In 2016 I Promise I Will...

     Christmas Eve I shared with you my Christmas list. After Christmas it was my duty to report the results of that list Christmas gifts I was blessed to receive from that list.  Since Today is New Year's Eve and the ushering out of 2015 for the new and exciting 2016, I thought I would share with you my New Year's Resolutions. I will make this promise to you.  These Resolutions are etched in stone, just like all other New Year's resolutions that have gone before. They will not be broken and I will do my utmost  to follow them out.

1. I will make my writing will be much more technical and dry. If I am a professional golf writer, I must focus on my topics and make them more technical.  They will focus more on the golf swing and playing golf the correct way, as well as formally commenting on the important components and issues of the game such as the controversy over winter rye grass overseeding during the winter in warmer climates, a very important issue I might add.

2.  I vow to play more golf and to shoot more course videos.  This once every three months thing just doesn't make it. How many times can you see  my "Paso Robles Golf Course" video. Its a great course and fantastic video by the way.  You can see it for yourself.  https://youtu.be/7vbhxZxqIvU. That one was for you Mike and Mike and thank you for your hospitality when I was there.

3.  The game has changed since I started playing. I will take a lesson in 2016.  There are a lot of people offering lessons out there. I know this because I see them on Face Book on how to improve your game.

4.  I promise to work toward harmony among all those teaching golf on Face Book. There are a lot of philosophies as far as the golf swing and how to improve your game. It seems like the war going on between all the competing pros and their philosophies is getting rather ugly.  It is beginning to resemble the fight against terrorism and ISIS. Well, its maybe not that bad but you can draw your own conclusions as to which is worse.

5. I will take my medications every day. I don't have to take the ones for depression any more as I am a stable person right now. I will take my heart medication as I don't want to keel over.  My wife and Pakistani Doctor won't let me. I love my doctor by the way.  OK, OK, I love my wife too.

6.  I will strive to be a demonstrator for Bill Presse's Directed Force putter. This is a revolutionary putter that will improve the game of any golfer. How can I write about it Bill if I don't have one. Just think about all the golfers who are going to see me sink all those putts and ask me how I did it. You meet a lot of golfers playing golf once every three months.  I can't do that if I don't have one.  I'll send you my address.

7.  I will take a lesson from my son-in-law Kyle who is a golf pro (see resolution #3). He married my daughter. I'm not going to say he's my favorite son-in-law because that didn't work in getting me free lessons.  I really like my other two sons-in-law too. Isn't that a fantastic name for a golf pro, Kyle.  He works at a country club.

8.  I will go back to the gym and work out on a regular basis. This will be in concert with remaining on a diet and losing 50 pounds. It seems each year I write this as a resolution so I don't want to be inconsistent. I am losing weight though and eating less. When it all boils down, I do enjoy going to the gym as well. When I do, I gain strength and I can hit the ball farther.  It make that once every three month visit to the golf course much more enjoyable.

     That about covers it all. I will update you on how things go.

Oooo, that's ugly.  Maybe you better take another lesson. You might want to lose some weight as well. 

 

I Am A Golfer

     There is something I must share with you that is very important in my life. This I can say with a great amount of conviction and I am very proud to be able to say it. I am a golfer.
     There are a lot of misconceptions about the game I play and those who play it. Those misconceptions and untruths are fostered and kept going by those who mostly have never played the game or been on a golf course. Those who criticize the game probably have never been exposed to the real game and those who play it. This is a shame.  Another thing that they fail to understand is golf is more than a game played on a grass field with sticks and balls. It is life and almost an identity.
      Not all golfers are "rich, white men". Yes, the "Country Club" is quite nice but we are not always a member.  In fact, the average golfer is not a member of any private club but plays at either a public course or a city owned municipal course. I confess that at one time I was a member of a semi-private golf course, but this was an economic decision not driven by the fact I wanted something exclusive. I will not apologize for that.  My daughter and son played golf so it was more economical to pay a monthly unlimited family golf rate than to pay a green fee each time I took my family out to play or they played by themselves. It also must be said that although a great course and well maintained the club was not totally private, the membership was very diverse in ethnic makeup and economic stature.  This was an everyman's course and club, which the public could play by the way.
       I don't play Pebble Beach or Augusta National on a regular basis. Every now and then I treat myself to a round of golf in Monterey but it is not on the 17 Mile Drive. Most likely at Monterey Pines or at Pacific Grove Municipal is where I will tee it up where green fees are under $50. When I am at home in Merced I play a couple of nearby public courses and pay about $38 on weekends and less during the week.  You won't find any of the courses I play on a regular basis on a Golf Digest Top 100 Courses list, but they are still a joy to play.  This is what golf truly is, not what you see in Golf Digest or on TV.
      The golfers that I know and enjoy the game are a diverse lot. There are a couple of my good friends that are trying to get me to join MAGA, or The Mexican American Golf Association. What is great is that it really doesn't matter. At the courses I play at I have played with people from all ethnic, economic, political and religious backgrounds. A lot of women play where I play, many of whom I wouldn't want to get into a money game with--including my wife. If anything, golf is the sport that truly brings all people together to play a great game and enjoy each other's fellowship.
     Golf is more than just a "Rich, White Man's" sport. At the course, you are not white, black, hispanic or asian or native american, male or female. We play together because we enjoy the game of golf.  We are brother and sister golfers, and to boil that down we are all golfers. We are family.  All are welcome.

