William P

Fall is in the air in the northern hemisphere, and nowhere is it more palpable than in the great state of Wyoming. The crisp autumn air brings a chill, with evening temperatures dipping into the low 40s. Frost will soon form as the golf season in the Rocky Mountain region winds down.

However, this doesn't mean golf is over; players just can't post a handicap round after Halloween in my area of the country. There's still plenty of golf to be played, albeit under different conditions. The turf changes, leaves fall, days shorten, and the air cools.
This got me thinking: how should I prepare for fall and off-season golf? As I get older, the cold affects my body more. I get stiff and can't move as fluidly as in warm weather. Determined to be better prepared this year, I started making a list and want to share it with you.
Personal Equipment: For fall golf, you'll need a waterproof jacket, windbreaker, umbrella, rain/winter gloves, and waterproof golf shoes. While I dislike wearing sleeves, it's a necessary evil. I typically opt for a quarter-zip and a light jacket that I can easily remove. Although I don't wear a glove during the regular season, I do in the winter. A good pair of thin but warm gloves is essential. Waterproof shoes are a must—cold feet are the worst. Consider packing an extra pair of socks and some hand warmers.

Balls: I'm not entirely convinced about colored balls; they don't necessarily make finding your ball in fallen leaves easier. However, some players prefer them for visibility. I recommend using a softer compression ball as temperatures drop. The lower compression is gentler on the hands and shouldn't significantly affect distance. Also, consider a ball with more spin to hold the firmer greens. Make sure you're familiar with the "leaf rule", according to USGA you are allowed to remove leaves or any other impediments by any means necessary without penalty, (unless you move the ball, even by accident, which is a one stroke penalty unless its on the green, then no penalty) which can be a big help in locating your ball.

Equipment: Consider the loft of your driver, as harder fairways are common in cooler weather. Depending on the course, you might want to adjust accordingly. Using a hybrid instead of a long iron for approach shots can be beneficial since the greens will be firm. Speaking of greens, they aren't rolled or mowed much in the fall as the grass goes dormant, affecting your putting. A mallet putter or a heavier blade putter can help. Also, think about your wedges and their bounce; hard turf will impact their performance, so plan accordingly.
Course Management: This ties into your equipment choices. The turf is different, and the greens are shaggy and slow. Strategize your approach to these conditions for the best scoring opportunities. Always repair any damage to the course caused by you or your ball, as it takes longer for the course to recover in the fall. Remember, morning dew and frost can affect how the ball rolls and spins. Be prepared for slower greens and less or more run on the fairways depending on conditions and fall maintenance.
Swing adjustment: Cooler air will affect your normal ball flight. The ball won’t carry as far but may run out farther than normal. However, don’t get crazy on swing adjustments. To compensate for some of the distance loss, consider hitting a lower shot or taking a bit more club. Try to stay with your normal swing otherwise. Try to focus on accuracy and minimize wayward shots if possible.
Mindset: There will be different challenges to fall golf. The key here is to embrace the change, enjoy the different scenery and the solitude. Pace of play will usually be faster because fair-weather players will be off the course. Take this opportunity to focus on mental strategies and sharpen your mental game. Focus on breathing and shot visualization. This will help you with your mental game development. Don’t get frustrated over a lost ball, this will happen in fall golf, just stay in the ZEN.🧘 

Physical Preparation:   Take extra time to stretch and warm up your muscles properly before your round. This can help prevent stiffness and injuries (especially for us older golfers). Even though it’s cooler, staying hydrated is important. Drink water throughout your round to keep your body functioning well. After the round, go ahead and stop in at the clubhouse to warm up and wrap things up, enjoy a beverage and some hot food. Chit chat with your fellow golfers and laugh at some of the stories you and they have. There’s a reason we all call it the 19thhole. 
I believe that the key to unlock enjoyable fall golf is to stay warm while appreciating the uniqueness of the season. The changing leaves are beautiful, even if they "litter" the fairways.  Embrace the sights and sounds, take it all in. You will notice that the course is quieter and more peaceful. Once the snow flies, I may play some rounds of winter golf, but you will also find me in the warm simulators, dreaming about playing pro courses all over the world for real instead of a simulation. Happy Birdie Hunting!
 

