Golf, the outside sport most affected by the wrath of Mother Nature. It takes four hours to play a round of golf, during this time you can encounter all four seasons of weather.
The most common weather conditions that can affect golf are: wind, rain, cold, and heat. We will talk about heat in the summer, if it ever arrives. Playing in the cold weather is simple: dress warm, and load up your flask with a warm beverage of choice, (I prefer hot chocolate). When all else fails buy a plane ticket to a warmer destination. We all know it never rains in the “sunny “Okanagan, so for the sake of keeping this article to a readable length let’s focus on playing in the wind.
Wind can be constant when playing near any large body of water, but here in the Okanagan we still get the occasional windy day. The golf ball weighs 0.04593 kilograms, (1.62 ounces) and must have a diameter of at least 4.2672 centimetres (1.68 inches). Without getting into a scientific thesis on the effect of wind on a golf ball let’s conclude that something small and light such as a golf ball, will be greatly influenced by even the smallest of wind gusts.
The wind can be both challenging and frustrating; it all depends on your outlook before the round begins. Your mind set for playing on a windy day should be one of patience. Golfer’s scores can soar like kites on a spring day when the wind kicks up. Playing in the wind requires greater concentration and a realistic view when selecting clubs to hit any shot.
Here are some simple, yet effective tips for adjusting to the wind. After judging the force and direction of the wind take more club than you think is needed and swing about 75-80% of the required distance. This applies to both downwind and into the wind shots. Sound confusing? Let me explain. If you have 150 yards to your target and that would normally require a 7 iron, but due to the force of the wind you believe it will take a 6 iron to get home. Take your 5 iron grip down about an inch on the golf club and hit the shot with an easier swing. This will keep your golf ball flight lower and decrease the spin of the golf ball, making it easier to stay on the intended direction. If the wind is helping still take one more club than you think is required but swing at the 80% level. Example, if you are 150 yards and that is a 7 iron for you, but the wind force requires a 9 iron, take the 8 iron and swing at 75-80%.
The toughest wind direction can sometimes be the cross wind. An effective technique for negotiating the cross wind is to remember that a fade (slice) or draw (hook) into the crosswind will cause your golf ball to lose distance. The opposite is also true, a fade or draw with the wind will add distance to your shot. Continue to apply the one less club and swing easy technique.
Is your golf game be giving you trouble? Be sure to consult your local Canadian Professional Golf Association Member, easily found at any golf course, driving range, or golf facility.
Gord McGarva has played tournament golf in Scotland since 1989. Gord has played in the British Amateur and two Scottish Amateur Championships, one as recent as 2008 at the famed Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland where the wind seems to be ever constant and relentless off the North Sea.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Toughest Golf Holes in Town
Using a Top 10 list to rank golf courses does one of two things: it makes some people happy and others angry. Instead, let’s look at the some of the toughest holes in the area. To keep it simple, I’ll consider one of each: a par 3, a par 4, and a par 5.
The toughest par 3 is an easy one to pick. The 7th hole on the Quail Course at the Okanagan Golf Club. It measures 227 yards from the back tees and can play just under 250 yards when fully stretched out. Length is only half of the equation; the other is accuracy. The opening to the green if you try the ground route is only about eight yards wide as the front right of the green is protected by two bunkers. The chance of a ball running onto the putting surface is also negated by the steep bank leading up to the green. At its widest, the green is a mere 18 yards and has a large tier about 12 yards from the front of the putting surface dividing the green in two distinct tiers. For some golfers it may be best played as a short par four. Place your tee shot just short of the green and then try to chip and putt for your par. Don’t go left either; more trouble waits in the form of two bunkers set well below the putting surface. Go left of the bunkers and we may not see you for about 5 minutes as you search for your ball. Anyone making three on this hole should be quite pleased and most likely will be hitting first on the next tee.
The toughest par 4 is not so easy to select. Holes that come to mind are #1 Gallagher’s Canyon, #10 Kelowna Golf and Country Club, #17 Kelowna Springs, #9 at Sunset Ranch, #’s 8 and 9 at the Quail, and the 498 yard #17 at the Harvest. My toughest par 4 around town is the 17th at the Shannon Lake Golf Club. At 405 yards it is not the length that makes the hole tough, but rather the looming hazards both off the tee and around the green. Shannon Lake is in play down the entire right side of the hole and in front of the green. Fairway bunkers protect the left side of the driving area. Playing to the green out of any these bunkers can be daunting with the lake directly in play. The putting surface is relatively flat but is protected by water and a steep bank behind the green. A par on this hole could be the highlight of your round; it is easy to understand why this is the signature hole at Shannon Lake.
