Golf Die Hard

Breaking 100: Driver Envy

2008-11-17T10:57:22Z

Breaking 100 is a turning point. How do you get there? Most articles from golf mags suggest, follow their advice for longer, straighter shots. I won't suggest you should thumb your nose at the advice of the experts, but their advice for your game, might not be accurate.

I know blasting the driver is a lot of fun. In many ways, it makes the game fun even when you're not playing well. You may even taunt your playing partners by out driving them on each hole. Does it surprise you that many times they still beat you that hole?

Do you remember when Tiger Woods won the British Open hitting driver only once? Have you ever tried playing a golf course without the driver? Say hitting your 2 or 3 iron off the tee or even a hybrid. This is a great learning tool, especially if your driver is costing you strokes by going OB, forcing punch outs or generally putting you in bad position. I've suggested this to a few of my playing partners and you know what I hear? Oh, that's not going to be any fun. Well, is shooting 110 fun? What is your goal for the round? If it's fun, blast away. If you're trying to break 100 and the driver is costing you shots, hit another club.

If you're playing the right distances off the tee, sure you might be hitting longer irons into greens. But, there lies the reward. Hitting 5 iron with a great look at the green is much better than being stuck behind a tree, in the rough where only a miracle shot will get you on. To me, putting for birdie is much more fun that blasting my driver or trying to make a 10 footer for par.

Proactive vs. Reactive.

Meters vs Yards Easy

2008-11-10T15:23:53Z

Earlier this year, I wrote an article on yards vs meters. One of our readers, Q Man, gave us a very easy way to calculate yards vs meters without a hand held device.

Below is from Q Man:

"Hi man. I have a really easy way to work out the conversion of Meters to Yards as I play on a course that is in Meters. If it is 185 meters it is 203 yards. All you do is simply add the the first digits of the distance to the distance. For example 185 plus 18= 203. Try it out on a actual converter and you will find it perfectly correct. Even if it is 249 meters it means its, 249 plus 24= 273 yards. This though an actual converter is 272.309 exactly."

Keep it in the short grass!

Golf's Passion

2008-11-03T13:04:21Z

Where does the passion that boils in the souls of golfers originate? Seemingly all sports followers have a passion, but golf tends to be a little different. Have you ever been at a dinner or some social function, and you end up talking to someone in a less than spirited way, when suddenly golf is mentioned? The entire evening changes in a blink and the evening may zip past you as you tell golf stories, chat about courses played or even who's going to win the next major. It's really an interesting phenomenon.

I've often wondered what it is about the game that helps foster this passion. For me, the game mirrors life. As a child, I was drawn to the game because everything you do, you must hold yourself responsible within the game. Bad bounces? Shouldn't have it there. Bad gust of wind? Should have waited. In a world where in reality we have little control, we can play a game where we have all of the control over our game. The blame game is played by only one. Passion builds from our successes and failures. In golf, there can be a lot of both during a round.

Golf is also very unique in that you can compare yourself against other players. Walk in the footsteps of the greats and regular joes alike. There are so many courses that have hosted the biggest tournaments which in turn delivered great moments and shots to be remembered over and over again. While we may not be able to re-live the moment, we can simply take a club and golf ball, place it where someone before us hit a shot heard round the world, and see how we measure up, if only for that instant. It's very unique in that other major sports, the fans don't get this chance. Most other major sports are team oriented. You won't be able to play against the 08 Celtics or the 85 Bears. As long as the course is still around and hasn't been changed dramatically, all you need is your sticks, a ball, and a moment.

Where does your passion come from?

Breaking 80

2008-10-27T08:06:24Z

The honest truth is if you can break 90, you need to refine the little things that are costing you strokes and 80 should be within your grasp. Is it possible? Of course! You should read my page http://www.golfdiehard.com/Breaking_80.html from this site that helps break down what's necessary to make it happen. In large part, many golfers should move up on the tee box to a tee that most suits their game. I hear from golf professionals that make this point quite a bit. Make the game fun and play within your ability. Most courses will tell you on the scorecard where you should be playing based on your handicap. Try it!