Wow, 2023-2024 was a great season in the PGA. 
Scottie Scheffler, undisputed player of the year with 7 PGA tour event wins, Gold medal, FedEx Cup champion.... and, most importantly (in his and most others eyes), new Dad!
Talk about a hell of year for World Number 1!
Not a bad year for Tedd Scott either: $5,269,444 isn't a bad year for a caddie! 
Let's not forget about Xander though either. He had a great year chasing Scotty around while winning two Major Championships. No lie, I thought he was playing lights out this year and it was great to see how well he has improved and develop some of that killer confidence we all knew he had in him. Bravo Xander. 
I don't want to talk too much about things everyone else is, but I do want to ask a few questions (internally for myself or anyone who reads this). 
What the hell happened to Justin Thomas? 
I'm a huge JT fan, have been for a very long time now. But the last few years the man has disappeared from the rankings. Sure, he made it to East Lake by the skin of his teeth and some serious luck from other golfers mistakes. But, I don't think anyone thought he would get there, especially the man himself. I've always respected his game though. It's not flashy and it's not hitting bombs. He plays smart and surgical. But, to this blogger, it looked like he was NEVER comfortable out there at all this year. However, congratulations to him, in case you missed his twitter post, he will be a new Dad this winter! So, guess that explains some of the distractions as well. 
Now, over to my wife's favorite golfer, Mr. Jordan Spieth. Jordan, get well soon buddy. Get that wrist fixed up and get back to dominating the short game that we love about you. Jordan was looking solid at the start of the year, his driver was on point. But, that wrist was taking away that touch around the greens that we've come to know Jordan by. I really think we are going to see a new and improved Jordan Spieth come 2025. I, for one, can't wait. 
Tiger, dude, please start having fun again! Nobody expects you to win, but please don't show up to show up. You look like you are in pain and miserable every time you tee it up. Dude, you are the GOAT, we know it. But, if its not fun for you anymore, just hang out and teach Charlie so we can see the legacy continue that way. 
With that, what was your favorite part of this season? 
What do you hope to see next year when we kick off in Hawaii in January?
Everyone going to watch LIV v PGA in "The Match" this year? I know I will be.

Last week, I played in my 54 hole club championship tournament. This year, I felt ready, but I knew it was going to be intense. I practiced diligently, managed the course well, avoided “hero shots,” and maintained the right mindset for the tournament. This is how each round went:
First Round: I aimed to shoot my handicap and get a feel for the course and conditions. I ended up 4 over my handicap, placing me in the middle of the pack in my flight. I had zero penalties or lost balls.
Second Round: I sought improvement and succeeded, shooting my handicap. Again, zero penalties or lost balls.
Final Round: This is still hard to think about—I completely derailed my chances of placing. The first 5 holes yielded 5 penalties. I ended the round with 8 penalties, averaging almost one every other hole, and scored a 95. A complete 180 from my previous two rounds.
I was perplexed and after licking my wounds, I reviewed the results. I gathered that without the final round penalties, I would have finished second in my flight. Those 16 lost strokes, due to the penalties in the final round, crushed my chances.  But they did not crush my spirit or drive to move through it and grow from the experience. To do this I thought I should first identify consistencies. 
 
There are a few things that I know remain unchanged whether the round is for a championship, tournament or for leisure.  The first is my warm-up routine, this has been the same for many years. Of course, I used my usual equipment (with a minor a shaft change on a hybrid) so my swing would remain unaffected. I even went so far as to not change the balls I have been using so I could depend on the distance, control and spin.  I knew I had to take a stab at identifying the issues that may have influenced the problems I encountered.  
Elements That May Influence Tournament Performance:

Mental Preparation:This is crucial for playing well. Mental preparation impacts every aspect of the game. An amateur might not be mentally ready for the competitive play that tournaments demand. They might not consider the different opportunities a shot choice can create and may develop “tunnel vision” during the round.
Pressure and Expectations: Tournament play comes with higher stakes and increased pressure. The fear of poor performance or the desire to excel can lead to anxiety, negatively impacting performance. While some players thrive under pressure, others may struggle.
Focus and Mindset: A consistent pre-shot routine helps maintain focus and reduce errors. In practice, players often have a more relaxed mindset, allowing them to focus better. In tournaments, however, players, especially amateurs, may overthink and let self-doubt creep in, particularly after making mistakes.
Routine Disruption: Tournament rounds differ significantly from practice rounds. Warm-up routines can be disrupted due to the number of players in the practice area. Changes in rhythm, waiting times, slow play, and different schedules can all affect a player’s performance.
Adrenaline and Fatigue: The adrenaline rush experienced during tournaments can be a double-edged sword. While it can heighten awareness and add strength, it can also lead to fatigue or tension if not managed properly.
Course Management: Thoughtful course management is essential. In practice rounds, players often take more risks to see what they can get away with. In tournaments, however, they may feel compelled to play it safer, which can stifle creativity and lead to more conservative play, losing the risk verses reward aspect.
Negativity: Negativity can ruin a round, whether it’s recreational, practice, or tournament play. It can stem from the player’s own mind or from another player in the group.
I can rule out several elements that could have affected my final round performance, but I did see where I went wrong. Pressure and Expectations, Course Management, and Adrenaline and fatigue were suspected. Now that I identified some things that may have been contributing factors, I asked myself “how do I adapt and overcome?”
Tips to Improve Tournament Performance:

Practice Under Pressure: Simulate tournament conditions during practice by keeping score and setting goals. Hole out every putt, no matter how close. Introduce pressure situations like penalties and tough shots. In short, practice as you play.
Develop a Consistent Pre-Game Routine: Establishing a consistent routine helps with anxiety and focus. Stick to your routine to create a sense of normalcy and control.
Focus on Process, Not Outcome: This can be challenging for amateurs. While results are often the focus, the process is crucial. If you have a solid process, good results usually follow. Execute your game plan rather than fixating on the final score.Prioritize the journey, not just the destination.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises and mindfulness practices can help maintain composure during tough times. Keeping notes and having a good sense of the overall round can also help you stay relaxed. (speaking it into existence also helps)
Negate the Negative: Remove negative thoughts and ignore negative players. Stay within yourself and maintain a positive mindset. Tune out others who react poorly to bad shots or penalties. Think positive, play positive.
Develop Course Management: To improve your game, focus on eliminating poor shot selections. Sometimes, aiming for the safer side of the fairway, away from hazards, can significantly improve your score. Opting for a shot that might land in the trees but avoids out-of-bounds or penalty areas can lead to a manageable par or bogey with a chip out, rather than a double or triple bogey with penalty strokes. Similarly, laying up for an easy up-and-down instead of attempting a risky shot to the green can be a smarter choice. It’s all about balancing risk and reward.

Most likely most of my mistakes could have been avoided if I’d just slowed down and thought about what happened, and the smartest path to recover. Golfers are well aware that the game presents significant challenges, particularly when the pressure is on, but I believe that incorporating these strategies into our “mental golf bags,” will enhance future performance in competitive play. I’ll admit some of these elements and strategies weren’t exactly part of my preparation, but they will be in the future. Golf is also a social sport, and I believe that sharing my experiences is part of the supportive ecosystem where golfers learn from one another.  That is why I would encourage you to look at the insights from this article that you believe will best enhance your game and incorporate them.
It’s been a long journey to get to this point, and I am glad that the club championship is in the rear view. I learned a lot this past tournament and am happy I made the choice to finish the final round instead of withdrawing. Some players did that, but I doubt they learned the lessons I did by sticking with it. I am going to alter my route by taking this new information and strategies and putting them into practice. So, if we meet on the links you might want to bring your A-game, because I’m bringing mine. Happy birdie hunting

While munching on Skittles in the early morning hours (the breakfast of champions?), I found myself reflecting on a conversation I had with a golfer I was paired with yesterday. He said "I never had a fitting; I just buy clubs I think I'll like or that I've heard are good." Honestly, I don't know why this statement surprised me. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this from a golfer, and this one is very fit, has a great swing, and absolutely smashes a golf ball. But like everyone, there is room to improve, just imagine if his clubs fit him. (He is in standard length and lie clubs and 6’5”.) I play a lot of golf and meet many interesting people, and quite a few have never had a fitting. In my opinion, fittings are essential for any golfer. Getting fit for irons is just as important as getting fit for a putter and driver. Let’s discuss why fittings are so valuable.
For now, we’ll address “club fitting” as a general discussion point. A fitting sets the player’s standard for proper length, lie, loft, and shaft stiffness.  Standard length clubs aren’t for everyone. Basic wrist-to-floor length and height measurements can get a player in the “ballpark” for length, but everyone has their own unique swing. For example, Standard length would be for someone who is 5’11" tall with a wrist-to-floor measurement of 35 ½ inches. This data would result in the ability to go to any golf store and buy a set of clubs off the rack. 

