?
How about holding more mixed tournaments? At the course I used to belong to we had a Senior's Tournament which was open to both the Men's and Women's club. The turnout was fantastic and everyone looked forward to the event. It was an 18 hole scramble event with a blind draw. We had a lot of laughs and the competition was fierce even for a scramble event. By the way, when we had a club event it was always open to women or at least had a women's division with equal prizes.
I play golf with my wife a great deal. I enjoy the time being with her and the time on the golf course with her is well spent. She also is going to play a lot this summer without me and that is great. I would love to see more women on the course. We as golfers need to encourage women to get out and enjoy the game. Come to think of it, we need to encourage more people to come out and enjoy the game. Golf is after all, for everyone.
 |
| This was a mixed senior event and she cleaned everyone's clock. |
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Lady's Day--Uh Weekend: Part 4: Conclusion (Maybe)
I didn't intend this to be a series on bringing more women into the game of golf. It seems as if it is taking on sort of a life of it's own. That's OK though because it has stimulated a good discussion on the issue. One thing is clear and that is the issue is not going to go away. We need more women to take up the game. I asked for some suggestions yesterday and I got some good ones.
Responses were varied. They ran the gamut from couples golf to running women's tournaments and the attitudes of men on the course. Many of the responses hit very similar notes which were great suggestions. Let me share with you some of the best suggestions.
I want to start with the course itself. There were a few simple suggestions such as clean restrooms and ball washers as well as garbage cans on the lady's tees. One comment was about the lady's tee at a particular course. The management would put lady's tees far back so to discourage women from playing because the course would be too long and difficult for most women. That makes a lot of sense, doesn't it? How about setting women's tees at appropriate distances on holes. Better women players who feel comfortable with a longer course can play from the men's tees. Men have that choice and can play the "Senior" tees, why not encourage that option for the lady's. I hate to tell you this guys but there are women out there that can hit the ball further than you can. Ask my daughter and my wife.
How about the pro shop having more merchandise for women. Many pro shops are small, I realize this but there are a lot of large shops that don't have a great selection of merchandise for women. This has to change.
Speaking of the pro shop, some attitudes there need to change as well. I have to admit that I have seen more women working in the shops but mostly at the front desk. However, one of the responses I got yesterday was that a lady was very upset about when she calls to make a tee time at her local course. The voice on the other end of the line was a man and she said that the man gave her the run around suggesting she book a late afternoon time when the course was not as busy. I understand that online booking of tee times takes care of a lot of this Male/Female bias, but it shouldn't happen but does more often than you think.
I have some other suggestions to share and will in tomorrow's post. One thing that we all have to remember. We are golfers and play a wonderful game. There is room for all of us to enjoy the game. Golf is for everyone.
Responses were varied. They ran the gamut from couples golf to running women's tournaments and the attitudes of men on the course. Many of the responses hit very similar notes which were great suggestions. Let me share with you some of the best suggestions.
I want to start with the course itself. There were a few simple suggestions such as clean restrooms and ball washers as well as garbage cans on the lady's tees. One comment was about the lady's tee at a particular course. The management would put lady's tees far back so to discourage women from playing because the course would be too long and difficult for most women. That makes a lot of sense, doesn't it? How about setting women's tees at appropriate distances on holes. Better women players who feel comfortable with a longer course can play from the men's tees. Men have that choice and can play the "Senior" tees, why not encourage that option for the lady's. I hate to tell you this guys but there are women out there that can hit the ball further than you can. Ask my daughter and my wife.
How about the pro shop having more merchandise for women. Many pro shops are small, I realize this but there are a lot of large shops that don't have a great selection of merchandise for women. This has to change.
Speaking of the pro shop, some attitudes there need to change as well. I have to admit that I have seen more women working in the shops but mostly at the front desk. However, one of the responses I got yesterday was that a lady was very upset about when she calls to make a tee time at her local course. The voice on the other end of the line was a man and she said that the man gave her the run around suggesting she book a late afternoon time when the course was not as busy. I understand that online booking of tee times takes care of a lot of this Male/Female bias, but it shouldn't happen but does more often than you think.
I have some other suggestions to share and will in tomorrow's post. One thing that we all have to remember. We are golfers and play a wonderful game. There is room for all of us to enjoy the game. Golf is for everyone.
 |
| Long and down the middle. |
Friday, May 20, 2016
Lady's Day--Uh Weekend (Part 3)
Golf needs more women playing the game. In the first two parts of this I have talked about women in the game. Part two briefly covered some ways to do this. there are a few more ideas that can be done to encourage more women to play the game we all love. Keep in mind that there are a lot of women who do enjoy the game, but the more the merrier. Playing golf has some wonderful benefits for all players; men, women and juniors whether they be girls or boys.
What are a few things we can do to draw women into the game and make the game more enjoyable? In Part 2 I mentioned that we should ask if they play golf and would like to learn. That is a very simple thing to do. There are learning programs that are run by the courses such as GetGolfReady that can be tailored toward beginner women. The big problem here is these programs must be promoted. There is also a website for women called GolfForHer.com which is a resource for women. All are great programs that can get women started and make them feel welcomed.
Why not have special women's events. There can be new takes on the old idea of "Lady's Day" that maybe has a fun format tournament and a wine tasting or fashion show afterwards. We men have our men's club events, why not have more women's club events. In fact, why not have a women's club? I know that at a good number of courses there just isn't one. One important key here is that the course has to promote these events to members and guests. If the course is not committed to putting on these events and gets the news out there, they won't get off the ground.
Junior golf is the future of golf. We must support it. Right now, girls are participating in junior golf in a huge way. This needs to be promoted in all areas from just starting girls into the game with basic lessons to supporting girls tournaments. Wouldn't it be great if golf became as successful in drawing girls into golf as the other sports such as soccer and softball? Golf is a lifelong sport and unlike soccer or softball, women can keep playing all their lives competitively at a high level. My daughter played competitive golf from junior girls tournaments to her college years and still loves to play.
Hey guys, have you ever considered playing a round of golf with your wife or girlfriend? How about a golf vacation? For some, that may be a very foreign idea but try it sometime. I'm sure she would appreciate it. You never know, you may truly enjoy it. She's not invading your space or kingdom, just wants to be a part of it. Besides, you don't have to play together all the time. She may not want to play golf with you all the time. She may have a group of women she enjoys playing with just as you have your "golf buddies". Make it a point to play golf together with your wife or girlfriend. It is time well spent together. Please do not give your wife lessons unless she asks guys. Let the Pro handle that. It may save your relationship.
There is one fact that a lot of us seem to forget. We are golfers. Male, female, junior, senior beginner or experienced we must remember that we are all golfers and each of us are in different places in our golfing experience. People are unique and play the game their own unique but similar way. Remember, all are included as all should be welcomed. It really doesn't matter. Have fun and enjoy the game whoever you are and at whatever level you find yourself. Ladies, welcome aboard and bring your friends.
What are a few things we can do to draw women into the game and make the game more enjoyable? In Part 2 I mentioned that we should ask if they play golf and would like to learn. That is a very simple thing to do. There are learning programs that are run by the courses such as GetGolfReady that can be tailored toward beginner women. The big problem here is these programs must be promoted. There is also a website for women called GolfForHer.com which is a resource for women. All are great programs that can get women started and make them feel welcomed.
Why not have special women's events. There can be new takes on the old idea of "Lady's Day" that maybe has a fun format tournament and a wine tasting or fashion show afterwards. We men have our men's club events, why not have more women's club events. In fact, why not have a women's club? I know that at a good number of courses there just isn't one. One important key here is that the course has to promote these events to members and guests. If the course is not committed to putting on these events and gets the news out there, they won't get off the ground.
Junior golf is the future of golf. We must support it. Right now, girls are participating in junior golf in a huge way. This needs to be promoted in all areas from just starting girls into the game with basic lessons to supporting girls tournaments. Wouldn't it be great if golf became as successful in drawing girls into golf as the other sports such as soccer and softball? Golf is a lifelong sport and unlike soccer or softball, women can keep playing all their lives competitively at a high level. My daughter played competitive golf from junior girls tournaments to her college years and still loves to play.