Home away from home.

   
Please take a minute to watch the video on Rancho Del Rey. Its a great course. Here is the video:
https://youtu.be/te1j9JtiImY

All I want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth And Three Dozen ProV1's: Epologue

      Yes, I have been on vacation for a few days and not post. I am not going to apologize for that. Let's just say that there are a lot less full boxes and more empty boxes out in the garage from the move. Not only that, but my body was loudly crying to me to take a break. It was my intention to make the keys on my computer sing again yesterday, but my wife and Comcast Cable had other ideas. It is time that I post again so here is my latest.
     To the both of you loyal readers that read my post last week about my Christmas list, I thank you for that. You are very loyal readers and warms my heart you take the time to read my blog. Today, I will update you on that list and if I got what was on the list. If you didn't catch that post, I forgive you and understand what a busy time it is during "The Holidays" and you were probably doing something else. That is totally OK by me. At any rate, here is the list and the results.


1.  Three dozen ProV1's.  They can be practice balls or Xouts, I don't care. I'm close to being out of balls.

Results:  Who sent me that great big box of beater balls?  They were mostly T.. F...s, P...'s, and other assorted beaters.  There were even a few range balls in there.  There were no ProV's at all. The postmark said it was sent from somewhere around San Luis Obispo, California. Was that you Bremer, or was it Jim?  I have ways of finding these things out.

2.  A new car so that I can get to the golf course when Denise is at work.

Results:  My grandson got a Hot Wheels transporter truck and I get to play with it.  I guess that doesn't qualify though.

3.  A new Directed Force putter.  I had to mention that because Bill Presse who invented the putter is a good friend of Golf Is For Everyone. OK Bill, I mentioned your putter.  Can you send me one?

Results: I'm still waiting on this one Bill. Maybe Bill doesn't read my blog.

4.  A local course that will give me free golf with cart forever.  This can be a two way street.  I would be willing to plug them on Golf Is For Everyone or make a video for them.

Results: I love how Eric and Clark laugh when I tell them a joke.  That was sort of the response I got when I asked them about this.

5.  Three days golf  and two nights at the Lodge at Pebble Beach.  I would only play one round at Pebble and then go over to either Spyglass or Spanish Bay.  I would settle for Pebble and Old Del Monte. I like Old Del Monte.

Results: For some reason, the phone got disconnected right after I asked the Media Director for Pebble Beach about this.

6.  Several big advertisers for the Golf Is For Everyone website (http://golfisforeveryonemd.com. What a shameful plug)  After all, I have to generate some revenue to pay the car payment on the new car so that I can play golf when Denise is at work.

Results:  I have been told by many potential advertisers that said they would like to advertise and agreed to advertise.  They said the check was in the mail.

7. A drone that I can use to take videos of golf courses. A used Predator would be great. I could also rent it out to golf courses to help speed up play.  Use your imagination on that one.

Results:  We got a small drone for my step-son and grandson.  I contacted the Air Force and they explained in no uncertain terms that they don't sell Predators to private parties.

8.  San Francisco Giants season tickets.  That doesn't have anything to do with golf, but Denise is a huge Giant fan and my stepson looks enough like Madison Bumgarner (my stepson's name is Bumgarner too) to be brothers.  I just had to throw that one in.  If you are a Dodger fan, I feel sorry for you. If you don't follow baseball or live in Singapore, you probably don't have the slightest idea of what I am talking about.  That's OK.

Results:  I sent them the picture of my step-son and they said it was photo shopped. I hope you Dodger fans had a great Christmas as well.  After all, I am a pretty nice person and hold no grudges.  Say good-bye to Grenke.

8.  Peace on Earth and good will toward all men and women, even Dodger fans.

Results:  You can pretty much figure out how this one turned out.  Hey Dodger fans, we will see you in the spring.

     Well, that was it. I did get something though. You will see that below in the picture I am including. Don't forget to check out the website. It is growing very fast and has some new stuff on it for you to take a look at.  The website address is http://golfisforeveryonemd.com.