If only it were that easy! Clubs off the rack from most manufacturers should have a similar length, loft, and lie. But just because a player is at standard length doesn’t mean the lie angle or loft is standard for that player. Lie angles can change based on swing type, shaft type (graphite or steel), and shaft stiffness.

 If you think considering all these factors doesn’t make buying clubs complicated, let’s dig deeper into shaft stiffness. Shaft stiffness isn’t an exact science and varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Stiffness is categorized into several types, from tour extra stiff to senior and lady flexes. Each manufacturer has its own parameters, which can vary greatly. Some companies even have their own measurements of stiffness like the dot system.

Still not complicated enough? There’s more: torque, weight, bend point, and balance. Manufacturers are continually advancing technology, adding even more variables to consider. But let’s stick with the basics for now.  Sidebar: I believe the most important part of the golf club is the shaft. Getting the correct shaft is a game changer. Yes, I said it. It’s the most important part of the club. Selecting the proper shaft is crucial and often overlooked in club purchases.  
Swing weight is also important and can be determined through a fitting. Subjectively, swing weight is how the club feels when you swing it. Objectively, swing weight can be measured on a scale from A0 to F9, with A0 being the lightest and F9 the heaviest. Adding or subtracting length, changing lie, shaft weight, club head weight, and different grip sizes and types can all affect swing weight.

You thought we covered all the basics? Nope, we didn't discuss loft. I almost forgot to talk about loft. Loft varies based on the manufacturer and the type of clubs purchased. There are several types of clubs: game improvement, super game improvement, player distance, cavity back, tour cavity back, and muscle back (blades). Lofts can differ based on these club types; for instance, a player-distance club might have a stronger loft than a muscle-back club. Loft can also be affected by lie. A flatter lie will produce a higher loft. Yep, lots of variables.

The player may get lucky by purchasing their clubs off the rack that have the correct length, lie, loft, and shaft, but that is not realistic for most golfers. Paying upwards of $1,500 for a set of high-end irons without knowing how they are going to play is really a crapshoot. If you are a risk taker you could throw all caution to the wind and purchase the standard irons.  But I would be remiss if I did not warn you against making such a large purchase based on standard parameters. While some golfers can play with clubs right off the rack, most committed golfers can't. I’ll use my personal experience as an example as to why you should spend the time and money to have a fitting. I am not standard, I am unique. All golfers are. The manufacturer makes standard clubs by using data. Here is what the manufacturer knows: clubs are manufactured with the data that results from various golfers' measurements. Here is what I know (after my fitting): for irons, my length is one-half inch over standard and my lie is two to three degrees flat (based on what shaft I am using). My driver measurements are very different from my irons. The driver needs to be one inch under standard length and upright in lie. Loft is usually one to two degrees strong, based on my flat lie and iron head type. The club I am using drives (see what I did there?) the measurements.  Swing weight for my irons is different and heavier than my driver and woods, lighter than my hybrids and similar to my wedges. Golfers also have preferences. I prefer shafts that are rifled steel extra stiff for irons, graphite stiff for hybrids and woods, and steel stepped stiff for my wedges. I wouldn’t know my specs without a fitting.  For a driver, the correct fitting improves your smash factor, angle of attack, and launch angle, resulting in longer, more consistent drives. For a putter, getting fit for the length and lie of your putter to match your putting stroke will improve feel, distance control, and accuracy. Still not complicated enough? The aforementioned measurements are exactly what I need...for now, but swings evolve over time.
Getting a $100 dollar fitting from an unbiased professional fitter will save you money in the end. Knowing your data provides you with a plethora of purchasing opportunities. This includes, but is not limited to the direct-to-customer companies that keep popping up. It has been my experience that these companies make quality clubs for a very reasonable price.
In summary, if your clubs are fitted to you, you will hit the ball better. What do I mean by "better"? A fitting looks at your data to improve accuracy and distance control.  Distance control includes learning the “gapping” of your clubs. Gapping is the distance from one club to the next; for instance, if your 8 iron goes 160 yards, your 7 iron goes 170 yards, and so on, you can make a more informed club selection. 
A fitting is not just for irons and drivers; it is also important for wedges and will tell you what bounce is better suited for THE UNIQUE YOU. It will also help you decide what loft wedges are right for your style of play. 
A fitting is for your individual swing and makes you more confident in your swing. It provides you with valuable information about club specs and design and make you a more informed golfer. A fitting makes your golf score better. Most importantly, a fitting provides for A BETTER BIRDIE HUNT!