Hey guys, have you ever considered playing a round of golf with your wife or girlfriend? How about a golf vacation? For some, that may be a very foreign idea but try it sometime. I'm sure she would appreciate it. You never know, you may truly enjoy it. She's not invading your space or kingdom, just wants to be a part of it. Besides, you don't have to play together all the time. She may not want to play golf with you all the time. She may have a group of women she enjoys playing with just as you have your "golf buddies". Make it a point to play golf together with your wife or girlfriend. It is time well spent together. Please do not give your wife lessons unless she asks guys. Let the Pro handle that. It may save your relationship.
There is one fact that a lot of us seem to forget. We are golfers. Male, female, junior, senior beginner or experienced we must remember that we are all golfers and each of us are in different places in our golfing experience. People are unique and play the game their own unique but similar way. Remember, all are included as all should be welcomed. It really doesn't matter. Have fun and enjoy the game whoever you are and at whatever level you find yourself. Ladies, welcome aboard and bring your friends.
 |
| Let's get started here and play some golf! |
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Played!
Yesterday was a special day. It shouldn't be a special day when I get out to play a round of golf, but with my life circumstances as they have been that is just the way it has played out. I have mentioned my divorce and my bought with congestive heart failure. I have remarried--happily I might add--and it seems as though my congestive heart failure is being managed. My wife works and we only have one car so transportation is an issue, Yesterday I said damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead I'm playing golf today.
I keep forgetting how much fun our game of golf is. As I have shared before, I am on the three month plan. What this means is that I only play golf about once every three months. You really can't understand how frustrating it is writing about golf and reading about it on FaceBook and other social media outlets. Its not like I cry myself to sleep at night, but it does sadden me. I used to play about three to four times a week and play in tournaments. I was proud of my 18 handicap. I miss this very much. I miss that trip to the course, not only to play but to just be around the course and the atmosphere of the course.
Guess what. I got to play yesterday. It was wonderful, even though I played terribly. That was not important, I was out on the golf course hitting the ball and trying to get it into the hole. As a matter of fact, my swing was downright ugly, especially for the first four holes. That didn't matter. It was frustrating and I knew that I only had to make a minor adjustment to my swing to play better, but it really didn't matter. I was on the course playing. This was FUN!
I have to admit that it was pretty ugly. I began shanking and didn't know how to correct them. I topped my irons and pulled hooked my driver. I even topped my pitches and chips. How can you do that with a 60 degree wedge. That was me yesterday. Putts came up three inches short or two feet long. Shots like this would have made a lesser man cry, let alone want to put their clubs on Craig's List or Ebay. Not me, I knew that things would get better and I had no feel because I hadn't played in a long time. Things would get better in the round, and they did.
I walked off the eighteenth hole and added up the score on the card. I guess a 101 isn't that bad since you took six triples. I wasn't thinking of lessons. I wasn't thinking of growing the game. I wasn't thinking of youth programs or women's golf. I wasn't thinking of golf websites or FaceBook or even what I was going to write in this blog. I wasn't thinking of golf travel or what my next golf travel video was going to be about.
I was playing golf. One very important thought went through my head during the round and after. Everything was kept in perspective. THIS WAS FUN!
I'm playing tomorrow too.
I keep forgetting how much fun our game of golf is. As I have shared before, I am on the three month plan. What this means is that I only play golf about once every three months. You really can't understand how frustrating it is writing about golf and reading about it on FaceBook and other social media outlets. Its not like I cry myself to sleep at night, but it does sadden me. I used to play about three to four times a week and play in tournaments. I was proud of my 18 handicap. I miss this very much. I miss that trip to the course, not only to play but to just be around the course and the atmosphere of the course.
Guess what. I got to play yesterday. It was wonderful, even though I played terribly. That was not important, I was out on the golf course hitting the ball and trying to get it into the hole. As a matter of fact, my swing was downright ugly, especially for the first four holes. That didn't matter. It was frustrating and I knew that I only had to make a minor adjustment to my swing to play better, but it really didn't matter. I was on the course playing. This was FUN!
I have to admit that it was pretty ugly. I began shanking and didn't know how to correct them. I topped my irons and pulled hooked my driver. I even topped my pitches and chips. How can you do that with a 60 degree wedge. That was me yesterday. Putts came up three inches short or two feet long. Shots like this would have made a lesser man cry, let alone want to put their clubs on Craig's List or Ebay. Not me, I knew that things would get better and I had no feel because I hadn't played in a long time. Things would get better in the round, and they did.
I walked off the eighteenth hole and added up the score on the card. I guess a 101 isn't that bad since you took six triples. I wasn't thinking of lessons. I wasn't thinking of growing the game. I wasn't thinking of youth programs or women's golf. I wasn't thinking of golf websites or FaceBook or even what I was going to write in this blog. I wasn't thinking of golf travel or what my next golf travel video was going to be about.
I was playing golf. One very important thought went through my head during the round and after. Everything was kept in perspective. THIS WAS FUN!
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| It was great to tee off again. I missed you first tee. |
Monday, May 16, 2016
Ladies' Day--Uh, Weekend (Part 2)
There are a lot of women out there. I know, I see them every day. What I don't see is more of them out playing golf. There are a lot of reasons for this, I am sure but my question is how can we get new women players to take up the game? There are a few things we can do. Even I as a non-professional golfer can help.
How many moms drive their junior girl or boy out to the driving range for a lesson? Many times the mom stays for the lesson for the hour it lasts. Many times you see them out there with their book or tablet reading or just killing time until their junior's lesson is over. The golf pro giving the lesson should be aware of the fact that the parent is a golfer or a non-golfer. Many parents are golfers but a good percentage of them are not but still transport their kids to the course for a lesson or to the course for a junior tournament.
Here comes the hard part. A lot of you pros aren't going to like this because it may involve stepping out of your comfort zone. Remember, mom is sitting in her chair probably bored to tears. Why not casually ask her this question, "Do you play golf?" See, that wasn't that hard, was it? You have opened the door.
Many parents will say yes, but I am willing to guess many will say no. Think about what just happened either way. If the mom said no, why not? This is a great time to begin a conversation to get them playing. It may take some effort and a few tries with time as well as a lot of encouragement over the course of the series of the junior's lessons, but it is well worth it. Why not take a minute and involve the mom in one of the junior's lessons. It is a wise investment as the mom may get hooked and book lessons for themselves. As one of my colleagues has said, "Put a club in their hand." After all, in most cases they are just sitting there bored to tears.
The PGA has a program that is called Get Golf Ready. The program is basically for all golfers but why not have women only groups? Let's face it guys, we can be intimidating even in a beginner's setting. Women may feel more comfortable learning the game with other women. These Get Golf Ready groups provide a series of lessons that start from the absolute beginning and not only cover the swing, but the whole golf culture from the beginning. Programs don't have to be associated with the PGA. Courses can be creative and start their own.
The biggest hurdle to these programs becoming successful is promoting them. If you hide them, you won't get ladies participating. Even though you create or implement a program, it may not be successful. "If you build it, they will come." doesn't apply. Don't hide them, promote them.
In past posts I have talked about creating a mentoring program for new golfers. This is a critical part of growing the game, especially with women. Women who are already playing golf should come along side those just starting and mentor them through possible speed bumps to becoming successful and enjoying the game. WE need to make sure that new golfers, men and women know that just like anything else there is a learning curve involved. They also must know that there is no "perfect" in golf. One idea must be stressed as a priority, and that is that golf is a lot of fun, not a chore.
There is a myriad of things that can be done to bring women into golf. By the way, if you have an idea feel free to comment or send me a blog post at golfisforeveryonemd@gmail.com. I would be happy to post it. We need some great suggestions.
How many moms drive their junior girl or boy out to the driving range for a lesson? Many times the mom stays for the lesson for the hour it lasts. Many times you see them out there with their book or tablet reading or just killing time until their junior's lesson is over. The golf pro giving the lesson should be aware of the fact that the parent is a golfer or a non-golfer. Many parents are golfers but a good percentage of them are not but still transport their kids to the course for a lesson or to the course for a junior tournament.