I got this wonderful work of statuary from that noted sculptor Ida  No

Merry Christmas To All

    I was going to post a very clever Christmas story today but I am going to let you off the hook for today. Today's post is very simple. Merry Christmas! To those of you who do not celebrate Christmas, have a very safe and wonderful day.
     From all of us at the Golf Is For Everyone family, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas to all!

All I want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth And Three Dozen ProV1's

     I haven't given anyone my Christmas list yet.  That realization just came to me.  I have been a bit busy with moving, Christmas programs, writing for the blog and working on Golf Is For Everyone. It's time to sit down and put it down and share it with you.
     One thing should be pointed out though that is very important. I do still have my two front teeth. At sixty-one years old my dental health is quite good.  I still have most of my teeth, except my wisdom teeth of course. Each one of those were removed at various times of my life with the last one finding its demise about six or seven years ago. This whole discussion about teeth has nothing to do with golf, except with the loss of my wisdom teeth my wisdom has been called into question on many occasion. I mentioned my two front teeth just to come up with an interesting title for today's blog, it being Christmas Eve.
     Here's my list.

1.  Three dozen ProV1's.  They can be practice balls or Xouts, I don't care. I'm close to being out of balls.

2.  A new car so that I can get to the golf course when Denise is at work.

3.  A new Directed Force putter.  I had to mention that because Bill Presse who invented the putter is a good friend of Golf Is For Everyone. OK Bill, I mentioned your putter.  Can you send me one?

4.  A local course that will give me free golf with cart forever.  This can be a two way street.  I would be willing to plug them on Golf Is For Everyone or make a video for them.

5.  Three days golf  and two nights at the Lodge at Pebble Beach.  I would only play one round at Pebble and then go over to either Spyglass or Spanish Bay.  I would settle for Pebble and Old Del Monte. I like Old Del Monte.

6.  Several big advertisers for the Golf Is For Everyone website (http://golfisforeveryonemd.com. What a shameful plug)  After all, I have to generate some revenue to pay the car payment on the new car so that I can play golf when Denise is at work.

7. A drone that I can use to take videos of golf courses. A used Predator would be great. I could also rent it out to golf courses to help speed up play.  Use your imagination on that one.

8.  San Francisco Giants season tickets.  That doesn't have anything to do with golf, but Denise is a huge Giant fan and my stepson looks enough like Madison Bumgarner (my stepson's name is Bumgarner too) to be brothers.  I just had to throw that one in.  If you are a Dodger fan, I feel sorry for you. If you don't follow baseball or live in Singapore, you probably don't have the slightest idea of what I am talking about.  That's OK.

8.  Peace on Earth and good will toward all men and women, even Dodger fans.

     That wasn't that big of a list, was it?  Santa, I hope you see this list and get what is on it for me.  I don't want to seem selfish, but this is a Christmas list and the gifts are for me. I am not a selfish person, seriously.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

This is the only picture I have that comes close to a Christmas picture.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My New, High Tech Clubs

  I finally gave in to the high tech club craze. The last time I played my old clubs, I knew it was time to change to something a little more modern that truly fit my game given my age and strength.  The search was on.
    I visited a lot of golf stores wanting to find the sticks that fit properly. All the well known brands were in the mix, Taylor Made, Callaway, Nike, Mizuno and I really liked the Adams clubs.  What I chose was the most high tech I could get.
    These clubs had some very interesting characteristics. They were made out of a new material that is beginning to show up in golf, a polymer that is supposed to help your game.  The price was right as well as they didn't cost an arm and a leg, $3.99 at Wal-mart including three brand new balls. Such a deal!  These clubs should really improve my game.
     I am thinking very seriously of putting together a group of golfers to play together on a trip to a location somewhere in California.  I haven't quite come up with the location, and wanted to get some input from you. It will probably happen sometime in the spring of 2016 and will be from three to five days. If you could give me some ideas of where we should go, that would be great.
    In the meantime, don't forget to visit our website http://golfisforeveryonemd.com and take a look at some great golf stuff . By the way, we want your stories and videos. Email them to me at golfisforeveryonemd@gmail.com and I will try to get them on the website. Honestly, we really do want them.  Hit 'em long and straight--don't leave that birdie putt short.

The new sticks. They should slash strokes off my game.

Two of Monterey's Finest Courses.