I don’t know how many of you are keeping stats or data through the many ways golfers can track their game, but I have been tracking mine for some time now. I’m currently using GolfShot and have used Arccos and a few others in the past. Tracking my game helps me become a better golfer, even if my handicap isn’t affected as much as I think it should be. I do think it helps improve my handicap, but I’m not necessarily focused on that right now. I’m more concerned about putts, greens in regulation (GIR), approach, and driving accuracy. Which brings me to the topic, my swing in crisis.

At the start of the season, I struggled with tee shots, and couldn’t consistently get off the tee which generated a lot of anxiety and had me struggling in scramble mode. I was good with my irons, especially after I switched from PXG to New Level, but not being in position to hit greens in regulation had me relying heavily on my wedge play and putting. All of this and adding competitive golf back into my life was making me stressed. There were times I wanted to quit, my wife talked me off that ledge several times. I recall playing one round and playing so poorly off the tee I almost withdrew. I gutted it out, knowing I needed to be humbled and at rock bottom in order to fully understand the issues I needed to fix. Sure, I can scramble, but when I’m too far away from the green to have a shot at GIR, it makes it hard to score well.

A change was needed and fast. I decided to talk to a pro and get a fitting, actually it was a swing diagnostic if I’m being honest. I gave Gerry at Collindale Golf Academy https://collindalegolfacademy.com/ a call. I was glad I did. Gerry and Collindale are top-notch. If you need some straightening out and are in Northern Colorado, you should take advantage of their expertise. Gerry had me scheduled for a one-hour session that turned into two hours of a complete diagnostic of my tee shot approach, plus driver, and iron swings. Gerry didn’t try to sell me anything, didn’t try to completely tear apart my swing, instead used my strengths and pointed out my weaknesses. I found out I wasn’t far off from a good swing; rather, I was doing some bad things in my swing. I was too steep, out of balance, and too deliberate. My spine angle was opposite of what it should be, and my hands were (and still are a little) fast. All this was causing some erratic golf shots with the driver. I would hit the ball low and with a huge banana fade. This made me try and correct my swing and would cause a duck hook or some other weird ball flight. I wasn’t getting the distance I should have been getting either and I also realized the driver's shaft was too long for me. Gerry also emphasized the importance of getting the ball in play. I always thought that was a goal, but I never really focused on it. Most of us think about how far we can get instead of getting the ball in a high percentage playable position. Gerry got me pretty straightened out, and now I’m doing much better with my tee shots. I still have some angst with the big stick, but I no longer use the driver on every tee shot like I used to. I have more confidence, which helps me hit better shots. I still need to do more work, and I’m 100% sure that Gerry and Collindale Golf Academy will be a part of that work, but I feel like I am getting closer. Aside from some injuries and sore muscles that I have had, my swing is much more consistent, and now I can count on my tee shots.

I’ve had several rounds where I haven’t missed the fairway or have been just off the fairway. My GolfShot data shows much more consistency off the tee with only -1 shots gained.

That’s huge from where I started at -6 shots gained this season. I no longer feel like my swing is in crisis. Sure, I need tune-ups from time to time, and yes, I will have bad days, but those bad days now seem to be few and far between, unlike before. I’ve also found that a good instructor’s help is almost a certain necessity for a golfer. Us amateurs don’t have the same time to practice and access to professional instruction like the pros do, and we can’t dissect our swing issues like an instructor can.

Truth be known, it was the best $100 golf purchase I’ve ever made, and I’d recommend it to every single golfer I know. Hit ‘em well and happy birdie hunting!