Another issue to consider when you're looking to break 80 is the courses you choose to play. Are you playing tough courses? If you like the challenge, then please play tough courses. But, if you're looking to break 80, pick a course that has nice size greens with not too much undulation. Pick a course that's rated easy to moderate. Take your ego and put it aside. The game doesn't know ego or how the ball gets to the hole. The only thing that will be seen is the final score.

If you're looking to break 80, then 7 to 9 over par is your limit. If par is 71 or 70 and you shoot 7 or 8 over par, you will break 80. The pros make breaking 70 look easy so 80's a snap. Not exactly as we all know.

The key to breaking 80 and playing solid golf is course management. How do you manage the course? Are you on the green in regulation? Are you 3 putting a lot? These are very important questions. Don't shoot for birdies. They should be more of a fortunate result than a desired outcome. Try to aim for the middle of the greens and stay below the pins typically. This should give you great opportunities to 2 putt and a lucky 1 putt once and awhile.

Tap in pars are a great thing for everyone. When you're trying to break 80, the goal is to bank as many pars as you can. A bogey here and there is fine, but you must avoid the double and triple bogey's at all costs. Minimize the big holes.

Play within your ability and give yourself the best chance to score well. Leave yourself below the hole when putting. Learn the greens and know the best places for your shots on the course. This is usually dependent on your game and what shots you can hit. The old saying of fairways and greens is right on. If you're an average putter, but consistently hit fairways and greens, breaking 80 is possible the next time you tee it up.

On the golf course, practice being proactive vs. reactive..

Breaking 90

2008-10-20T13:36:59Z

Once a golfer breaks the 100 barrier, instantly the thoughts on how to break 90 begin to surface. Is it possible? How do I make it happen? You should read my page http://www.golfdiehard.com/Breaking_90.html from this site that helps break down what's necessary to make it happen. In large part, many golfers should move up on the tee box to a tee that most suits their game. I hear from golf professionals that make this point quite a bit. Make the game fun and play within your ability. Most courses will tell you on the scorecard where you should be playing based on your handicap. Try it!

Another issue to consider when you're looking to break 90 is the courses you choose to play. Are you playing tough courses? If you like the challenge, then please play tough courses. But, if you're looking to break 90, pick a course that has nice size greens with not too much undulation. Pick a course that's rated easy to moderate. Take your ego and put it aside. The game doesn't know ego or how the ball gets to the hole. The only thing that will be seen is the final score.

If you look at breaking 90 from a mathematical perspective, it's bogey golf. If par is 71 or 70 and you shoot 18 over par, a bogey on every hole, you will break 90. It sounds easy on paper. The key to breaking 90 and playing solid golf is course management. How do you manage the course? Are you around the green in regulation? Then a chip and 2 putts would give you a bogey.

Play within your ability and give yourself the best chance to score well. Leave yourself below the hole when putting. Learn the greens and know the best places for your shots on the course. This is usually dependent on your game and what shots you can hit. The old saying of fairways and greens is right on. If you're an average putter, but consistently hit fairways and greens, breaking 80 will be your goal instead of breaking 90.

On the golf course, practice being proactive vs. reactive..

Breaking 100

2008-10-10T15:42:50Z

Every golfer has goals. When each of us started out, the goal may have been to just hit the ball. Then, once we established we could strike the ball consistently, our goal was to learn how far we could hit it with each club. We established new goals and eventually ventured out on the course to keep score. If you were like me, it wasn't pretty the first few times out. But, eventually we learned and the score became a focal point for our success.

For many of us the magic number in the beginning was to break 100. A nice round number that gave a great sense of accomplishment. Many statistics are thrown around the course, but one you hear a lot is 90% plus of our fellow golfers don't break 100. I'm not sure how accurate that is, but it's one of the reasons I've dedicated time and money to this site.