Here comes the hard part. A lot of you pros aren't going to like this because it may involve stepping out of your comfort zone. Remember, mom is sitting in her chair probably bored to tears. Why not casually ask her this question, "Do you play golf?" See, that wasn't that hard, was it? You have opened the door.
Many parents will say yes, but I am willing to guess many will say no. Think about what just happened either way. If the mom said no, why not? This is a great time to begin a conversation to get them playing. It may take some effort and a few tries with time as well as a lot of encouragement over the course of the series of the junior's lessons, but it is well worth it. Why not take a minute and involve the mom in one of the junior's lessons. It is a wise investment as the mom may get hooked and book lessons for themselves. As one of my colleagues has said, "Put a club in their hand." After all, in most cases they are just sitting there bored to tears.
The PGA has a program that is called Get Golf Ready. The program is basically for all golfers but why not have women only groups? Let's face it guys, we can be intimidating even in a beginner's setting. Women may feel more comfortable learning the game with other women. These Get Golf Ready groups provide a series of lessons that start from the absolute beginning and not only cover the swing, but the whole golf culture from the beginning. Programs don't have to be associated with the PGA. Courses can be creative and start their own.
The biggest hurdle to these programs becoming successful is promoting them. If you hide them, you won't get ladies participating. Even though you create or implement a program, it may not be successful. "If you build it, they will come." doesn't apply. Don't hide them, promote them.
In past posts I have talked about creating a mentoring program for new golfers. This is a critical part of growing the game, especially with women. Women who are already playing golf should come along side those just starting and mentor them through possible speed bumps to becoming successful and enjoying the game. WE need to make sure that new golfers, men and women know that just like anything else there is a learning curve involved. They also must know that there is no "perfect" in golf. One idea must be stressed as a priority, and that is that golf is a lot of fun, not a chore.
There is a myriad of things that can be done to bring women into golf. By the way, if you have an idea feel free to comment or send me a blog post at golfisforeveryonemd@gmail.com. I would be happy to post it. We need some great suggestions.
 |
| Wow, I really hit that one pure. Two hundred fifty yards right down the middle. |
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Ladies' Day--Uh, Weekend
It has been a busy weekend for me. I don't know if that is good or bad, but the weekend did surround itself around our great game of golf. No, I didn't get to play. As a matter of fact, my wife and I have a tee time for this afternoon but we are going to have to cancel it. That's the kind of weekend it has been for both of us. She was busy with her job and a couple of family events and I helped out in a golf tournament as well as had my "Course Assistant" training yesterday.
The tournament was a twenty-seven hole scramble event benefiting a local crisis pregnancy center. Included in the small field were two wonderful ladies. Both of these ladies were new to golf, and of course it showed so I had to stop and take some time to chat. What they had to say was pretty telling as to attitudes of golfers toward women on the golf course. Both said that they very much like the game and would play more, but felt very intimidated especially when they were around experienced golfers. Both would like to take up the game more seriously, but did not feel welcomed because of their "newbie" status and the mere fact that they were women. Why is that and should that attitude exist? I think not.
If our game is to grow, a lot of attitudes need to change. Women are one of the largest growth segments in the golf industry today. Walls need to be torn down and the welcome mat needs to be rolled out. We can't tolerate attitudes of "this is MY course, and THEY are not welcomed" can't be tolerated. That is a fairly general statement, I know but it is true and exists very strongly. I hate to say this fellas, but golf is a co-educational sport. Women are here, they are here to play golf and spend money.
As a guy, I know some of the reasons why we as men don't want women alowed into our kingdom. They talk a lot and play slow, don't they? They just don't hit the ball as far as we men, do they? I understand that, but have you played behind Clyde Doublebogey's foursome before? How about Nathan Fourhandicapper? All four golfers in their groups are men, and they talk a lot as well as play slow. The one thing about golf that people forget is that it is an egalitarian sport with a lot of men as talky and slow playing as women. I think that there was a major historical figure that said, "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone."
I very much enjoy playing golf with my wife and also my daughter. They are both women and play quite well I might add. I have been paired up with some ladies that facilitated my parting with a good amount of money in wagers. The bottom line is, how do we get more women into the game of golf and how do we change attitudes toward women playing golf. I'll visit that subject tomorrow.
The tournament was a twenty-seven hole scramble event benefiting a local crisis pregnancy center. Included in the small field were two wonderful ladies. Both of these ladies were new to golf, and of course it showed so I had to stop and take some time to chat. What they had to say was pretty telling as to attitudes of golfers toward women on the golf course. Both said that they very much like the game and would play more, but felt very intimidated especially when they were around experienced golfers. Both would like to take up the game more seriously, but did not feel welcomed because of their "newbie" status and the mere fact that they were women. Why is that and should that attitude exist? I think not.
If our game is to grow, a lot of attitudes need to change. Women are one of the largest growth segments in the golf industry today. Walls need to be torn down and the welcome mat needs to be rolled out. We can't tolerate attitudes of "this is MY course, and THEY are not welcomed" can't be tolerated. That is a fairly general statement, I know but it is true and exists very strongly. I hate to say this fellas, but golf is a co-educational sport. Women are here, they are here to play golf and spend money.
As a guy, I know some of the reasons why we as men don't want women alowed into our kingdom. They talk a lot and play slow, don't they? They just don't hit the ball as far as we men, do they? I understand that, but have you played behind Clyde Doublebogey's foursome before? How about Nathan Fourhandicapper? All four golfers in their groups are men, and they talk a lot as well as play slow. The one thing about golf that people forget is that it is an egalitarian sport with a lot of men as talky and slow playing as women. I think that there was a major historical figure that said, "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone."
I very much enjoy playing golf with my wife and also my daughter. They are both women and play quite well I might add. I have been paired up with some ladies that facilitated my parting with a good amount of money in wagers. The bottom line is, how do we get more women into the game of golf and how do we change attitudes toward women playing golf. I'll visit that subject tomorrow.
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| Dang, Angie could hit the ball a long way. She was fun on the course as well. She cleaned all our clocks. |
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Yes We Do!
As I was scrolling through my FaceBook page this morning I saw a post that was curious to me. The post was asking the question do we need more women in golf. It struck as kind of an odd question. Of course the answer to this is very obvious. You're darned right we do. I am very glad it was posted because sometimes we don't shed light on the obvious. Women must be encouraged to play and if they haven't already, to take up the game.
My wife plays golf. She has played softball almost at the professional level and also played basketball and volleyball in college. She was introduced to golf in San Diego when she was a youth minister at a local church. She got hooked and now is hooked for life. We try to go out together as much as we can and enjoy the game together. We haven't been able to lately because she has had some shoulder and knee problems and I have had health issues as well. Our health problems have pretty much improved so we plan to play soon and play more often. She is a lot of fun to golf together with as she brings a very competitive attitude to the game. Plus, she is not a bad golfer either.
My daughter plays golf. In fact, if you see a 5' 3" petite girl walking up to the first tee and she tries to interest you in a friendly money game, think twice. She loves to take money from unsuspecting strangers and she can play. She went to the California State High School Girls Tournament in her freshman year and just missed it in her senior year. After high school she played at a local community college going to the California Junior College Women't State Tournament that year. She hits the ball a mile and is a major contributor to the reason I have back problems today from trying to out drive her.
I admit to this. I used to pack up my clubs and toodled off to the golf course for a day of fun on the links leaving wife and family home. I tried to get my first wife into the game, but she never cared for it. I did try, seriously but I did get my son to take up the game and also my youngest daughter that I mentioned. Gentlemen, we have to change our attitudes towards women on the course. We need to encourage those who wish to take up the game to do so. Those who are already playing we need to encourage and make it possible for them to enjoy the game as much as we men do. Guys, it may be time for an attitude adjustment as far as women on the course and include them in the great game we play.
