Golf Talk With Greg Holman – #74

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We’ve been teased, but eventually golf season will arrive to stay. I’ve only worked in one full round so far, so I am behind schedule, but it’s partly because work has prevented me from playing during the week until now. I’ve taken a new shift where I work nine to five so I don’t have any excuses.

I was encouraged by my first round of the year so I have something to build on. If you are a senior golfer like myself in average shape and have been couped up, here’s what I recommend.

Take it slow. Hit a small bucket to loosen up, hit 20 putts and play nine holes from the front tees. The fairways are soft and you’ll need all the extra distance you can get.

Take one more club on your approach and hit your putts firmly and play less break.

Bring plenty of extra balls. Save the new ones for the weekend or memorial weekend, but throw away your old gloves and spring for a few new ones.

Take a jacket and throw it in the cart basket just in case. If it’s 65 degrees and the sun goes behind the clouds and the wind picks up, you’ll be glad you have it. Also wash the old towel that has been hanging on your bag all winter. If you are like me you do everything from wiping your clubs and shoes to blowing your nose in that towel, so it’s time for a fresh one.

While you shouldn’t use new balls, make sure you wash the old ones so they will be easier to find.

As far as goals are concerned, take the score you shot in October and add five per nine. On the tee start off with a smooth swing and try to increase your backswing a little hole by hole until you rip one off the 9th tee.

Play winter rules but be courteous and don’t hit mulligens on the course. Save the practice for the driving range. The course may also require carts to stay on the paths or you may be asked to observe the 90 degree rule. Avoid soft areas if you do drive onto the fairway and keep your cart at least 50 feet from greens and tees unless otherwise noted. That’s another reason to only play nine holes. You may be required to walk more than you would in the summer.

Lastly, keep a good attitude, especially if you are playing with someone else. Laugh off the bad shots and don’t make excuses. By the same token, compliment your playing partner on his/her good shots. I like to chart my rounds so I can see my improvement through the year.

Good luck and hit ’em straight!

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