If breaking 100 is one of your goals, you should read my page http://www.golfdiehard.com/Breaking_100.html from this site that helps break down what's necessary to make it happen. In large part, many golfers should move up on the tee box to a tee that most suits their game. I hear from golf professionals that make this point quite a bit. Make the game fun and play within your ability. Most courses will tell you on the scorecard where you should be playing based on your handicap. Try it!

There is a very small percentage of golfers that should be teeing it up from the back tees. Just because you're playing from one tee forward doesn't mean you are playing from the tees you should be. Now if score isn't your concern and you're a glutton for punishment, please tip it out. But, if your goal is to break 100 and you've never done so, then you should be playing from 3 or 4 tees forward depending on the course. Take your ego and put it aside. The game doesn't know ego or how the ball gets to the hole. The only thing that will be seen is the final score.

Be proactive vs. reactive..

Where's The Playoff Drama?

2008-09-26T14:23:29Z

The Fed Ex playoff idea, I have to admit, was a pretty good idea. But, now that I've seen how it works for two years, it sucks. Yes, I said it. It sucks!

I don't like complainers. When I hear complainers, I always ask, "What would you like changed?" Well, here it goes.

The points system is fine leading up to the playoffs. Let's say the top 150 players in points gets in to the big dance, playoff time. Then the points are done! It's now single elimination time and it's all about survival. The first tournament will have a full field. The top 90 scores move on. Any ties get decided in a hole by hole playoff. The second tournament is more of the same, but now top 60 move on. The third tournament has the top 30 move on. Then it culminates in the Tour Championship with the top 30 and who ever wins the Tour Championship Tournament is presented the Fed Ex Cup! Winner Winner - Chicken Dinner!

Now how's that for drama? Tim Finchem are you listening? Is this thing on?

Cheers!

Fantasy Golf Pick - 9.17.08

2008-09-17T08:41:33Z

The season is winding down with only 2 weeks to go. Most leagues are pretty set by now and only a few people competing for the top spot. In my league, 1st place is pretty much decided as is 2nd place. 3rd is a tight battle and the only drama left in the race in 08. Sadly, a little anti-climactic.

Yahoo's league is pretty good. The season is long. I'd like to see them change at least one thing. Make the majors worth double points. That could really shake up the races and give people who might be down in the standings a shot a making up some serious ground.

On to this week. Slim pickens to say the least. Yahoo recommends Freddy Funk. I like the underdog choice even as they suggest he's the number 1 this week. He'll be on my squad, but I'll probably start Slocum in the C group. Keep an eye on Nicholas Thompson. The guy has 5 top 10's and 1.5 million in the bank, could be a sleeper. Woody Austin hasn't had the greatest year, but he's not happy that he isn't playing in the Ryder Cup. I bet he's going to coming out throwing darts. To win? Bart Bryant! Let's just say I smell something cooking.

Stay out of the deep rough!

The Ryder Cup: Why Is It Such A Big Deal?

2008-09-09T15:57:17Z

What is it that we love about us versus the rest of the world? I'm not entirely sure. It would make sense that since Golf isn't an Olympic sport yet, this is one way to have a big event that pits the US against everyone else. The way we like it, right?

It's not like we don't get to see the world's best compete every year against each other both on US soil and English soil. Although some of the US pro's do make out to Dubai or Europe for a small appearance fee of course. Plus, the world's best compete almost twice a month for the better part of the year on the PGA Tour.

The Ryder Cup and President's Cup are held every other year represent a solid money making endeavor. They are big winners in ratings, fan approval and even the players work their tails off all year to make the teams. I know, it's the pride to play for your country and all that. I'm not dismissing the importance of representing one's country, just the events themselves that I find a bit contrived.

The Olympics embody the spirit of mankind. The Ryder Cup is certainly no equal, but a fun, spirited competition where everyone enjoys a team format in an otherwise very individual game.

Enjoy and Go USA!

LPGA To Players: We Were Kidding!