Please don't call me sexist when I say this. I truly don't intend it to be that way, but when you were born in the 50's you have some conflicting ways of saying things. Why not have daycare at the golf course? Let's free moms up to play. This actually can be beneficial to the game in that it gets more moms out to play and it can be an early introduction to golf with the kids. That may have been stated rather clumsily, but at least I hope I got the point across.
Yes gentlemen, Eve did give us that apple in the Garden of Eden but it may be time to forgive her for that. As far as golf is concerned, all should be forgiven and she should take her rightful place in the golfing community.
My wife plays golf. She has played softball almost at the professional level and also played basketball and volleyball in college. She was introduced to golf in San Diego when she was a youth minister at a local church. She got hooked and now is hooked for life. We try to go out together as much as we can and enjoy the game together. We haven't been able to lately because she has had some shoulder and knee problems and I have had health issues as well. Our health problems have pretty much improved so we plan to play soon and play more often. She is a lot of fun to golf together with as she brings a very competitive attitude to the game. Plus, she is not a bad golfer either.
My daughter plays golf. In fact, if you see a 5' 3" petite girl walking up to the first tee and she tries to interest you in a friendly money game, think twice. She loves to take money from unsuspecting strangers and she can play. She went to the California State High School Girls Tournament in her freshman year and just missed it in her senior year. After high school she played at a local community college going to the California Junior College Women't State Tournament that year. She hits the ball a mile and is a major contributor to the reason I have back problems today from trying to out drive her.
I admit to this. I used to pack up my clubs and toodled off to the golf course for a day of fun on the links leaving wife and family home. I tried to get my first wife into the game, but she never cared for it. I did try, seriously but I did get my son to take up the game and also my youngest daughter that I mentioned. Gentlemen, we have to change our attitudes towards women on the course. We need to encourage those who wish to take up the game to do so. Those who are already playing we need to encourage and make it possible for them to enjoy the game as much as we men do. Guys, it may be time for an attitude adjustment as far as women on the course and include them in the great game we play.
Please don't call me sexist when I say this. I truly don't intend it to be that way, but when you were born in the 50's you have some conflicting ways of saying things. Why not have daycare at the golf course? Let's free moms up to play. This actually can be beneficial to the game in that it gets more moms out to play and it can be an early introduction to golf with the kids. That may have been stated rather clumsily, but at least I hope I got the point across.
Yes gentlemen, Eve did give us that apple in the Garden of Eden but it may be time to forgive her for that. As far as golf is concerned, all should be forgiven and she should take her rightful place in the golfing community.
 |
| Next time let's have her play from the men's tee if she is going to bomb it 280. That's my girl. |
Friday, May 13, 2016
Where Everyone Knows Your Name
Yes, I have to work today and not just writing this blog post. My task today is to assist a very good friend of mine at a charity tournament that I help with every year. It seems as though I am the designated ball procurer and I have done that. This year's tournament is at a public course and I will also be an on the course assistant and will not play. The whole thing is for a great cause so I don't mind not playing, but I will be busy and have to leave soon. Here is a post from November of 2015 that I think you will enjoy. We often forget the social aspect of the game and this may well get you to thinking about how that is an essential part of our game and why we enjoy the game so much.
I used to watch Cheers on TV. My favorite character was Norm as he was the one who everyone greeted as he walked in. I can relate to that, although I have also been accused of being a Cliff Clavin as sort of a know it all. I prefer the Norm persona. At our course I was the Norm and was always greeted with I "Hey Dave", one thing that I truly miss now that I moved away from Fresno and don't play golf regularly. I have no golf course that I regularly go to as was the case when I was a member of the club in Fresno.
That is one of the great things about the wonderful game we play. Playing is wonderful as it is a great game which requires a good amount of skill, strength and mental toughness. But when the round is over, there are others that have played and it is a lot of fun to go over your round with golfers who have also played. The nineteenth hole makes golf unique. The social part of the game I think is what makes the game so addictive.
There is nothing like walking into the pro shop and being greeted by your first name. What's next is truly priceless as well, and that is when you receive the good natured ribbing and teasing from the other golfers that know you. You know most of the people in the shop and they are there to play. It is a wonderful experience and you are part of it. That atmosphere continues after you finish your round when it starts all over again rehashing the round. You do this not only with those in your foursome, but whoever played that day. This is special.
Even if you are at a strange course and don't know a soul, by the time your round is over you have made new friends. The nineteenth hole is still a place to tell the stories of your round and of your families It is a time to relate to other golfers who have many of the same experiences you do. Five hours ago you were strangers, now you have a very strong bond. You began five hours ago as strangers and now you have come together almost as brothers and sisters. There is nothing like it in any sport.
It will never be "Hey, Norm" but I miss the "Hey Dave". Maybe soon, this will change.
I used to watch Cheers on TV. My favorite character was Norm as he was the one who everyone greeted as he walked in. I can relate to that, although I have also been accused of being a Cliff Clavin as sort of a know it all. I prefer the Norm persona. At our course I was the Norm and was always greeted with I "Hey Dave", one thing that I truly miss now that I moved away from Fresno and don't play golf regularly. I have no golf course that I regularly go to as was the case when I was a member of the club in Fresno.
That is one of the great things about the wonderful game we play. Playing is wonderful as it is a great game which requires a good amount of skill, strength and mental toughness. But when the round is over, there are others that have played and it is a lot of fun to go over your round with golfers who have also played. The nineteenth hole makes golf unique. The social part of the game I think is what makes the game so addictive.
There is nothing like walking into the pro shop and being greeted by your first name. What's next is truly priceless as well, and that is when you receive the good natured ribbing and teasing from the other golfers that know you. You know most of the people in the shop and they are there to play. It is a wonderful experience and you are part of it. That atmosphere continues after you finish your round when it starts all over again rehashing the round. You do this not only with those in your foursome, but whoever played that day. This is special.
Even if you are at a strange course and don't know a soul, by the time your round is over you have made new friends. The nineteenth hole is still a place to tell the stories of your round and of your families It is a time to relate to other golfers who have many of the same experiences you do. Five hours ago you were strangers, now you have a very strong bond. You began five hours ago as strangers and now you have come together almost as brothers and sisters. There is nothing like it in any sport.
It will never be "Hey, Norm" but I miss the "Hey Dave". Maybe soon, this will change.
 |
| The stories they tell. |
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Slooooow Play
We are all concerned about slow play, am I correct? I want to share this with you. It comes from Wayne "Gooch" Yamaguchi who is the Head Golf Professional at Lake Michigan Hills In Benton Harbor Michigan. It is a public course and gets a great deal of play during the season. Take a good look at these guidelines as they make a lot of good sense.
Pace of Play Basic Guidelines – Daily Fee Operation
Most if not all slow play issues can be solved before the first player tees off in the morning.
Rangers are the last resort.
Most slow play issues are due to:
o Looking for lost balls
Tall Rough especially in the growing season
Tall weeds along hazards.
o Delays caused by the golf course operation
Poorly staffed check in procedures
Delays making the turn at clubhouse for food, beverage
Mobile beverage cart moving backwards from 18 to 1.
No weeds, the golfer will know ball is lost.
Forwards preferable
Parked optimal
Golf shop must also let golfers know if there is a mobile beverage cart
available and advise if the beverage cart is
o Moving forward and will serve them on the teeing ground of the
next hole
o Mobile and where they are located
Directions to golf course difficult to navigate (no signage)
Not enough rest rooms available
Traffic patterns for golf carts made difficult because of course design
Not changing tee time spacing when course has conditions such as cart path
Above could cause legal issues
Mostly poorly placed bunkers and cart paths.
only
When checking people in pro shop staff should make players aware of current pace of play
expectations
o If there is a starter available, starter can repeat to customer
o This policy also lets “fast” players know what to expect. Also if there is a twosome
between groups of four, let them know the pace and to relax and take their time.
In busy time periods, avoid letting faster players through if groups are on pace.
Letting faster players through will back the course up in a short period of time.
Within four groups, the pace overall can go up as much as ten to fifteen minutes.