   There are a few courses that we all play that strike fear in our hearts.  We play them only because someone has invited us to play there or our stubborn self says we should so that we can conquer that particular link.  Sometimes it happens, most often we finish our round on that particular course and say, "Why did we do that again.  I know how much I hate that course." We are creatures of habit I guess. I have a couple of courses that fit that criteria for me.  At some time, I will reveal that list, but not today.
    There are a couple of courses that I have said that I didn't like, but have changed my mind after playing them and not giving up on them.  Two come to mind and they are in the Monterey Bay area. One is Bayonet of Bayonet/Blackhorse and the other is DeLaveaga located in the hills above Santa Cruz.
     Both courses at the Bayonet/Blackhorse facility have been redesigned.  Before the redesign I played both courses and I hated Bayonet but kept playing it.  It is very hilly and I even walked it several times. I remember thinking each time walking up the 18th fairway why did I put myself through this misery again? That also goes to my stable set of mind in that if I kept having such a bad experience there each time I played         there, why did I keep playing there?  I have been told that the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. I preferred Blackhorse as it was what I thought a fairer layout. Both courses were redesigned, though slightly just a few years ago. Now, I think they did an outstanding job on Bayonet but liking Blackhorse is taking a bit of getting used to.
     Bayonet was the tougher of the two courses.  It is well known that the designer of Bayonet was the commanding general of the old Fort Ord and Bayonet/Blackhorse is located on the former army base. The general was left handed and had a viscious left-hand slice.  All the doglegs go at a severe angle to the left so that his slice wouldn't hurt him.  It is certainly pure hell for the right handed player because you run out of fairway on the right and you wind up with a wicked shot our of tall cypress trees lining the fairways.
     All that has been change.  The greens are still tough to putt but the doglegs have been softened.  Don't get me wrong, the course is still a challenge, but it is a reasonable challenge. Blackhorse, on the other hand is a different story.  They made it tougher by adding traps and redesigning the greens, which are undulating.  I hated the course changes at first, but I am beginning to like the course. I used to prefer Blackhorse, but now I like Bayonet.

     I highly suggest you play both courses.  Both courses are impeccably maintained and the greens, although difficult, putt fast and true.  The views from the course are magnificent because the courses are built in the hills above Monterey.  I will say that both courses are demanding and you will be exhausted after you finish your round, but the courses least one of the courses.and the views are well worth it. Oh, and stop by the restaurant after your round for drinks or a meal.  The food is very good and the staff is very friendly.  What a great place to soothe your scars, but I must say you will feel satisfied but tired after playing the courses. Here is my video of the course and I hope when you are in the Monterey Bay Area you could find the time to play at Bayonet/Blackhorse.   https://youtu.be/gVp1W-yI-xU

Beginning Golfer? How About Playing These Rules For Now?

     Rich O'Brien kind of reaffirmed the suggestions I made a few days ago about new players and adjusting the rules their first few times
out. Thank you Rich for this post.

Modified Rules for Beginners

                                                Tips for Golfers First Few Trips to the Golf Course

These rules are designed to increase the enjoyment of golf and decrease the frustration experienced by beginning golfers as they make the transition from the practice tee to the golf course.

•       Safety First!!!  Never walk ahead of your playing partners because they could hit a ball at you by accident.  If you hear the word fore take cover, because it means a ball is coming at you.

•       Your first rounds should be at a golf course that is short and not very difficult.  Par 3 or executive courses are ideal places for beginners to get their feet wet because they do not tend to be very crowded, they do not take very long to play which will help them concentrate throughout the round better.  An alternative is to pay 100 yard par 3’s, 150 yard par 4’s and 200 yard par 5’s.

•       Play without delay.  But do not rush, rushing will lead to bad shots and that usually means more shots.  A foursome should be able to play a hole in 15 minutes and nine holes in under 2 hours and fifteen minutes.   If a group is behind you and you are slowing them down, move off to the side and waive them through.  The best place to do this is usually the green.

•       Watch others players before you tee off.  This will relieve some of your apprehension and fear because you will probably see just how bad the average player really is.  You have nothing to be embarrassed about.

•       Pick your favorite club (say a 7,8, or 9 iron) and use it for most of your shots on the course.  These short irons are easy to hit because of their loft, but also provide fairly good distance when struck even reasonably well.  Don't try to hit clubs you do not feel comfortable hitting just because your friends and playing partners are hitting them.  YOU will be much better off just trying to advance the ball at least 100 yards per shot.  By hitting the ball 100 yards per shot you can be successful, you might even beat your friends. 

•       Since a par on a particular hole is the score that a professional player is expected to score, create a personal par score for yourself of two to four strokes over the established par. This will make your round more enjoyable because it is a number that is realistic for your level of ability.

•       Play a 10 swing maximum per hole rule. On your 10th swing (including whiffs) pick up the ball and place it on the putting green 20 feet from the hole.