2008-09-05T14:27:41Z

After the backlash the association received, the newest tour policy requiring all players to speak english will be "revised" and no suspensions will be levied against any players. Why then even have a policy? Why not just say it was a mistake and they shouldn't have brought it up in the first place?

I'll be interested to see how the LPGA spins this little black eye they've taken from this one. I can understand where they are coming from, but what might be a better solution, at least in the interim, would be to hire translators (even translator golfers) to accompany the groups. Raise the price of the Pro-Am for participants to cover costs and everyone can have a jolly old time on the links.

The revised policy should probably be changed to include a program to assist players in learning english and show them how they can make more money in endorsements, tournament money, etc. if they were to be able to speak english and incentivize them to want to learn english. One of the most powerful incentives available is cold hard cash.

Fairways and Greens!

The Amazing Disappearing Mickelson

2008-09-02T12:33:58Z

When Tiger went down for the season, many thought the short game wizard, Phil, would feast on his absence and dominate the 2nd half of the golf season. Instead it's been famine for him and hasn't played well by his standards during this Tiger-less period.

He's made a lot of cash and won't be selling any of his assets soon, but strangely he hasn't been in contention week in and week out. I'm no swing doctor, but something is the miss.

Only a few tournaments left for this year. Let's see if Phil can make something special happen like Vijay has been doing. He may look back at 08 and wonder if it was a year he blew a huge opportunity.

LPGA To Players: Speak English!

2008-08-28T12:34:03Z

In a move that certainly shocked many, the LPGA informed its players next year on tour a new policy will be in place. All players must pass an oral evaluation of english skills. It wasn't clear whether once a player passed, they would be exempt from further tests, which would make sense.

More importantly, it sent a message to international players that the LPGA was serious about trying to grow its brand and players. Since many of the players couldn't/wouldn't speak english, the efforts to continue to grow sponsorship, fan base, etc. was proving to be difficult when the media wasn't able to communicate with some of the rising stars of the tour.

The timing is interesting since some of the players will have a few months to get working on learning a new language. That's not easy! If you've every tried learning a new language, just like anything, it takes time and repetition to learn. Good luck to those girls this new rule effects. Here's a link to view an article on the new policy.

Yahoo Fantasy Golf: Spackler's Weekly Pick 8.20.08

2008-08-20T15:01:25Z

The fantasy golf season is winding down with only 5 weeks to play. But, it's playoff time, right? At least according to Tim Finchem. As the next couple of weeks come to pass the number of players in the field will diminish. If you are behind at this point, you better make a run now when there are lots of players to choose from. As we get to the last two weeks, options and opportunities to make a move to the top of your league will be few.

This week, I like Anthony Kim. He's been picked by a lot of people this week and I can see how hungry the guy is to make his mark on the golf world. Isn't that what you want to see in any athlete?

Until next week - Stay out of the rough!

Amatuer Golf Tour Ringers

2008-08-18T10:07:12Z

Playing on amateur tours can be a lot of fun and gives us weekend hackers a little taste of competition. This year on the Golf Galaxy Amateur Tour in Chicago, some of the players were complaining that ringers were playing on the tour. The problem I had with suggesting there were ringers on the tour is that a ringer, in my mind, is a professional player playing with amateurs. Now, sometimes a ringer is associated with a collegiate player or a semi-pro.

The so-called "ringers" were single digit handicaps. Pro's there were not! They are very good amateur players. If you don't know about the Golf Galaxy tour, this year 1st place could pay out upwards of over $300 per player. Not bad, right? It's enough coin to get the attention of better amateur golfers. The bottom line was that some of the complainers wanted to win 1st place with a mid to upper 70's score in a best ball format.

The word "ringer" has been abused when referencing good players. Please look at the big picture.

Destination: Pennsauken Country Club

2008-08-12T15:18:38Z

If you find yourself near Philadelphia, PA., head over the bridge to New Jersey and visit Pennsauken Country Club. It's a short drive but well worth the trip. It's a fun golf course that's nicely manicured and many holes that will test your grit.

