tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83551060892128407162008-05-08T08:06:42.863-07:00The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-25375960569078271462008-04-10T19:26:00.000-07:002008-04-11T06:40:10.492-07:00

Today I played my best round ever, scoring 5 birdies to shoot my first-ever even-par round from the tips at Monarch Dunes (73.0/137). I've scored 1-under and even-par rounds before, but never from the back tees. In fact, my best prior score at this course from the challenging back tees was a 6-over 77! And today's 71 could so easily have been my first sub-70 round. Monarch Dunes 1st After

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-41055257348774081742008-03-29T09:42:00.001-07:002008-03-31T06:32:28.749-07:00

A very frustrating slump that began with the shanks nearly 3 weeks ago may have finally ended. Although I've had a few rounds now where I've avoided hitting the ball with the hosel, my scoring has continued to suffer. After 6 straight rounds over 80, with more double and triple bogies than I care to remember, I finally made a breakthrough yesterday. Sun setting on my slump, by Claudio Marcon at

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-64632700666698961962008-03-24T19:15:00.000-07:002008-03-24T19:27:49.519-07:00

While I continue to pursue golf as art, the true artful golfer paints a masterpiece. The Artful Tiger paints a masterpiece with golf balls.

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-36552039695565237532008-03-19T19:39:00.000-07:002008-03-20T07:44:11.484-07:00

I thought I'd share an update to yesterday's post about my recent bout with the shanks. I decided to head out to the range after lunch today to hit a large bucket of balls using only my lob wedge to see if I could just make them go away. My full swings, pitches, and chips we're working fine. The only shot that resulted in shanks was when I opened up the club face to get more loft. Celebrating

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-78879000786592631472008-03-18T11:18:00.000-07:002008-03-18T11:19:30.961-07:00

I've apparently hit a wall in my efforts to improve. For the third time now, I've flurted with my goal to break through a 3 index. This time I've been holding steady, breaking 80 in 3 out of 4 rounds, but in my last four rounds I've bounced seriously backwards, shooting anywhere from 41 to 47 for nine holes in each round. I've developed the shanks! A Wall at St. Andrews by WjButt at flickr

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-63886777691794477592008-03-03T08:58:00.001-08:002008-03-03T09:41:36.247-08:00

Anyone who teaches golf using a drill that involves hockey skates is certain to get my attention! The Director of the Richmond Hill Golf Learning Centre in Toronto, Shawn Clement, does just that, focusing primarily on momentum in the golf swing. Clement has been teaching and coaching golf since 1987, and is now on the top 25 list of CPGA Teachers in Canada as rated by Score Golf Magazine in

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-25035077591129178242008-02-23T08:42:00.000-08:002008-02-23T19:47:51.356-08:00

Last month, after posting my Artful Golf Links, I started reading one of the golf blogs that I had recommended on a daily basis. I had only recently discovered this blog and quickly learned that this Australian blogger, Cameron Strachan, teaches a very similar approach to the game that I've taken, stepping outside the box and thinking a little differently. Aussie Golfers by DJ Bass at flickr

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-14871517364665769822008-02-14T09:58:00.000-08:002008-02-14T10:24:08.602-08:00

In a recent article at Golf Today Magazine, Bob Fagan contemplates the influence of Golf's Higher Plane. Fagan maintains that although the mental and physical sides of your game are necessary to excel at golf, they are not the only keys to success - you also need a solid spiritual side. Photo by lesleemitchell at flickr Fagan believes we continually attract either positive or negative energy

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-35867904400479990972008-02-08T09:13:00.000-08:002008-02-08T09:38:23.711-08:00

My golf game is very influenced by hockey. I'm often told that it looks like I'm taking a slap shot when I drive the ball. There's no doubt that my natural ability to hit down on the ball with my irons comes from my artful slap shot. I'm even known for bringing out my Happy Gilmore swing every few rounds when faced with a wide range-like fairway. I like to end my practice sessions on the range

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-15228559990885349002008-02-04T09:29:00.001-08:002008-02-04T09:53:41.727-08:00

Our early morning Super Bowl Sunday golf tournament was canceled yesterday due to rain, wind and cold. But just after noon, the sun started to peek out. Even though the winds were still howling, I decided to head over to the course to at least hit some balls and see if anyone was in the clubhouse to watch the Super Bowl. I arrived to an empty parking lot. Rackham by DaddyNewt at flickr I went

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-46483434045226000702008-01-25T21:26:00.001-08:002008-01-26T06:21:50.060-08:00

Over the past year or so, I've collected what I think is the largest golf blogroll on the internet. Although I've only posted a handful of my favorites in my "Artful Blogs" list in the right column of this page, my complete list of golf blogs is rapidly approaching 300! And this list only includes the blogs and news sites that publish an RSS feed. Chambers Bay Golf Course by mistymisschristie

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-70470460265405592732008-01-16T21:46:00.000-08:002008-01-16T21:47:09.273-08:00

During the last month, between December 14th and January 13th, I played 12 rounds of golf and broke 80 in every round. For me, that's quite an accomplishment (and for this time of year, quite a luxury). I usually sprinkle in a couple rounds in the low 80's for every few rounds in the 70's. I never seem to keep my good rounds going. My previous streak in the 70's ended at 7. But something

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-7914564777730353752008-01-06T11:54:00.000-08:002008-01-06T11:56:10.217-08:00

While corresponding with Reid Sheftall, M.D. after reading his book, he introduced me to Tom Coyne, author of Paper Tiger, a hilarious golf story about his journey pursuing his PGA Tour card. I ordered the book and finished reading it in 2 days. I've honestly never laughed out loud more while reading a book! I can't tell you how many times I interrupted my wife, who could care less about golf, to