•       Use a 3 putt maximum per hole rule. If you fail to hole the ball within that number of putts, pick your ball up and head to the next tee with your group.  On long putts, focus on trying to get the putt within a 3 foot radius of the hole.

•       Use the Bob Toski Rule; If a beginner hits the ball into the rough during one of their first few rounds, they may place the ball in the fairway at the nearest point to them without penalty.

•       Use a 2 sand shot maximum rule if you hit he ball into a bunker.  Make sure you follow through.  Along the same note, use a 2 whiff maximum rule if you miss the ball twice in a row, pick the ball up and advance it 100 yards or to the fringe of the green.

•       If you are faced with a shot over water allow yourself a maximum of 2 attempts to clear the water if you fail to do so, advance the ball to the opposite side of the water and continue from there.

•                   A general guideline is that the ball will go wherever your bellibutton points.

     There are some great ideas in there Rich and thank you for sharing. We look forward to you sharing more of your ideas with us here on Golf Is For Everyone. 

Enjoy the game and don't be afraid. Don't worry about score as golf is more than just numbers.

What About The 15 Inch Cup?

 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!

 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

Golf With Your Feet?

     At first I had my doubts about Foot Golf. I still am not 100% sold on the idea. However, I think that it can be a great help in growing the game of golf. OK people, its time to think outside the box. Our world has changed, all you traditionalists out there. Let's take a hard look at getting more people out to the golf course and playing golf.
     There are three basic criticisms that those who don't even want to take up the game. First, it takes too long, second its too hard and third, it costs too much.  I can understand these concerns and complaints. My first reaction as an experienced golfer is "Don't knock it until you try it". That's not good enough.
     Let's not look at it from a pessimistic glass half empty point of view.We have to look at what is good about our game and pull new people to the course. Golf has a lot to offer in the traditional game, and patience pays off huge dividends once your golf skill level goes up. There is still the issue of time and cost.
     The idea of Foot Golf was not a new one to me when I played regular golf at Cherry Island just north of Sacramento. At first I thought that the idea was kind of stupid and was a definite offense to the game of golf. To me, this was an affront to the noble traditions of the game and Foot Golf was just a stunt to generate revenue for struggling golf courses. Golf courses are to play golf on, not a modified game that looks like golf with your feet and more like soccer--to those of you outside the US I know it is called football. I don't think that I would ever play the game. I love regular golf too much and to tell you the truth, my health doesn't allow me to walk that far.
    My attitudes towards Foot Golf are changing.  Let me put this to you straight, I still think it is a stupid game. It is getting a lot of people out to the golf course. What do these "Foot Golfers" see when they are playing the sport on the golf course?  They see golfers and the game of golf being played.  They see golfers enjoying the real game of golf. They see the social aspect of the game and the nineteenth hole. Many who don't play regular golf will think that this is pretty "cool" and want to see what the real thing is all about. Some of the "Foot Golfers" are golfers themselves, I realize but a majority are not. This is a great way to introduce new players to the game.
    Hey golfers, I mean regular golfers, why not strike up a conversation with one of these "Foot Golfers" about their game.  I know that this may run contrary to many of our inner golfer selves, but take one for the team and talk to one of these strangers. You may like what you hear about "Foot Golf" and get into it in addition to regular golf--Bite your tongue, David. The purpose here is to let the "Foot Golfer" know how much fun regular golf can be and that we would welcome them into the family. Remember too, they are paying fees to play on the course, so that keeps your green fees lower and the course open.  As long as "Foot Golfers" respect the course and our game, I am OK with that.
    I have to run.  My wife is again calling me to help her on the church choir Christmas Program.  Of course as I have said I have been involuntarily volunteered to help on this one too.  I do sing bass in the choir so I do have to be in the rehearsals, but putting up the Great big 10 foot by 10 foot Audio Visual screen is a bear. Don't forget to check out the website.  We still need your contributions so get them to me at golfisforeveryonemd@gmail.com. Also, the website address is http://golfisforeveryonemd.com.  Remember, golf is for everyone.

The Cherry Island set up for "Foot Golf".  You can see the Foot Golf green is separate from the regular green as well as separate tees.  The game is played in the late afternoon so as not to interfere with regular golf.  

   













   
     

Christmas Time Is Here

     I had intended to post this morning, but I got sidetracked.  I will post tomorrow. That's what happens when your wife is the director of a school Christmas play. You kind of get involuntarily volunteered.  See you tomorrow.

Rules Are Rules...Oh Really?

