In this months issue of Golf Digest, there is an interesting article called "How low can you go?" It talks about the real difference between "scratch" golfers and touring professionals. When we think of a scratch golfer, we think of someone who has a zero handicap. We think of that person at our club that walks right out of the car and shoots even par or sometimes one or two under. We think, I wonder if that person has a chance to qualify for a PGA Tour event? The reality is they probably do not. There is a huge divide between being a scratch player and a touring pro.
Some of the best players in the world share their stories in this article about the time they officially became a scratch golfer, and how it takes a whole different level of dedication and fine tuning to make it to PGA Tour levels.
I thought that the most interesting part of the article is when they were interviewed legendary instructor, Butch Harmon. Butch says "There's a huge difference between a club scratch and a good amateur who's scratch. A good amateur's handicap is based on traveling to different courses and competing. If you're not shooting four or five under every time you tee it up at your home course, where you know every little break, then you're no good." The article then goes on to say that Harmon is not being cold hearted. He is simply stating what it takes to be a great touring player or amateur.
Although this article talks mostly about the difference between a scratch player and a pro, I found it made some very good points that could be directed at players of all abilities. It touched on parts of the game that mid to high handicappers need to work on that will change their games completely. It talks about holding back and not attacking every single pin out on the course. Think about it, if you see a pin tucked right in the back of a green on a small slope, what are your odds of hitting it close? Slim right? The mid to high handicap player simply sees a flagstick and tries to fly their shot directly at it, whereas the scratch player or touring professional will hit to either a safe part of the green or to a spot that gives them the best chance for an easy putt.
These simple decisions on the golf course can make a dramatic difference in improving your game. Talk to a PGA Professional in your area to find ways like this to lower your scores.
Chris
I am working a tournament today and just like every year with this event there is always an issue with the handicapping of the players. It could be a computer issue, it could be human error, either way, it is very frustrating and it makes our job very difficult. Then you have players who dont follow by the "handicap rules" as far as posting a score, or people who don't understand how it is supposed to work.
If it were up to me I would eliminate the handicaps completely, but I understand that my opinion is very one-sided because I do not keep a handicap. Even though I am not a scratch player, I think the game of golf is more enjoyable if you just go out and play. I also understand that if we did not have a handicap system in place, people with higer ones would not be able to enter in tournaments because it would be unfair.
I would just like to know people's thoughts about the system. I don't want anyone to hold back. You can say anything, within reason of course, this is after all a family friendly website!
Thanks,
Chris
Golf courses all over the area today are booming because of Memorial Day weekend. This is a time when we honor those who have given their time, and sometimes their lives to our great country. It is also a great time to get out and play some golf.
We have to expect there to be a lot of play, so coming from a golf professional's standpoint, please be patient this weekend and enjoy your time on the course!
Chris
We in the Northeast are finally seeing a break in all this rain we have been having. Today, in the Northeast, it is in the lower 80's and it is very sunny out. It's a perfect time for people to get a nice round of golf in. Grab your kids, take your dog, take your....wife? Sure! Why not? She deserves a break too I'm sure. Whoever you choose, stop with the excuses and get on the golf course. There are many great deals you can get now in this tough economy. It will be worth it!
Chris
Developing your own personal pre-shot routine, is a very important part of having a solid golf swing. It has absolutely nothing to do with the actual swing, but it focuses your attention and puts you in a great state of mind before you hit your shot.
I was directed to this video from a friend of mine on Facebook. To me, it clearly explains the benefits and the rewards of having a pre-shot routine. Enjoy!
Check it out on the Course Caddy Facebook Page! "LIKE" us if you haven't yet!
Neil Plimmer's Pre Shot Routine Video - Course Caddy FB
Chris
Today is a tough day for everyone in my inner circle of close friends. In August of this past year, we lost a very special person to all of us, Kym Meyers. Today is her birthday!
Kym was only 19 years old when she passed away with a very serious illness that came on rather quickly. She was heading home from college, when something didn't look right with her. Something about her coloring was off. She was immediately taken to the Emergency Room.
From there, a weeklong hospital stay resulted with Kym being diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is usually a disease that affects people much later in life. It is when the liver is slowly deteriorating. What happens, is, scar tissue starts replacing healthy liver tissue and this blocks the flow of blood to the liver. The scarring also affects the liver's natural ability to fight off infections and diseases.
Kym was also diagnosed with Celiac disease at the same time. Celiac disease is an inherited disease where the lining of the small intestine is damaged from eating gluten and other proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and possibly oats.
Kym was released and put on a gluten-free diet. A short time later, her health started to get worse and she spent many nights back in the hospital. It came down to the point where she needed both a liver, and a kidney transplant. Unfortunately, there are so many people in need of a transplant, that she was not able to get one.
She lost her battle on a late August day last year.
In my opinion, her passing has done two things. One, it has absolutely devastated a very tight knit family and two, it has inspired an entire community to reach out and do everything they can to help with this awful disease.
Kym's Kause, a charity program was started in Kym's memory. The point was to raise awareness for Organ donorship, and Celiac disease. Never in my life, have I experienced people coming together to plan an event like this one. Some serious effort and ideas went into making this a very successful venture.
A motorcycle ride was held last October. Over 100 people rode in the event. A very serious amount of money was raised and donated to the cause. A pasta supper was then held and the results were just as spectacular. Both are planned for this year as well.
Kym is missed every single day. Her mother, Joann, is one of the strongest people I have ever met. She has been dealt several tragedies in her life, yet she always makes sure everyone else around her is alright, putting others ahead of herself. This is a very special quality in a person and I am very thankful that I am a part of her life.
We miss you Kym!
Love,
Chris
For more information or to make a donation, please visit the following links:
Kym' Kause
Donate Life - Organ Donorship
So today, I was invited to play in a golf tournament with my brother Nick at New Seabury at Cape Cod. It was a great time, and I can't say thank you enough to Kurt, Rhonda, Sara, and Mandi at Rafferty Fine Grading for the invitation!
It was a 7:30am shotgun, on the ocean! It was absolutely FREEZING! So we play in the tournament, and afterwards at the banquet, this gentleman walks in and someone asks him how his day was and his response was "Ahh it was pretty good, but for some reason I just couldn't get warm out there at all!"
What makes this a humorous story, is that the man was wearing shorts and a tee-shirt! It was 45 degrees! Unbelievable!
Please feel free to share your funny stories with me and I'll post them on the blog!
Chris