On the first tee
Rangers
o Avoid letting golfers tee off early if there is a full tee sheet. The spacing will decrease
and eventually back up.
o If first hole is a par four, do not allow groups to tee off until the group ahead is on or
near the green. More spacing issues.
o If course has Rangers, starter will let players know that Rangers are there to help them.
o Repeat message of beverage cart service availability
o Hire forecaddies or player assistants instead of Rangers –
Motorists always slow down for police even if they are under the speed limit. For
a lot of golfers, they see rangers as golf course police because of previous
experiences at other facilities. Don’t fall into this trap.
o Train all golf staff as forecaddies including the range kid
Also, train mobile beverage cart staff to notice unusual spacing on busy days
If forecaddies/player assistant staff can save a single foursome an average of 2
minutes a hole, if it take 9 holes to catch the group in front, this equates to
picking up 18 minutes. Could possibly translate from a 5.5 hour round to a more
desirable 4.5 hour round.
o Too many golf courses determine if a group is slow because they have fallen behind the
group in front. All forecaddies should have a tee sheet and know a groups actual
starting time and cart number (cart signs help). This way, they know if a group is “in
Position”.
o A good standard is 15 minutes a hole for par 4 & 5 and ten minutes for par 3’s. Add ten
minutes for making the turn, bathroom stops and this ends up being 4 hours and 20
minutes.
o If you have special events such as a club championship or competition, it is advisable to
have extra staff. Your regular golfers will appreciate it greatly and spend more time at
your course.
I like the idea of rangers being a last resort. Course Assistants should be more than just "golfer herders" but have the main task of assisting golfers and make their round and experience on the course more enjoyable. They are not "Traffic Cops". The comments about why play slows up are also very telling.
Thank you for sharing this Wayne, and I look forward to you sharing more of your thoughts.
Pace of Play Basic Guidelines – Daily Fee Operation
Most if not all slow play issues can be solved before the first player tees off in the morning.
Rangers are the last resort.
Most slow play issues are due to:
o Looking for lost balls
Tall Rough especially in the growing season
Tall weeds along hazards.
o Delays caused by the golf course operation
Poorly staffed check in procedures
Delays making the turn at clubhouse for food, beverage
Mobile beverage cart moving backwards from 18 to 1.
No weeds, the golfer will know ball is lost.
Forwards preferable
Parked optimal
Golf shop must also let golfers know if there is a mobile beverage cart
available and advise if the beverage cart is
o Moving forward and will serve them on the teeing ground of the
next hole
o Mobile and where they are located
Directions to golf course difficult to navigate (no signage)
Not enough rest rooms available
Traffic patterns for golf carts made difficult because of course design
Not changing tee time spacing when course has conditions such as cart path
Above could cause legal issues
Mostly poorly placed bunkers and cart paths.
only
When checking people in pro shop staff should make players aware of current pace of play
expectations
o If there is a starter available, starter can repeat to customer
o This policy also lets “fast” players know what to expect. Also if there is a twosome
between groups of four, let them know the pace and to relax and take their time.
In busy time periods, avoid letting faster players through if groups are on pace.
Letting faster players through will back the course up in a short period of time.
Within four groups, the pace overall can go up as much as ten to fifteen minutes.
On the first tee
Rangers
o Avoid letting golfers tee off early if there is a full tee sheet. The spacing will decrease
and eventually back up.
o If first hole is a par four, do not allow groups to tee off until the group ahead is on or
near the green. More spacing issues.
o If course has Rangers, starter will let players know that Rangers are there to help them.
o Repeat message of beverage cart service availability
o Hire forecaddies or player assistants instead of Rangers –
Motorists always slow down for police even if they are under the speed limit. For
a lot of golfers, they see rangers as golf course police because of previous
experiences at other facilities. Don’t fall into this trap.
o Train all golf staff as forecaddies including the range kid
Also, train mobile beverage cart staff to notice unusual spacing on busy days
If forecaddies/player assistant staff can save a single foursome an average of 2
minutes a hole, if it take 9 holes to catch the group in front, this equates to
picking up 18 minutes. Could possibly translate from a 5.5 hour round to a more
desirable 4.5 hour round.
o Too many golf courses determine if a group is slow because they have fallen behind the
group in front. All forecaddies should have a tee sheet and know a groups actual
starting time and cart number (cart signs help). This way, they know if a group is “in
Position”.
o A good standard is 15 minutes a hole for par 4 & 5 and ten minutes for par 3’s. Add ten
minutes for making the turn, bathroom stops and this ends up being 4 hours and 20
minutes.
o If you have special events such as a club championship or competition, it is advisable to
have extra staff. Your regular golfers will appreciate it greatly and spend more time at
your course.
I like the idea of rangers being a last resort. Course Assistants should be more than just "golfer herders" but have the main task of assisting golfers and make their round and experience on the course more enjoyable. They are not "Traffic Cops". The comments about why play slows up are also very telling.
Thank you for sharing this Wayne, and I look forward to you sharing more of your thoughts.
 |
| Let's keep it moving out there. |
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
The "Monolith"
Have you ever been awakened by a dream? That happened to me last night. I don't know if it was just the lasagna/cheese ravioli with sausage combination I had for dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant or that the dream was pretty vivid but I nevertheless woke up with a startle. It was profound and almost downright scary. Of course the dream centered around golf otherwise I wouldn't be sharing it with you, this being a golf blog and all.
It seems that I was was on a walk--I don't remember if it was in a forest or in a cloud or on a golf course--and came across this huge cold grey stone monolith. It was like it was a headstone on a grave and stood maybe twenty feet tall and three feet thick. I was very uneasy standing in front of this great slab of polished stone and sensed a strong feeling of death. Obviously, this was not a cheery place.
I looked up at the monolith and saw an inscription on its flat, grey cold stone face. The inscription had a title to it and the title in capital letters was "GOLF". Under the title "GOLF" was a subtitle, "A Game For Old Rich White Men". This was a bit spooky, but there was more writing on the monolith.
This is what was written on the monolith:
--All traditions must be upheld at all cost
--White men only
--Women will be tolerated but not welcomed
--The young should be involved in their studies and not learn to play golf. They should be kept off the course.
--Golf is no place for families.
--There shall be no innovations in the game as far as equipment
--The game shall not be made more enjoyable and available to those physically or age challenged
--You must play 18 holes in a stroke or match format
--Foot Golf and Disc Golf are anathema
--New golfers are not allowed on the course or cannot play adjusted rules to make the game more "learnable"
--"FUN", fun tournaments and fun outings are not for golf, only amusement parks
It occurred to me what this cold, grey monolith was. It was a partial listing of the attitudes that will kill the game of golf. The game needs to be vibrant and living. There needs to be room for improvements and change. Attitudes cannot be set in stone and not be open to discussion and possible change. I also am a firm believer that change for the sake of change is not good, but needed changes have to be looked at and implemented when necessary.
Our game is a game that is steeped in a rich history and is full of tradition. I am not saying that our history and traditions should be destroyed just for the sake of bringing in new players. What I am saying is we must be flexible and innovative. We can work within that history and tradition to bring the best to the game. We must take a good look at that "Monolith". Maybe it is time to blow it up and get it out of our way.
It seems that I was was on a walk--I don't remember if it was in a forest or in a cloud or on a golf course--and came across this huge cold grey stone monolith. It was like it was a headstone on a grave and stood maybe twenty feet tall and three feet thick. I was very uneasy standing in front of this great slab of polished stone and sensed a strong feeling of death. Obviously, this was not a cheery place.
I looked up at the monolith and saw an inscription on its flat, grey cold stone face. The inscription had a title to it and the title in capital letters was "GOLF". Under the title "GOLF" was a subtitle, "A Game For Old Rich White Men". This was a bit spooky, but there was more writing on the monolith.
This is what was written on the monolith:
--All traditions must be upheld at all cost
--White men only
--Women will be tolerated but not welcomed
--The young should be involved in their studies and not learn to play golf. They should be kept off the course.
--Golf is no place for families.