     One thing about the game of golf that is clear.  It has a lot of rules.  To a new golfer those rules can be a bit confusing and difficult. But let me ask you something. Are those rules set in stone?  Can we modify those rules and how the game is played to make the golfing experience more fun for new golfers. I think we can.  We can adjust the rules and the actual playing of the game to fit the skill level of the beginner. As a new golfer gets better at the game and their skills improve, the rules can be followed more closely.
     I published my blog yesterday and had a comment from Corky Hall.  She made the suggestion that the new golfer tee off from the forward tees. I was going to respond to your suggestion yesterday Corky, but for some reason Google+ wouldn't let me. I wanted to let you know that I would be covering that very subject in today's blog and I thank you for your feedback.
     What law says that you must tee off from a given set of tees? Most of the time I tee off from the regular tees, but sometimes depending on whom I am playing with tee off from the senior tees. My daughter tees off from the man's regular tees and always waxes my behind. Wherever you are in your golf skill level, it is OK to tee off from different tees. The hand of God will not come down and smite you. In fact, the players behind you may thank you and you will enjoy the game more. As your game gets better you can change your tee box.
     Do you even have to tee off from the tee box?  You don't have to. You can take the ball up to the 150 yard marker and tee from there. As your game gets better, go to the tee box. What's wrong with that?  The only thing I would suggest is that you let your playing partners know what you are doing. Play shots you are comfortable with.
    For now, why tee off or play the shot over the water hazard when you know the ball is going to go into the lake? You will get to that point, so make the game a little easier on yourself. By the way, there are many of us who still put the ball in the lake anyway, and we have been playing golf for a long time. That diver that dives lakes for balls has made a lot of money off me and I have been playing for a very long time.
     What about scoring? Do you have to play and count every stroke.  Think about this one. How about hitting the ball off the tee and giving yourself a certain number of strokes in the fairway.  When you are over that number, move your ball to the putting surface or near the putting surface and work on your short game. Give yourself maybe two strokes to get on the surface and four putts to put it into the hole. After the four putts, move on to the next hole.
     What about the ball you hit out of bounds?  Take a little time to find the ball and instead of counting the penalties, just drop the ball somewhere you have a shot that is near where the ball went out of bound and hit the next shot. Don't worry about the penalty, just play on.
     Learn the fundamentals of the game.  Learn how to hit the ball consistently and the rest of the game will come as you play and practice. As your skill level improves, you will want to play the game without any modifications.  Until then, you will want to enjoy the game and don't beat up on yourself.  The game can be tough enough. When you practice, learn and play you will get to the level you will want to be at. Don't forget to take some lessons as well.
     Don't forget to visit us at Golf Is For Everyone on our website http://golfisforeveryonemd.com.

I have been playing for 37 years and there is always something new to learn.

We Have Been There...

     To all those new golfers and those thinking of taking up the game I just want you to know we have been there.  We have walked a mile in your moccasins. I know that I have and it has been more than a mile, more like thousands of miles. In fact, as Mao said--I'm not a Communist but I like the quote--a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. As a new golfer, you may have gone past that first step, but the learning curve can be frustrating.  Everyone who takes up the game has to go through that stage and you will get through it. Just hang in there and keep on teeing it up. I have a few suggestions for you, and you can put these in the "For What Its Worth" department.
     First of all, for goodness sake don't beat yourself up. It is a simple game meant to be a lot of fun.  I can tell you that it is. Remember, you had to learn to crawl, then stand up and next take your first steps. It took you a long time to learn how to run and some of us have an aversion to running. It will take time and effort to get good at the game but the effort will be well worth it. Not only that but you can make the choice to enjoy what you are doing and get better or get very frustrated. Also remember that your talent level may peak and you may find yourself at a level and stay there.  Enjoy the ride and the handicap system. You are not going to be a touring pro as soon as you pick up a club for your first time.
     Instead of going directly to a full size course, why not try a par 3 or executive course. There are some good ones out there. I coached middle school golfers and their complaint was that we were not playing the full size courses. We practiced at a driving range that had an outstanding par 3 course.  I told them that we would go occasionally to the big course, but until all of them shot under par on the par 3 course, this would be our home. I had trouble with that course myself.
     I will have more on this in my next post. Remember that you are never perfect in golf. Learn to hit the ball first and the rest of the game will come. There is a lot to learn for such a simple looking game. You will always be learning.
     Don't forget to check out our website at http://golfisforeveryonemd.com.

I remember when she started out.

   

Eighteen Is A Multiple Of Six: Should It Be?