In selecting the toughest par five, I am going to be a bit of a “homer”. The 12th at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club is my pick. At 552 yards it has some length to it. When fully stretched out with back tee and back pin placements it can measure nearly 585 yards. The tee shot needs to be well placed to avoid trees and a fairway bunker on the left. Be sure to favour the left side for the easiest layup shot. Get the ball in the fairway and you are only one third of the way home. The second requires a well positioned shot downhill to the right side of the fairway. Don’t go too far as Eagle Pond awaits and is closer than you think. The second shot is also blind and turns left at the bottom of the hill making the hole a slight double dogleg. Should you find the fairway with your second shot, your third is usually played from a downhill and side-hill lie. The green is the largest on the course and has many imposing undulations with a slight false front. Depending on the pin selection for the day, a two putt can be difficult. #12 is a great par five that can be played in many different ways and any par is well earned.
One person who may think #12 is an easy hole is Mark Parry. Mark holed his second shot on #12 during the 2009Ogopogo this year making a rare albatross two. His magic club - a 3 iron from 247 yards.
The toughest par 3 is an easy one to pick. The 7th hole on the Quail Course at the Okanagan Golf Club. It measures 227 yards from the back tees and can play just under 250 yards when fully stretched out. Length is only half of the equation; the other is accuracy. The opening to the green if you try the ground route is only about eight yards wide as the front right of the green is protected by two bunkers. The chance of a ball running onto the putting surface is also negated by the steep bank leading up to the green. At its widest, the green is a mere 18 yards and has a large tier about 12 yards from the front of the putting surface dividing the green in two distinct tiers. For some golfers it may be best played as a short par four. Place your tee shot just short of the green and then try to chip and putt for your par. Don’t go left either; more trouble waits in the form of two bunkers set well below the putting surface. Go left of the bunkers and we may not see you for about 5 minutes as you search for your ball. Anyone making three on this hole should be quite pleased and most likely will be hitting first on the next tee.
The toughest par 4 is not so easy to select. Holes that come to mind are #1 Gallagher’s Canyon, #10 Kelowna Golf and Country Club, #17 Kelowna Springs, #9 at Sunset Ranch, #’s 8 and 9 at the Quail, and the 498 yard #17 at the Harvest. My toughest par 4 around town is the 17th at the Shannon Lake Golf Club. At 405 yards it is not the length that makes the hole tough, but rather the looming hazards both off the tee and around the green. Shannon Lake is in play down the entire right side of the hole and in front of the green. Fairway bunkers protect the left side of the driving area. Playing to the green out of any these bunkers can be daunting with the lake directly in play. The putting surface is relatively flat but is protected by water and a steep bank behind the green. A par on this hole could be the highlight of your round; it is easy to understand why this is the signature hole at Shannon Lake.
In selecting the toughest par five, I am going to be a bit of a “homer”. The 12th at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club is my pick. At 552 yards it has some length to it. When fully stretched out with back tee and back pin placements it can measure nearly 585 yards. The tee shot needs to be well placed to avoid trees and a fairway bunker on the left. Be sure to favour the left side for the easiest layup shot. Get the ball in the fairway and you are only one third of the way home. The second requires a well positioned shot downhill to the right side of the fairway. Don’t go too far as Eagle Pond awaits and is closer than you think. The second shot is also blind and turns left at the bottom of the hill making the hole a slight double dogleg. Should you find the fairway with your second shot, your third is usually played from a downhill and side-hill lie. The green is the largest on the course and has many imposing undulations with a slight false front. Depending on the pin selection for the day, a two putt can be difficult. #12 is a great par five that can be played in many different ways and any par is well earned.
One person who may think #12 is an easy hole is Mark Parry. Mark holed his second shot on #12 during the 2009Ogopogo this year making a rare albatross two. His magic club - a 3 iron from 247 yards.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Fight Slow Play on the Golf Course
The game of golf was not intended as an all day endeavor. Over analyzing every shot can lead to a long day. Scotland is my favorite place to play golf because a round of golf rarely takes over four hours to complete.
Here are a few tips that will benefit all golfers. They are in no particular order, yet they are all important.
#1 Play ready golf. Regardless of who has the honour on the tee box, be ready to hit when it is safe instead of waiting for others. In the fairway and around the greens do the same.
#2 Record scores on the next tee. Nothing worse than standing in the fairway watching someone write down numbers on the green.
#3 First person to hole out picks up the flagstick. Be ready to replace it when the final putt is holed. Don’t just exit the green and leave the flagstick for the last player.
#4 Leave your golf bag on the side of the green so that it may be picked up on the way to the next tee. Never leave your clubs at the front of the green.
#5 Keep your practice swings to a minimum. One or two are enough for anyone, on the tee box or on any full shot.
#6 Watch your golf ball until it has finished rolling, especially after a bad shot. Many times golfers turn away in disgust when a poor shot has been struck, leaving them with no idea where the ball has come to rest. 5 minutes is the maximum time allotted to find a lost ball. In a tournament be sure to hit a provisional ball.