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-17987307634216476472007-12-22T17:44:00.000-08:002007-12-24T10:51:11.287-08:00

As 2007 winds down, it's time to reflect back on the year, and make plans for a new one. Last January, I posted my goals for 2007, along with a review of my 2006 accomplishments. 2006 was a big year for me. In my second year of playing, I cut my handicap by more than half, recorded my first sub-par round, hit my first hole-in-one, and competed in my first club championship and took 1st place net

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-60922348308809623942007-12-18T09:04:00.000-08:002007-12-18T09:26:22.273-08:00

Since picking up the game in 2005 with my old golf clubs, I've gradually replaced each club with new ones - except for my Orlimar Tri-Metal fairway woods. I just haven't found any reason to replace them. When I think back to my most amazing golf shots, they almost all involve my favorite 20-degree Tri-Metal. My first eagle came on the par 5 6th at Monarch Dunes after I hit my 5-wood from 215

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-51980071347226732462007-12-12T10:19:00.000-08:002007-12-12T10:41:14.287-08:00

One of my main intents in creating this website earlier this year was the desire to share a book that I read - Extraordinary Golf by Fred Shoemaker - that inspired my biggest breakthroughs, not by teaching me how to improve my swing, but by transforming how I think on the golf course. The day after reading the book, I broke 80. One year later, I broke par. Not bad, but it pales in comparison to

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-76252974216279770892007-12-08T10:58:00.000-08:002007-12-08T10:59:52.722-08:00

As a new year approaches and I near the end of my third year of playing golf, I'm finding it's time to reevaluate my goals and priorities and perhaps regain more balance in my life. I've made golf a big priority over the past 2 years, playing an average of 10 rounds per month and practicing once or twice a week while staying gainfully employed as a software developer. With my spouse working and

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-6997818647705689332007-11-25T09:44:00.001-08:002007-11-25T19:31:04.538-08:00

After getting fitted for new clubs, taking lessons from GOLF Magazine Top 100 teachers on both coasts, hitting range balls with a stronger left-hand grip, about 10 sessions with a personal trainer, a nutritional analysis, and a session with a renowned sports psychologist, GOLF Magazine writer Cameron Morfit admits defeat in his quest to lower his handicap from 6 to scratch in 6 months. Final

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-82131302513929132072007-11-20T13:13:00.000-08:002007-11-20T19:24:46.615-08:00

I don't usually post news from professional golf here, but for the original Artful One, I'll make an exception. On the heels of entertainers Justin Timberlake and George Lopez being named hosts of their own PGA Tour events, the Nationwide Tour announced on Monday that a new tournament will include the name of its own great one. Check that. The Great One. Wayne Gretzky, The Great One Named for

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-9853769438161863482007-11-19T10:11:00.000-08:002007-11-19T10:45:45.976-08:00

Sandy Tatum shares an inspiring golf story about Major James Nesmeth in his book, A Love Affair with the Game. A version of the story is shared below, a story originally reported in a book titled You've Got to be Believed to be Heard. Harding Park by morethangolf at flickr.com Major James Nesmeth had a dream of improving his golf game - and he developed a unique method of achieving his goal.

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-69980449359208989112007-11-17T19:43:00.000-08:002007-11-17T20:31:23.042-08:00

It appears I'm nearing the end of 2007 pretty much where I started the year. My index still hovers around 4.0 and only half my rounds continue to come in under 80. I made great progress during my first year in 2005, getting my index down to 10 and breaking 80, then again last year, knocking my index all the way down to 4 and shooting par. This year, I set a goal to get down to 2 and break 70, but

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-38974459047119824002007-11-10T10:28:00.000-08:002007-11-10T10:38:44.619-08:00

My father-in-law passed away recently after a 15-year battle with Parkinson's disease, a disease that usually compounds its physical challenges with that of depression. However, my father-in-law, who often shared that "attitude is everything", showed us what that meant as he faced this disease. As he gradually lost the ability to do one basic function after another, while becoming more and more

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-6934793232065312482007-10-31T09:38:00.000-07:002007-10-31T09:49:10.975-07:00

When our kids were growing up, we spent our summer vacations hiking. We drove to all the western states and provinces during these trips visiting the Cascades, Tetons, Sierras, Rockies, Sawtooths, Bitterroots, Wasatch, and San Juans. It was while hiking these miles and miles of mountain trails that I became a birder. I never seemed to be able to identify and remember the names of all the

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-3217273880380461562007-10-30T21:33:00.000-07:002007-10-30T21:39:27.988-07:00

Lorne Rubenstein wrote an article this month for SCOREGolf, A Zone Worth Finding, about a book by Former PGA Tour winner Bobby Clampett, The Impact Zone: Mastering Golf's Moment of Truth. It's the one book Rubenstein read this year, or in many years, for that matter, that says very little about the swing itself, and plenty about the moment of truth - impact. Golf Impact Shot by photomudger at

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355106089212840716.post-33137911978594052042007-10-26T20:21:00.000-07:002007-10-29T09:08:51.994-07:00

I ran across an article about Lorena Ochoa in the San Francisco Chronicle by Scott Ostler that suggests there is something at least semi-mystical about the world's most dominant female golfer. The mystical issue was initially raised recently by Christina Kim, who told a writer, "I've known Lorena for almost a decade and there was always something sort of mystical about her. There was something

The Artful Golferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04679591639218254584noreply@blogger.com