--There shall be no innovations in the game as far as equipment
--The game shall not be made more enjoyable and available to those physically or age challenged
--You must play 18 holes in a stroke or match format
--Foot Golf and Disc Golf are anathema
--New golfers are not allowed on the course or cannot play adjusted rules to make the game more "learnable"
--"FUN", fun tournaments and fun outings are not for golf, only amusement parks
It occurred to me what this cold, grey monolith was. It was a partial listing of the attitudes that will kill the game of golf. The game needs to be vibrant and living. There needs to be room for improvements and change. Attitudes cannot be set in stone and not be open to discussion and possible change. I also am a firm believer that change for the sake of change is not good, but needed changes have to be looked at and implemented when necessary.
Our game is a game that is steeped in a rich history and is full of tradition. I am not saying that our history and traditions should be destroyed just for the sake of bringing in new players. What I am saying is we must be flexible and innovative. We can work within that history and tradition to bring the best to the game. We must take a good look at that "Monolith". Maybe it is time to blow it up and get it out of our way.
 |
| We could use this on "The Monolith". |
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Growin' Up Golfer: Part 2
As a thirteen year old growing up in the late 60's golf was not a "cool" sport. You on the top of the athletic chain if you played Babe Ruth baseball or Pop Warner football. A golf existence was a sort of covert affair, and you never admitted that you you learning to play golf to just anyone. It was like you were a part of a secret society and only a few chosen kids were part of that society. It was not "cool" and you were definitely looked down upon as some sort of freak. Thirteen and learning how to play golf was some sort of anathema. Those of us "in the club" knew that golf was something special, and did not let the views of others deter us. We were courageous! Golf was a passion. We got good grades and played golf.
Remember I told you about that seven iron and five iron I got to start my lessons with. Soon after my first lesson, a good friend came by the house and bore a very special gift. He knew that I was ready to have a go at the real course after the few lessons I had taken so he brought over one night a "Slammin Sammy Snead" golf club starter set of 3, 5 7 and 9 irons with a driver and a three wood--these were real woods by the way. Included in the set was an old flat blade Otey Crissman putter. In fact, I still have that putter. I loved that putter and was deadly with it.
My first encounter with a golf course was a stint on a par three course, we called them "pitch and putts" back in the day. I don't remember what I shot, but I remember having a lot of fun. A couple of weeks later I was invited to play a real course with another good friend of mine. This was a full size course and we played the whole eighteen holes. I think I got about six balls up in the air, but I putted well and shot a 156. I will never forget that day, and the hook was very firmly set. Golf was my game. It was now a burning passion.
I am now in my sixty second year on this Earth and my passion for golf has remained a burning fire within me. I don't get to play as much as I used to, but the game is still a lot of fun. That passion remains, even stronger now.
Remember I told you about that seven iron and five iron I got to start my lessons with. Soon after my first lesson, a good friend came by the house and bore a very special gift. He knew that I was ready to have a go at the real course after the few lessons I had taken so he brought over one night a "Slammin Sammy Snead" golf club starter set of 3, 5 7 and 9 irons with a driver and a three wood--these were real woods by the way. Included in the set was an old flat blade Otey Crissman putter. In fact, I still have that putter. I loved that putter and was deadly with it.
My first encounter with a golf course was a stint on a par three course, we called them "pitch and putts" back in the day. I don't remember what I shot, but I remember having a lot of fun. A couple of weeks later I was invited to play a real course with another good friend of mine. This was a full size course and we played the whole eighteen holes. I think I got about six balls up in the air, but I putted well and shot a 156. I will never forget that day, and the hook was very firmly set. Golf was my game. It was now a burning passion.
I am now in my sixty second year on this Earth and my passion for golf has remained a burning fire within me. I don't get to play as much as I used to, but the game is still a lot of fun. That passion remains, even stronger now.
 |
| Spent a lot of time playing miniature golf as well. Helps with the putting technique. |
Friday, May 6, 2016
Brilliant Idea TaylorMade. Since We Are On The Subject
As we talked about yesterday, TaylorMade is for sale. I wanted to revisit this post from a few months ago to remind people just how innovative TaylorMade can be. Keep those donations coming in by the way, we are almost there. The "Buy TaylorMade" warchest is up to $2.50 now so we are well on the way to our goal. You can still send your donation, so please consider it and donate generously. Remember, you can be a part of golf history. In the meantime, enjoy this post from a few months ago.
What do I think of the fifteen inch cup as marketed to golf by Taylor Made? My thoughts have changed on the subject after playing a round with them in a tournament at Stevinson Ranch on Fourth Of July, 2014. It was a lot of fun to play them. I wouldn't want a steady diet of them, as I am a golf purist.
Stevinson Ranch, I am told, is the first golf course in Northern California to have the fifteen inch cup. It seems as though they will put the fifteen inch holes out in addition to the regular holes and pins, giving golfers a choice of which pins they want to play. Stevinson is to be congratulated for their innovation and wanting to try new ideas for the good of the game.
The idea is two-fold. The larger cup is supposed to make the game go faster. Time on the green is lessened because with the larger hole you don't really need a degree in advanced trigonometry or advanced calculus to get the read on a putt. It doesn't take as long to read a putt. However, the greens still do break and speed is critical. You must get the ball to the hole, even though that hole is a LOT bigger. Believe me, you can still come up short on a birdie putt. I know, I did three times. How can you miss with a cup the size of a hub cap? It is possible.
The second idea behind the larger cup is that it gets new golfers on the course sooner and gives them a sense of success in the game, at least when they get on the green. Instead of taking six or seven putts on the green and having to card a 12 or thirteen because of a misread of the the speed or break of a putt, the ball gets into the hole quicker. This actually moves the game along for the beginner and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
The concept behind the bigger cup is kind of like that in baseball. First when you are just starting out in the game you play tee-ball and then graduate up the steps and levels until you are able to play in the major leagues. Eventually, you graduate from the driving range to the par three course to the big course playing the 15 inch cup to the regulation cup. I think that this is a great idea. At first I didn't, but we have to get creative to get more people into the game, especially now.
I don't think that the intention is for the fifteen inch cup replace the regulation four and a half inch cup. I'm sixty years old and still a purist. The game requires a lot of skill, and reading a green is a big part of that skill. The fifteen inch cup is there for the growth of the game.
I have a video that is about the Fourth Of July Tournament at Stevinson. Take a look at it, I think that you will enjoy it. Here's the link: http://youtu.be/_Kx3Qrv18IE, or you can go to my website at http://the-golf-course-travel-bag.com and see it there. By the way, stop by and visit my website. I am always updating it and listing new courses and such as well as new golf tips and places to play. Take a look. In the meantime, hit 'em long and straight. Don't leave that birdie putt short, even with a fifteen inch cup.
PS: This was posted in July of 2014 on my other golf blog.. I am still not a big fan of the 15 inch cup and Stevinson Ranch has since closed. Check out the video though. http://youtu.be/_Kx3Qrv18IE
What do I think of the fifteen inch cup as marketed to golf by Taylor Made? My thoughts have changed on the subject after playing a round with them in a tournament at Stevinson Ranch on Fourth Of July, 2014. It was a lot of fun to play them. I wouldn't want a steady diet of them, as I am a golf purist.
Stevinson Ranch, I am told, is the first golf course in Northern California to have the fifteen inch cup. It seems as though they will put the fifteen inch holes out in addition to the regular holes and pins, giving golfers a choice of which pins they want to play. Stevinson is to be congratulated for their innovation and wanting to try new ideas for the good of the game.
The idea is two-fold. The larger cup is supposed to make the game go faster. Time on the green is lessened because with the larger hole you don't really need a degree in advanced trigonometry or advanced calculus to get the read on a putt. It doesn't take as long to read a putt. However, the greens still do break and speed is critical. You must get the ball to the hole, even though that hole is a LOT bigger. Believe me, you can still come up short on a birdie putt. I know, I did three times. How can you miss with a cup the size of a hub cap? It is possible.