#7 Tell your longwinded stories after the tee shot. You will have more time after your 300 yard drive.
#8 Play from the correct set of tees. Leave your “ego” at home; you don’t need to see the whole golf course. Play from a set of tees that will make the day enjoyable for your group and those behind you.
#9 Spend as little time needed at the beverage cart as possible. If you are behind, maybe pass on the beverages, unless of course water is needed to hydrate.
#10 When on the putting green, read the break of your putt while others are putting. Taking care not to disrupt them.
#11 In between shots walk briskly; start planning your next shot as you approach your ball.
Most golfers don’t realize when they are out of position. Here is a simple way to determine if you need to get your group moving. When arriving on the tee of a par 4 and the group in front has left the putting surface you are out of position. When arriving on the tee of a par five and the group in front has removed the flagstick you are behind. When arriving on a par 3 and the group in front has left the next tee, you best get cracking.
The following “humorous” comments will help you determine if you are slow golfer? After the round of golf, you need a fresh shave. Your family sends out a missing persons request before you complete your round. You are so slow you catch up to your own group during a shotgun start tournament. Your clothes are out of style by the back nine. One of the best ways to determine if you are slow: your golf partners refer to you as “methodical”, a polite way of saying you are too slow.
Many people enjoy watching golf on television. Please don’t emulate the time pros take; they are competing for millions of dollars and playing under the toughest conditions.
Here are a few tips that will benefit all golfers. They are in no particular order, yet they are all important.
#1 Play ready golf. Regardless of who has the honour on the tee box, be ready to hit when it is safe instead of waiting for others. In the fairway and around the greens do the same.
#2 Record scores on the next tee. Nothing worse than standing in the fairway watching someone write down numbers on the green.
#3 First person to hole out picks up the flagstick. Be ready to replace it when the final putt is holed. Don’t just exit the green and leave the flagstick for the last player.
#4 Leave your golf bag on the side of the green so that it may be picked up on the way to the next tee. Never leave your clubs at the front of the green.
#5 Keep your practice swings to a minimum. One or two are enough for anyone, on the tee box or on any full shot.
#6 Watch your golf ball until it has finished rolling, especially after a bad shot. Many times golfers turn away in disgust when a poor shot has been struck, leaving them with no idea where the ball has come to rest. 5 minutes is the maximum time allotted to find a lost ball. In a tournament be sure to hit a provisional ball.
#7 Tell your longwinded stories after the tee shot. You will have more time after your 300 yard drive.
#8 Play from the correct set of tees. Leave your “ego” at home; you don’t need to see the whole golf course. Play from a set of tees that will make the day enjoyable for your group and those behind you.
#9 Spend as little time needed at the beverage cart as possible. If you are behind, maybe pass on the beverages, unless of course water is needed to hydrate.
#10 When on the putting green, read the break of your putt while others are putting. Taking care not to disrupt them.
#11 In between shots walk briskly; start planning your next shot as you approach your ball.
Most golfers don’t realize when they are out of position. Here is a simple way to determine if you need to get your group moving. When arriving on the tee of a par 4 and the group in front has left the putting surface you are out of position. When arriving on the tee of a par five and the group in front has removed the flagstick you are behind. When arriving on a par 3 and the group in front has left the next tee, you best get cracking.
The following “humorous” comments will help you determine if you are slow golfer? After the round of golf, you need a fresh shave. Your family sends out a missing persons request before you complete your round. You are so slow you catch up to your own group during a shotgun start tournament. Your clothes are out of style by the back nine. One of the best ways to determine if you are slow: your golf partners refer to you as “methodical”, a polite way of saying you are too slow.
Many people enjoy watching golf on television. Please don’t emulate the time pros take; they are competing for millions of dollars and playing under the toughest conditions.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Ten Ways to Improve Your Golf Game
The 2010 golf season is well under way. Is this the year you decided to improve your golf game? Not as easy as you thought, is it? The game of golf is a continuing challenge that even the greatest players in the history of the game continually try to master.
The following are ten ideas that could improve your game starting today, with little cost and not a lot of effort.
#1) Read a golf book, any golf book. The range of topics for golf books is as varied as golf courses themselves. Bob Rotella has a series of wonderful books that can assist you with the mental aspects of the game. A classic and timeless instruction book would be Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf. First written in 1957 it can be found in book stores or online and is worth every penny spent.
#2) Re-grip your clubs. PGA Tour professionals are constantly making sure their grips are in excellent condition and clean. While you don’t have a caddie to scrub your grips clean every day or a club repair truck on site to change grips when needed, there is no excuse to be playing with dirty and worn clubs.