     I have a pet peeve as far as the golf course is concerned. You see it a lot these days and it has to do with respecting the game, more importantly the golf course and those who play on it.  I am talking about the once a year sixpackers.
     If you have played much golf  you know who I am talking about. These are the guys and gals that rarely if ever play golf. They have a very rudimentary knowledge of the game but are not golfers. The course is just a place to come out to drink or party and in doing so they tear up the course. Golf carts of course are mandatory because they hold more beer. Besides, cart paths are only for the cement industry to make more money.  Tees and greens are only there to be driven on and spin "brodies". What's that sign saying "Keep Carts On Paths On  All Par Threes". Have another beer and where is that "Beer Wagon"?  
     I don't drink alcohol anymore. I am not against drinking, its just that the medications I am on for my congestive heart failure doesn't allow me but an occasional glass of wine, a beer or a snort of scotch. That's OK by me because I never was a heavy drinker. One thing I never did was drink on the golf course. Some players do and I am fine with that as long as it doesn't hinder what they are doing on the course and keep their respect of the game and the course. In most cases, this holds true and most players do.
     I am certainly not against new golfers or those who play only once or twice a year. We need them, as long as they understand the game and respect it. We can even adjust the game to their level of playing skill. I'm all for that. Drinking on the golf course is also OK, as long as the course is respected and the drinking is responsible.  What I am against are the groups that think that the golf course is just another place to party.  It is not a roaming bar that happens to be on a nice lawn where you get to chase a little white ball and throw a metal stick at it. Please take the party somewhere else. How about a bowling alley?
     I would like your stories and videos for the blog and for the website http://golfisforeveryonemd.com. Please send them to me at golfisforeveryonemd@gmail.com and I will try to get them on.  At this point I have opened a few new pages that deal with aspects of the game such as senior golf and women's golf.  I even have a recipe page but I need your stories and youtube videos. Besides, my wife wants to see me on occasion. She says that I am on that computer too much.  Well, I'm trying to bring you some great content.        You can help.  Send me your content.  Rich O'Brien posted Saturday and Sunday so I would like to see some of your writing or you tube videos. I also want to know about your tournament and events. Send them to me and you may find them on our website.  That is what we are about. Golf is for everyone, and we want you to be a part of this.

Isn't that what the 19th hole is all about?  

     

       

Women And Golf--Grow The Game (Part 2)

     This is part two in Rich O'Brien's comments from yesterday.  Today he puts forth some strategies to bring more women to the game and some statistics. Here is Part 2.

The recommendations by Cross and Whaley, by and large, boiled down to female golfers taking an active role in inviting their friends to play golf. In fact, every player should encourage new players to follow one of the on ramps to entry in the game such as Get Golf Ready and the Golf For Her.com website.

Another important consideration is that women also are the key to the next generation of golfers because she controls the budget and sets the schedule. As a former membership director, I was keenly aware of this fact because it was usually the woman that determined whether or not the family purchase a membership and which type of membership was purchased.

Keeping that in mind, I always did my best to keep the woman and kids active, because if they were not, the value of the family membership was greatly diminished, downgraded or discontinued altogether.

Research by Golf Datatech is clear, serious female golfers are a vital part of golf’s future and represent a robust segment of the game.  Failing to connect to women can have grave economic consequences for clubs. In my next segment, I will discuss what courses can do to connect with women and increase revenues by better serving the robust female golf segment.

Women’s Golf

• Women make up more than 21.5% of the estimated 24.7 million golfers in the U.S. and approximately 19% of all golf sales nationally.*
• 260,000 women took up the game in 2013.*
• In 2013, there were 3 million junior golfers, including 818,000 girls (ages 6-17).*
• Women golfers under the age of 40 are more likely to use golf as a valuable business resource.*
• Of these, the three most positive attributes of the game, 90 percent of serious female golfers cited general health/fitness benefits, 80% cited the challenge and competition of golf and 70% cited the social interactions of playing the game with family/friends.**

Get Golf Ready

• Get Golf Ready, now in its 7th year, is designed to bring adults into the game in a fast, fun, affordable manner.
• Get Golf Ready offers 5 lessons that concentrate on basic skills, instruction and information on the Rules of Golf, etiquette and values. Participants will learn techniques regarding chipping and putting, full swing and bunker play, as well as the fundamental guidelines of use and maintenance of golf equipment, keeping score and navigating the course. Many facilities offer the program starting at an affordable $99, although price varies by facility.
• In 2014, a record number of 98,919 students participated in Get Golf Ready programs, a 15% increase from 2013 student participation (85,677).
• 62% were women
• 21% were people of multicultural backgrounds
• Nearly 360,000 students have participated in Get Golf Ready programs during the last six years.
• In 2014, 98% of participants said that Get Golf Ready met or exceeded their expectations.
• Get Golf Ready player retention continues to grow as well: 86% of 2014 Get Golf Ready participants still practice and play, up from 79 percent in 2013.
• Consumers can learn more about the program and find a local participating facility at GetGolfReady.com.