More than the course, the people there are the best, bar none. They are friendly and go above and beyond the call to make sure your visit is enjoyable. Go visit the bar and restaurant. The bar prices are very reasonable, especially for a good Yuengling. Get a finely crafted beer from the oldest brewery in the U.S. Also, make sure you get the tuna melt, unbelievably delicious. Sitting at the bar, don't be surprised to have a local talk you up for awhile about anything sports related.

Visit this gem of a place for it's people and golf course. Trust me, you won't regret it.

PGA Championship Preview

2008-08-06T10:42:23Z

The last major without El Tigre. It's a golden opportunity for all. The names being thrown out there this year are Vijay Singh, Kenny Perry, Geoff Ogilvy, Sergio Garcia and Retief Goosen. What? No, Phil?

The players not getting any love from the media are Adam Scott, Ernie Els, Bubba Watson, Chez Reavie and Vaughn Taylor. Writing off Ernie is a mistake. The guy's got a lot left in the tank. Scott hasn't played his best lately and the experts could be right about him.

The pick is Phil Mickelson. I consider him an underdog in this tournament which is a little crazy. He hasn't had the best year, but when the chips are down, he usually plays well. He'll have a re-newed vigor this week and take home the trophy again.

Go get em Sir Lips A Lot!

FORE and GOLF

2008-08-01T08:35:07Z

There are two common questions I've heard people ask when it comes to golf. The first is why do people yell "fore" when a ball could possibly strike another person or golfer? Golfers used to yell "forewarn" back in the day. Like most words, we like to shorten them and thus "fore" caught on and is now the warning yelled all over courses everyday.

The second is where did the word "golf" come from? An old wives tale goes that those gents that started the game centuries ago were looking to get away from their wives and it stood for, "Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden." Actually, I've read that it derives from medieval Dutch and old Scots languages. The medieval Dutch word "kolf" was to mean "club." Apparently the Scots took it and made it "gouf." Shortly thereafter, "golf" was the standard and the name we use today.

Visit about.com for more details.

Fantasy Golf: Spackler's Weekly Pick

2008-07-30T08:08:59Z

I'm not going to discuss last week. Why look backward when we should be looking forward? This week should be fun. There are a lot of choices for the WGC Bridgestone Invitational. Looks like the top choices I've been hearing are Furyk, Anthony Kim, Padraig, Stewey, Allenby, Appleby and Kenny Perry.

My ears haven't been ringing this week. There is something about Kenny Perry that makes him my choice this week. Maybe it's his 3 wins this year? He's just been such a solid player that my expectation is he'll have another strong week this week.

Enjoy the tournament!

Golf Outing: Breaking 100, 90 or 80

2008-07-27T10:45:30Z

We are very proud to announce our first golf outing has been scheduled for September 14, 2008. Our host course will be The Traditions at Chevy Chase in Wheeling, Illinois near Chicago.

The golf outing is intended to help players manage the course and with the help of a mentor playing partner, reach a dream round of breaking 100, 90 or 80. If you are interested in participating, visit the Golf Die Hard home page for all the details.

Helping Golfers Reach New Lows!

Fantasy Golf - Spackler's Weekly Pick

2008-07-23T07:42:11Z

Oh, Caaaannnnaaaadaa! Get your Loonies and Toonies ready (Canadian $1 and $2 coins respectively). I wouldn't say last week was stellar but I did say Padraig could pull it off, which he did. That was last week and it's time to make this week's picks. There are three guys that everyone seems to like: Jim Furyk, Anthony Kim and Mike Weir. Retief Goosen is playing which is strange since we hardly ever see him in Canada, but I'm still not going to put him in on the starting roster. Mistake? Maybe.

Mikey Weir is the sentimental choice, but I'm not sentimental. AK showed a lot of guts at the British and should do well again this week. Keep an eye on Tom Pernice, Jr. And, the pick this week is Furyk. He had a solid British and is poised for a strong week.

As always, use this advice with extreme caution!