The second idea behind the larger cup is that it gets new golfers on the course sooner and gives them a sense of success in the game, at least when they get on the green. Instead of taking six or seven putts on the green and having to card a 12 or thirteen because of a misread of the the speed or break of a putt, the ball gets into the hole quicker. This actually moves the game along for the beginner and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
The concept behind the bigger cup is kind of like that in baseball. First when you are just starting out in the game you play tee-ball and then graduate up the steps and levels until you are able to play in the major leagues. Eventually, you graduate from the driving range to the par three course to the big course playing the 15 inch cup to the regulation cup. I think that this is a great idea. At first I didn't, but we have to get creative to get more people into the game, especially now.
I don't think that the intention is for the fifteen inch cup replace the regulation four and a half inch cup. I'm sixty years old and still a purist. The game requires a lot of skill, and reading a green is a big part of that skill. The fifteen inch cup is there for the growth of the game.
I have a video that is about the Fourth Of July Tournament at Stevinson. Take a look at it, I think that you will enjoy it. Here's the link: http://youtu.be/_Kx3Qrv18IE, or you can go to my website at http://the-golf-course-travel-bag.com and see it there. By the way, stop by and visit my website. I am always updating it and listing new courses and such as well as new golf tips and places to play. Take a look. In the meantime, hit 'em long and straight. Don't leave that birdie putt short, even with a fifteen inch cup.
 |
| How can you leave a birdie putt short with a fifteen inch cup? I did, three times. SNAP! |
Thursday, May 5, 2016
C'mon, Let's Buy Taylormade!
Guess what. TaylorMade is up for sale. I have a great idea. Let's pitch in all our pennies and buy TaylorMade! Why not, we can run it probably just as well as Adiddas could. So c'mon and don't be shy. Donate to the cause. Let's buy TaylorMade before the Chinese do.
I have thought of several ways to do this wanting to be democratic about this and the campaign to raise the money. My first step will be to set up a PayPal account to keep the funds. We need to get this going before the Chinese get wind of what we are doing. I will start the fundraising efforts by throwing in the first five dollars. That's a lot of money to such a frugal man like myself. I will publish this on the social media sites for other civic minded golfers to pitch in at least five dollars to the cause. We have to keep TaylorMade in the hands of Americans.
I want to put in this disclaimer before I go to where I am going. I am not going to support a political candidate--I was a political science major in college and could not spell candidate to save my life which probably explains why I never went into politics but that's another story I probably won't tell. Donald Trump does not want American companies to have foreign ownership. Why don't we ask him to help finance a deal to buy TaylorMade and we will pay him back. The federal government does this all the time. We can call ourselves entrepreneurial students and sell it to Donald as a student loan which we can in no way pay back. That's the American way, isn't it? Come on Donald, you are a golfer. Help us out. Just think of the political mileage you can get out of this keeping a great American company in the hands of mostly Americans.
If Donald doesn't come through, I have another idea. The average round of golf is in the neighborhood of $40, am I right? I am asking you as golfers to forgo one round of golf this month and send the $40 you would have spent on the round of golf-- you can still go to the course and have a burger, that's OK--and send the $40 to me at the TaylorMade acquisition fund on PayPal. Think of that one for a moment. If one million golfers sent the fund $40, that would mean we would have a fund of $40 million to by TaylorMade. That should do it. We could even put in an offer for Ashworth and for Adams Golf. Is Barney still alive by the way? He probably would go for the deal.
I always wanted to manufacture golf shirts. That's all I wear.
I have an apology to make. If you were expecting Part 2 of Growing Up Golfer I just thought that this TaylorMade thing is much more important today. I want to get to this as soon as possible to get the ball rolling to acquire TaylorMade and that is going to take time. This is a priority.
TaylorMade is a great American company. Just think of the innovations that it has brought to the game of golf such as the 15 inch golf cup. The company needs to remain in the hands of an American company. If you are outside of the US and care to donate, we will gladly accept your $5 contribution or your $40 contribution provided it is made in dollars and not a foreign currency. What's that you say? Adidas is a German multinational company and not American company. They are not being bought out by the Chinese, are they?
I have thought of several ways to do this wanting to be democratic about this and the campaign to raise the money. My first step will be to set up a PayPal account to keep the funds. We need to get this going before the Chinese get wind of what we are doing. I will start the fundraising efforts by throwing in the first five dollars. That's a lot of money to such a frugal man like myself. I will publish this on the social media sites for other civic minded golfers to pitch in at least five dollars to the cause. We have to keep TaylorMade in the hands of Americans.
I want to put in this disclaimer before I go to where I am going. I am not going to support a political candidate--I was a political science major in college and could not spell candidate to save my life which probably explains why I never went into politics but that's another story I probably won't tell. Donald Trump does not want American companies to have foreign ownership. Why don't we ask him to help finance a deal to buy TaylorMade and we will pay him back. The federal government does this all the time. We can call ourselves entrepreneurial students and sell it to Donald as a student loan which we can in no way pay back. That's the American way, isn't it? Come on Donald, you are a golfer. Help us out. Just think of the political mileage you can get out of this keeping a great American company in the hands of mostly Americans.
If Donald doesn't come through, I have another idea. The average round of golf is in the neighborhood of $40, am I right? I am asking you as golfers to forgo one round of golf this month and send the $40 you would have spent on the round of golf-- you can still go to the course and have a burger, that's OK--and send the $40 to me at the TaylorMade acquisition fund on PayPal. Think of that one for a moment. If one million golfers sent the fund $40, that would mean we would have a fund of $40 million to by TaylorMade. That should do it. We could even put in an offer for Ashworth and for Adams Golf. Is Barney still alive by the way? He probably would go for the deal.
I always wanted to manufacture golf shirts. That's all I wear.
I have an apology to make. If you were expecting Part 2 of Growing Up Golfer I just thought that this TaylorMade thing is much more important today. I want to get to this as soon as possible to get the ball rolling to acquire TaylorMade and that is going to take time. This is a priority.
TaylorMade is a great American company. Just think of the innovations that it has brought to the game of golf such as the 15 inch golf cup. The company needs to remain in the hands of an American company. If you are outside of the US and care to donate, we will gladly accept your $5 contribution or your $40 contribution provided it is made in dollars and not a foreign currency. What's that you say? Adidas is a German multinational company and not American company. They are not being bought out by the Chinese, are they?
 |
| The 15 inch golf cup. One of TaylorMades brilliant innovations and to the game of golf. I missed the putt by the way. |
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Growin' Up Golfer: Part 1
You have probably figured out by now that I love the game of golf. It is with great pride that I can say that I have been accepted into the huge community that call themselves golfers. The journey has been a long one and continues. In fact, this journey will never end and I will not get to my destination of golf perfection. One thing is for certain, that light that shines as a reminder of my passion for the game has never been extinguished or dimmed. From my introduction to the playing of the game, I have been hooked.
I think I have already told the story of how I got into golf as a bargaining to close a grocery products deal. I feel very fortunate that I was thrust into the game without my actually wanting to learn how to play. My first lesson was set with the guy who was on the selling side of the deal who was a teaching pro as well as grocery salesman. My golfing days were about to begin.
Off to the local discount store to purchase a couple of clubs we went. I still remember the 5 iron and the 7 iron that my mom bought for me. My mom was basically a card carrying pessimist and always asked why I wanted to play that stupid game. In fact, both my mom and dad doubted that I would keep it up for longer than a few weeks. Boy, were they wrong. Here I am almost fifty years later still playing and enjoying our great game.
My first lesson came. Wow, did I dig up a lot of dirt. As far as the flight of the ball, I hit a lot of snakes in the head. However, I was not deterred. I hit a few towering shots with the five iron and seven iron--about one in ten but those towering shots kept me going. As my lessons progressed, I was hitting less ground and more shots into the air. It is amazing how addictive that can be and soon it was time to move on to the course.
I think I have already told the story of how I got into golf as a bargaining to close a grocery products deal. I feel very fortunate that I was thrust into the game without my actually wanting to learn how to play. My first lesson was set with the guy who was on the selling side of the deal who was a teaching pro as well as grocery salesman. My golfing days were about to begin.