Sources:

*National Golf Foundation (NGF)

**Golf Datatech

  Thank you for that Rich. Women are an important part of growing the game. Have you gone to our website yet? There is a new video on the equipment page explaining Bill Presse's revolutionary Directed Force putter. Check it out on the website at http://golfisforeveryonemd.com.

Oh my gosh, did I hit it that far?

Women And Golf--Grow The Game (Part 1)

     Here is the first post from Rich O'Brien.  Rich will be posting from time to time about issues in the game. I am breaking this up into two parts.  Take some time and consider what Rich has to say as it is very important that we bring more women to the game. Part two will post tomorrow. Thank you Rich and we look forward to you sharing your important insights and reading your posts.

The Grow the Game Blog

By Rich O’Brien

About six months ago I started writing a monthly column for the Charleston Golf News on the topic of Growing the Game we all love. During the series I have had the opportunity to interview many of the top officials in leading golf associations. When discussing a topic it is always important to provide a brief synopsis of the material that has already been covered .  I will also conclude the discussion by  previewing what will be covered next in the series.   

The discussion began with interviews of Sandy Cross and Suzy Whaley of the PGA of America and on the topic of what is being done to grow participation among women. In an era when overall participation in golf across the United States has been flat, the golf industry is looking to women as an area where the game of golf can grow. For many decades, the golf industry was unable to connect with female golfers.

The Connecting to Her study led by Cross suggested that the golf courses needed to look at their operation through a feminine lens in order for more women to feel welcome at the course.

According to the National Golf Foundation, female golfers are the fastest growing segment of participation in the United States with 5.3 million players, including 260,000 women who started playing golf in the past year.  Women now represent 21.5% of the all players and account for 19% of all golf sales.

Women under the age of 40 are increasingly using golf as a valuable business resource, according to research by the NGF. However, many women still consider entry into the game to be a daunting task.  Millions of women want to play the game, but would like an invitation to the game.

Thank you for that Rich. We will have the second part tomorrow which deals more about specific plans that can be put in place to draw more women to the game. In the meantime, please visit our website at http://golfisforeveryonemd.com. I am working on a page that is totally devoted to women's issues as well as other topics.

She made the birdie, by the way.

Check The Attitude (Part 2)

     Greetings to those of you who are new to the game or are thinking of taking up the game. Those of us who have been playing the game and enjoy it very much welcome you to a future of great fun and fellowship.  Golf is more than just a game and it will stay with you for all of your life if you let it. Yes, it can be frustrating at times, but that is only a small part of it. The game and family welcomes you with open and inviting arms.
     As you learn the game I want you to keep something very important in mind. You must keep the game in perspective.  Just starting out you have a lot to learn. Going out and shooting par your very first time on a golf course is not going to happen. I shot a 152 my first time out. Not everyone is a Jordan Speith or Tiger Woods. It takes time and practice and you want to know a secret? You may never get to that point. The key is to enjoy the game where you are at.  It is your decision to get better, but you are where you are now.  Take time to enjoy it and know that you will get better the more you study and play the game. Stay in the moment and know that you are not there forever. How well you play this game depends on you.
     Golf is a game of perfect imperfection. You can never be perfect and there is always something that you can learn about the game and from the game. As you play and get better you learn a lot--both large and small things--not only about the game but about yourself as well. You will never know everything there is to know.  I don't and neither does Jordan Speith, Rory McIlvoy, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods or Lee Trevino. You may ask David Feherty because he seems to know everything there is to know about golf--maybe not.
     The game builds lifelong learners and since you are never perfect unless you were Bobby Jones or Ben Hogan.  I, of course don't mean that. Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan were two of the greatest golfers who ever played the game, but they still practiced and would pick up little things to improve their game. That was one of the great things about their golf genius.  They studied the game and learned.
     My last bit of advice is to hang in there. It does take time and that time is well spent. Think of it as an investment in what is truly ageless and will stay with you forever.  I have been playing for almost fifty years and like a fine wine, the game only gets better to me even though I am not playing much right now or playing that well. Even playing as badly as I am playing right now, there is still that moment that keeps me coming back. I LOVE THE GAME!
     I will have more about being new to the game in future posts but for now I will close.  Don't forget to visit our website at http://golfisforeveryonemd.com. We have some big plans for the website and I would like to hear from you.  I want to hear about your struggles in learning the game.  What stories can you share with others to encourage them or make them chuckle?  I would like them and put them on the website. Send them to me at golfisforeveryonemd@gmail.com.  I am not going to promise they will all be published, but I will get the best on the site. I can't do that though unless you send them to me. Until next time, keep swinging!

The game of golf begins way before the first tee.