Well, the Seaforth event is just around the corner (practice rounds are tomorrow) and while I was hoping to have a few more posts up by now it seems that I (not unlike just about everyone I know) have been too busy with other things. This does not mean I have not been to the range a handful of times and picked up a few more tips along the way – what it does mean is that in today’s world it is very difficult for anyone outside of the pros themselves to actually the spend the sort of hours required to improve – at least over a short period of time.
To contradict and intentionally misquote a popular Rolling Stones lyric ” time is not on our side, no it’s not”
And maybe that is the bigger lesson here. A better golf game comes with equal parts dedication and time. It is a journey and results are not often found in a day, a week, or in my case a couple of months.
What I can say is that I did get my current equipment into better shape and am now up to date (at least for a few months) with my new Titleist D2 driver and it has definately provided additional yards on average. My trusted old Ping Pal putter is rolling it better too now that I have made a mild grip change and some much needed carpentry. Golf, just like life, is a game of constant change and there is always something that can be improved.
My full swing is also much more consistent now that I have removed the excess lateral movement, but my short game will remain average, at best, as it has lacked much, if any attention.
Did get to spend a couple of days out at Greystone watching the recent Canadian Tour event held there which has given me an increased appreciation for the skill level on this tour and the distinct notion that to play the game at a high level demands a great deal of focus, dedication, and perseverance. It really is a lifestyle and then some. It’s also very cool to know that I may be paired with a future PGA Pro and maybe even a future Major Champion. After all, this year’s Canadian Open Champ, Nathan Green, once honed his skills on this tour.
When this exemption is all said and done I will still be under 10 rounds for the season – a dreary testament to a life in the publishing industry or perhaps a life in this age and economy.
But let me say this – and I mean this – the experience that I have gone through in preparation far outweighs the view from the other side of the ropes (even with a press pass) and it has reminded of what it was once like to be a more active participant. I have learned more about the game from this perspective in a few weeks than I had in years sifting through press releases, asking questions and waiting for answers.
There is a couple of bits of sound advice that I would like to share with you … if you’re a player or working hard to become better than they are well worth the read — see next blog.