#3) After having your clubs re-gripped, be sure to check the lofts and lie angles of your golf clubs to make sure they have not been altered. What is your lie angle? It is the angle between the bottom, or sole, of the golf club and the shaft. CPGA professionals will be able to fit you with the correct lie angle for your golf swing.
#4) Do you play the same golf course 3 or 4 times a week? If so, then head out to another golf course. This will help you think about your shot and not just play on auto pilot. A different golf course forces you to make a myriad of decisions while picking new targets. A different golf course will keep you mentally sharp and focused during the round.
#5) Do you play golf with the same people all the time? It may be time to mix up your regular foursome and expand your horizons beyond your comfort level. Ask one of the better golfers at your course or the golf professionals in the shop for a game. Watch what these better players do on the course and if you are observant of their game you may learn a new shot or two.
#6) Watch golf on TV with a new twist; turn off the sound and just watch the pros play. The commentary can be distracting and you may miss the important parts.
#7) Develop a consistent and repeatable pre-shot routine. Find a routine that works for you and make sure it is repeatable under pressure. Stay positive with your thoughts and don’t take too long.
#8) Walk. To quote Shivas Irons in Michael Murphy’s famous book Golf in the Kingdom: “Ye’re makin’ a great mistake if ye think the gemme is meant for the shots” .... “The gemme is meant for walkin’.” Walking allows you develop an even pace and rhythm that will carry over to your golf swing. It is also good exercise.
#9) Learn the rules of golf. There are 34 rules of golf. The current RCGA rule book is 194 pages long. I am not suggesting that you should learn every rule, but a good general knowledge of the rules of golf could save you strokes. This weekend a member of our group saved himself two shots after he was going to re-tee when he was not allowed. Someone in the group instructed him that he must continue to play from where the ball entered the hazard once he dropped and played a stroke from there. Confused? Time to read the rule book.
#10) Try your best not to keep score. Easy to say, difficult to do. Recall your best rounds and there is a good chance that you were not sure how well you were scoring. Some of the best golfers are poor mathematicians.
Good luck for the remainder of the season and remember it is just a game. Yeah, right!
The following are ten ideas that could improve your game starting today, with little cost and not a lot of effort.
#1) Read a golf book, any golf book. The range of topics for golf books is as varied as golf courses themselves. Bob Rotella has a series of wonderful books that can assist you with the mental aspects of the game. A classic and timeless instruction book would be Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf. First written in 1957 it can be found in book stores or online and is worth every penny spent.
#2) Re-grip your clubs. PGA Tour professionals are constantly making sure their grips are in excellent condition and clean. While you don’t have a caddie to scrub your grips clean every day or a club repair truck on site to change grips when needed, there is no excuse to be playing with dirty and worn clubs.
#3) After having your clubs re-gripped, be sure to check the lofts and lie angles of your golf clubs to make sure they have not been altered. What is your lie angle? It is the angle between the bottom, or sole, of the golf club and the shaft. CPGA professionals will be able to fit you with the correct lie angle for your golf swing.
#4) Do you play the same golf course 3 or 4 times a week? If so, then head out to another golf course. This will help you think about your shot and not just play on auto pilot. A different golf course forces you to make a myriad of decisions while picking new targets. A different golf course will keep you mentally sharp and focused during the round.
#5) Do you play golf with the same people all the time? It may be time to mix up your regular foursome and expand your horizons beyond your comfort level. Ask one of the better golfers at your course or the golf professionals in the shop for a game. Watch what these better players do on the course and if you are observant of their game you may learn a new shot or two.
#6) Watch golf on TV with a new twist; turn off the sound and just watch the pros play. The commentary can be distracting and you may miss the important parts.
#7) Develop a consistent and repeatable pre-shot routine. Find a routine that works for you and make sure it is repeatable under pressure. Stay positive with your thoughts and don’t take too long.
#8) Walk. To quote Shivas Irons in Michael Murphy’s famous book Golf in the Kingdom: “Ye’re makin’ a great mistake if ye think the gemme is meant for the shots” .... “The gemme is meant for walkin’.” Walking allows you develop an even pace and rhythm that will carry over to your golf swing. It is also good exercise.
#9) Learn the rules of golf. There are 34 rules of golf. The current RCGA rule book is 194 pages long. I am not suggesting that you should learn every rule, but a good general knowledge of the rules of golf could save you strokes. This weekend a member of our group saved himself two shots after he was going to re-tee when he was not allowed. Someone in the group instructed him that he must continue to play from where the ball entered the hazard once he dropped and played a stroke from there. Confused? Time to read the rule book.
#10) Try your best not to keep score. Easy to say, difficult to do. Recall your best rounds and there is a good chance that you were not sure how well you were scoring. Some of the best golfers are poor mathematicians.
Good luck for the remainder of the season and remember it is just a game. Yeah, right!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)