Off to the local discount store to purchase a couple of clubs we went. I still remember the 5 iron and the 7 iron that my mom bought for me. My mom was basically a card carrying pessimist and always asked why I wanted to play that stupid game. In fact, both my mom and dad doubted that I would keep it up for longer than a few weeks. Boy, were they wrong. Here I am almost fifty years later still playing and enjoying our great game.
My first lesson came. Wow, did I dig up a lot of dirt. As far as the flight of the ball, I hit a lot of snakes in the head. However, I was not deterred. I hit a few towering shots with the five iron and seven iron--about one in ten but those towering shots kept me going. As my lessons progressed, I was hitting less ground and more shots into the air. It is amazing how addictive that can be and soon it was time to move on to the course.
 |
| Kind of like my first lesson. |
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
A Very Special Tournament
This is a reprint from my blog post today on my other blog http://davidralliswrites.blogspot.com. The story almost brings tears to my eyes so I though I would share it with you as well. I will share some more pictures with you than I posted on the other blog. As a side note, my son participated Saturday in a Special Olympics Swim meet and came away with a bronze, silver and a gold. I love watching these athletes compete for the sheer joy of the sport they participate in.
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." -The Special Olympics Athletes Oath
As many of my friends know, I don't make any secrets to the fact that I play golf. My son and daughter as well as my wife play golf. It is a sport that we enjoy very much and has its challenges and rewards. Someone has also been said that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they play golf. All of this is true. It could be said that I am a golf nut. On Thursday, my perspective on the game and of life itself changed. I participated with my son in a Special Olympics Golf Tournament.This was truly a "Special" day.
I am no stranger to playing in golf tournaments. In fact, a few years ago it was my pleasure to play in an high level regional event where I had to qualify to get in. This was golf at a high tournament level. We played on the best courses and against the best competition. Every little aspect of the game mattered, especially the score. The stakes were high, even though we weren't playing for money. You really wanted to have your"A" game going and play well. The pressure was on, even though it was a lot of fun.
Thursday was different. We played on a course that was a par three course and holes were no longer than 180 yards. There were no 400 yard par fours or lengthy 600 yard par fives. The course was not in the best of shape. The greens were not fast and true, but bumpy and slow at best. This was not the PGA, but you wouldn't know it if you looked at the faces of the competitors. You could see the simple joy of just competing in each of their faces. Believe me, their enthusiasm was contagious.
We all talk about what courage is. I saw the true definition of courage in all the athletes. No matter what their circumstances, they participated and had a lot of fun. One athlete that played in my foursome perhaps demonstrated that true quality of courage. Her name was Maria and she played from a wheelchair. She didn't hit the ball far, in fact the ball never went more than twenty yards but that didn't matter. Just the look on her face and the determination that she showed touched me in a way that I will not soon forget. She squeezed every ounce of joy she could from the experience. I am still getting goose bumps just remembering the time with her.
I had a lot of fun at this tournament and was taught a lot about the game of golf and life itself-- more than you will know and certainly more than I would have ever imagined.
Don't forget to stop by our website at http://golfisforeveryonemd. In the meantime, hit 'em long and straight and make that putt for birdie!
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." -The Special Olympics Athletes Oath
As many of my friends know, I don't make any secrets to the fact that I play golf. My son and daughter as well as my wife play golf. It is a sport that we enjoy very much and has its challenges and rewards. Someone has also been said that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they play golf. All of this is true. It could be said that I am a golf nut. On Thursday, my perspective on the game and of life itself changed. I participated with my son in a Special Olympics Golf Tournament.This was truly a "Special" day.
I am no stranger to playing in golf tournaments. In fact, a few years ago it was my pleasure to play in an high level regional event where I had to qualify to get in. This was golf at a high tournament level. We played on the best courses and against the best competition. Every little aspect of the game mattered, especially the score. The stakes were high, even though we weren't playing for money. You really wanted to have your"A" game going and play well. The pressure was on, even though it was a lot of fun.
Thursday was different. We played on a course that was a par three course and holes were no longer than 180 yards. There were no 400 yard par fours or lengthy 600 yard par fives. The course was not in the best of shape. The greens were not fast and true, but bumpy and slow at best. This was not the PGA, but you wouldn't know it if you looked at the faces of the competitors. You could see the simple joy of just competing in each of their faces. Believe me, their enthusiasm was contagious.
We all talk about what courage is. I saw the true definition of courage in all the athletes. No matter what their circumstances, they participated and had a lot of fun. One athlete that played in my foursome perhaps demonstrated that true quality of courage. Her name was Maria and she played from a wheelchair. She didn't hit the ball far, in fact the ball never went more than twenty yards but that didn't matter. Just the look on her face and the determination that she showed touched me in a way that I will not soon forget. She squeezed every ounce of joy she could from the experience. I am still getting goose bumps just remembering the time with her.
I had a lot of fun at this tournament and was taught a lot about the game of golf and life itself-- more than you will know and certainly more than I would have ever imagined.
Don't forget to stop by our website at http://golfisforeveryonemd. In the meantime, hit 'em long and straight and make that putt for birdie!
 |
The true definition of courage.   |
Monday, May 2, 2016
From The Student Side Of The Ball
I am proud today to welcome a brand new guest writer to this blog. We look forward to many more posts from Jeff. Thank you Jeff for being a part of The Golf Is For Everyone blog and welcome aboard.
From the “Student Side” of the Ball:
From the “Student Side” of the Ball:
A
series of blog posts from Jeff Passage On Golf
I
have been fortunate in my professional life as an accountant to be on
both sides of various transactions: auditor/auditee, lender/borrower,
and student/teacher. It has afforded me the opportunity to learn and
hone my business skills from these perspectives. It’s been true in
accounting. It’s also been true in golf.
I
began playing golf in 1967 at age 11 when my dad took me to the local
public course to play 9 holes. I shot a 72. Over the years, I went
out and played with my friends and co-workers and never could break
the 100 barrier. I came close, but a bad shot or two always kept me
from that elusive 99.
Eight
years ago, in 2008, I finally had the interest, the time, and the
money (yeah, don’t forget the money!) to learn golf the way it was
meant to be played. I was convinced that the right instruction,
sufficient practice and plenty of play would finally see my lifelong
goal of breaking 90 a reality.
It
hasn’t happened yet. My low to date is 94. But I do break 100
regularly.
I
have studied golf with some of the best golf instructors out there. I
bought the training aids, the dvd’s, the books, the magazines, even
some Loudmouth pants. Grip it and rip it? Uh, not quite yet.
Let’s
face it: I’m not the most athletically gifted guy. I tried to play
sports when I was young, but I was never good enough to make the
teams. But I still had golf!
Over
the past couple of years, I have been fortunate enough to actually
teach golf to others, beginners and experienced. It gave me the
appreciation of how I may have wanted my golf teachers to communicate
with me. Not that they are not good teachers. In fact, they are
excellent. But there is something about what an instructor says and
what a student actually hears. There is also a distinction between
what a golf instructor sees in a student’s golf swing and what the
student sees.
When
a student is standing at address with club in hands and a ball on the
ground, what do they see? They see a golf ball DOWN on the ground, 5
feet or so below his eyes. To the student, everything is DOWN! So,
when they swing their club, the emphasis is on swinging DOWN at the
ball. Oh, they have been told about target focus, the swing path, the
aiming point, etc. But what is the main goal of the student? To hit
the ball, which is DOWN on the ground.
At
this point, the student forgets all about swinging on an inclined
plane. At the top of the backswing, all they want to do is swing DOWN
at the ball. Hence, the out-to-in swing path, over the top downswing,
coming out of their posture, early extension, and lifting their head. All the
clichés, all the faults that a golfer can manufacture.
I
am describing me, but maybe this applies to you as well.
As
one of my great mentors Martin Chuck likes to say, “There is enough
down in the golf swing. We don’t need to create more.” True. The
trick for the student is to learn that the downswing consists of the
hands, handle, club (whatever reference works for you) moving down,
out and forward.
That
has made all the difference to me. Down, out and forward! Until next
time … I am JPOG
 |
| She has a great swing, doesn't she? |
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