Breaking Bad Habits for Better Golf

We’ve all heard the old adage before: a round of golf is the best way to learn about another person’s true self. Playing partners seem to learn a little more about the true personality of an opponent while playing golf, especially when the shots get crooked and the putts stop falling. Bosses play with subordinates who are up for promotion to see how the employee can handle pressure. Business deals are made on golf courses every day. The list goes on and on.

However, are these examples still relevant to today’s game as it applies to anger and emotion? Read more of this post

Indian Wells – Myrtle Beach

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My apologies for not blogging more during the past week or so. I am currently on vacation in beautiful Myrtle Beach, South Carolina attempting to dodge a hurricane that will undoubtedly touch land sometime around Saturday.

Regardless, I took advantage of an especially sunny morning to play golf at Indian Wells in Garden City; just a few miles south on Myrtle. Voted the “Best Course in Myrtle Beach” in 2004, Indian Wells is a challenging course tucked just off the ocean and features bermuda greens and water on 14 holes.

Golf Confessionals: Carriage Greens Country Club

Course: Carriage Greens Country Club

Address: 8700 Carriage Greens Drive, Darien, Illinois. 60561

Rating: 69.7; Slope: 122

 

Had the opportunity to spend a beautiful day out in Darien, Illinois this morning (7:08am tee-time) and play a course I have been wanting to try for quite some time: Carriage Greens Country Club.  Built within and around a rather impressive community, Carriage Greens has the allure of a classic old course with the maintenance and appearance as one of the best in the area.  While there is no practice facility other than a putting green, the course itself was in excellent condition even after a very rainy week in Chicagoland.

The front nine is very different from the back in terms of both difficulty and feel. The front side is more spread-out among the acerege and has more sand than any other hazards. The back nine, however, is pretty well-surrounded by water on 7 holes. My game seemed to favor the front nine as well, shooting 40 before blowing up on the back nine and shooting 48 (including a 9 on the par 5 thirteenth).

Both nines feature small greens, tight fairways, and sloping greens.  On my of the holes I was forced to hit less than a driver due to their sharp doglegs and extremely narrow landing areas. While the fairways and greens were very well-kept, the rough and bunkers left a little be to desired.  I don’t mind needing to hit an extra club or two from the rough, but to be penalized an entire stroke is pretty aggravating.

Long story short, I was pleased with Carriage Greens on the whole. At a discounted price tag of $50 for 18 holes and a cart, the value was certainly worthwhile.

Golf Confessionals: Struggle, Struggle, Struggle

Throughout the past two years I have covered a few instructors, theories, and mechanical tips regarding the golf swing and how I attempt to incorporate these teachings into my game.  I have shared my ups and downs with the process, especially during the span when I had no formal lessons or training… which is approximately 16 years of my life.  In fact, it hasn’t been until recently when a golf pro has taken a look at my swing from an analytical standpoint. 

I have learned a great deal from both instructors — Brant Kasbohm and Greg Baresel – in regard to swing plane, takeaway, release, and posture.  However, perhaps the most important lessons I learned during these two short sessions is that improving my game will take a little time and a lot of hard work.  At least, to get my game to where I can score below 80 on a consistent basis. Read more of this post

Golf Confessionals: Salt Creek Golf Club

This morning I decided to wake up and play golf in 43 degree weather in the Western Suburbs of Chicago because, well, I’m kind of an idiot.  Maybe saying that I’m an “addict” is more accurate, especially when that temperature is accompanied by 25 mph winds.  Even with three layers of clothing, a stocking hat, and thermal socks I managed to freeze my butt off.  It was pretty impressive actually; feel right off and landed in a greenside bunker.  Was the damndest thing.  Read on to see how my round went. Read more of this post

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