The Tee Shot:

OK, slow on the backswing, fast on the bottom, I’m going to crush this, don’t top it, are my shoulders fast...squirrel. These are some of the thoughts that sometimes go through my mind when I’m getting ready to hit a tee shot (except the squirrel, that was comic relief). Sometimes I think about my lead arm being stiff, sometimes my wrists, my hips, depending on what I’m struggling with in a round. But when I am in the zone, I just try to think about making solid contact. I love being in the zone! Maybe I’m thinking too much…
For me, the most important shot in golf is the tee shot. A good tee shot can set a positive tone for the hole, giving you confidence and momentum. Conversely, a poor tee shot can lead to a challenging recovery, affecting your mental game. Yes, putts are important, and so are irons and wedge shots, but that tee shot sets the stage.
The mental aspect of golf is significant. Golf is 90% mental, 10% physical; we’ve all heard that, right? These days, some might think the physical part is a little greater, with all those bombers on the tour, but that’s not the point. Starting a hole with a strong tee shot can boost your confidence, while a bad one can create doubt and pressure for the rest of the hole. A good tee shot can set up birdie or par opportunities, while a bad one can lead to bogeys or worse. It directly influences your ability to score well on a hole. Consistently good tee shots can lead to more predictable and manageable rounds, reducing the number of high-stress recovery shots you need to make. Overall, the tee shot is crucial because it lays the foundation for the rest of the hole, influencing both your physical and mental approach to the game.
Golf is hard, hard on the mind. It’s hard to get into the zone and stay there. You get one shot off the tee, one shot! That’s why I think the tee shot is the most important shot in golf. Do you think the tee shot is the most important shot? Do you have a favorite strategy or routine for your tee shots?

Golf is one of the sports that doesn’t figure for a lot of injuries, and that’s great for us older (over 40) golfers. Well, maybe except me… For the last few years, I’ve had some sort of ailment or injury and I continue to fight through them. One year I had a hamstring issue, and it lingered for quite some time. Last year I was playing with the kids and wasn’t paying attention. I stepped right into a sprinkler hole and gave myself a high ankle sprain. I immediately went hit the ground, so fast that my daughter thought I was having a heart attack. This year it’s the dreaded golfer’s elbow. (Tennis doesn’t own this elbow ailment.) Each of these injuries has hampered my golf game, and it’s very frustrating. Just when I am about to hit peak performance my body fails me.
I know some injuries, like the ankle sprain happen, but the ailments should be avoidable right? BUUUTTTT if you’re like me, broken from years of military service and have abused your body, what’s the answer? I am not, and I repeat, NOT eating bananas. Bananas are fruit of the devil!!! (Disclaimer: “Bananas are fruit of the devil” comment is only the view and opinion of this author. No bananas were otherwise hurt or smashed in this production.) Diet does have nutritional values to help alleviate some of these ailments and there are modern medical ways to help guard from them as well, but who wants to pop anti-inflammatories or wear that compression sleeve and forearm band? I like my golfer’s tan and those compression sleeves get in the way of that. Right now, I have one arm that is lighter than the other.
As I get older, I’ve found that most ailments are just unavoidable. It’s just a fact of life that as we age our bodies go through changes. Our muscles change, tendons change, bones change. It’s how we’re built. But I can prepare better, stretching and hydrating help. I can add vitamins and potassium (not bananas!!!). Cut out the “adult beverages” which is no fun, and no smoking (that’s actually a good idea). There’s so much information on the “stuperweb” that a person can become well versed in how to avoid injuries. I am not one of those persons. I don’t know if I am just lazy, or I just don’t think about GTS. (We all should know by now that GTS=Google that S**T) I may have to investigate Yoga, (Yogurt as we like to call it in our family), but I am afraid of farting throughout the whole session. I am an old fart anyway, and that’s enough for me.
I’m not gonna lie, I probably won’t do anything except fight through the injuries. Ask my wife and she’ll tell you; I am as stubborn as they come and just as dumb to boot. She is the type to make the changes necessary to avoid the above mentioned. I am not. I won’t stop playing the game I absolutely cannot live without just for a dumb injury. I would rather forgo my golfer’s tan and wear the compression sleeve and forearm band. Medicated pads fit well under a compression sleeve too. I must come to terms with it. Like we all must come to terms with the declining swing speeds and distance loss as we age. It’s golf, and I can’t or won’t sit on the sidelines, I will be involved and play every chance I get.