Tales From The Bunker

We have spoken several times on the importance of the rotator cuff muscles in the golf swing. As the victim of a severe rotator cuff injury requiring two surgeries, I now have some limitations in the range of motion of my shoulder.

Unless you are continually stretching and exercising these muscles you probably also have some limitations. The video below explains how one rotator cuff range of motion problem that shows up at the top of your back swing will limit your ability to make the proper golf swing. It also offers exercises to help correct the problem.

Please check it out to see if you are in the correct position at the top of your backswing and what to do if you are not. Your scorecard will appreciate it!

Tags: Golf Fitness by admin
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Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of Becky’s father Bill Gooch. We would like to take a minute to share with you our thoughts on his life.

Bill holding our son David

Bill was a loving husband to his wife Edith and a proud father of three daughters; Pam, Becky and Missy. He was a dedicated educator who influenced countless students at both the high school and college level. He was tough but fair with his students and taught them countless lessons about both Industrial Arts and life. An avid outdoorsman, he loved camping and fishing with his family.

But he also loved golf and urged his wife to take up the game so they could enjoy it together even in their later years.  Edie agreed and they spent many happy times on the golf course.

He was convinced Becky was the daughter that was the next generation golfer in the family and continually suggested she take up the game. His reasoning was that we could enjoy playing together as we got older just as he had done. Fortunately he lived long enough to see Becky follow his advice and take up the game. As he predicted we thoroughly enjoy playing golf together and plan on continuing as long as our heath allows us.

There is always a hole in your heart when you lose a parent but Bill lived a long and fulfilling life. That is all anyone can ask. 

Every time Becky and I play golf we know he is smiling in heaven.

Tags: Blogging by admin
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This past week Tom and I took some time to enjoy a mini golf vacation at the Fox Hills Resort in Mishicot, Wisconsin. We enjoyed three days of free unlimited golf while staying two nights at the resort…a great deal! 

The accommodations were nice, although a bit dated, with 45 holes and three restaurants on site for our convenience. We had lunch and dinner at the Benchwarmers Sports Bar where we soon learned that one must sit at the bar for the best service. The food was great and Tim, the bartender, made fabulous Margaritas…our favorite cooler after a warm day on the course. Word has it that his Old Fashioneds are the best! 

Now that I’ve discussed my favorite topics, food and spirits, let’s move on to the golfing experience. The resort has one 18 hole championship course and three 9 hole courses (configured as one eighteen hole and one nine hole course, with the courses rotated daily) …all quite charmingly surrounded by cornfields out in the country. Tom and I haven’t played together much this summer and being a bit rusty, we opted for the 9 hole plan. We were definitely ready for Tim’s Margaritas afterward. I think we’ll save the championship course for next year (‘cause we are NOT ready!).  The remaining 27 holes were just challenging enough for us to enjoy without getting frustrated. 

We found the resort to be very quiet during the middle of the week, hosting mostly couples like us, although we did see a few families.  Besides the hotel, Fox Hills has villas which are part of the RCI exchange program. A great idea for a couple’s trip! 

Tom and I would highly recommend the Fox Hills Resort for golfers who do not need five star accommodations. It was a great deal which included eighty dollars in “Fox Dollars” to spend during our stay. There are also many other amenities available for your convenience. Check it out at  Fox Hills Resort

Tags: Blogging by admin
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Recently I have been struggling with my putting. Historically I have never really had problems putting but things change so I decided to reevaluate my technique. We used to sell in our eBay store TheEscapePlace a DVD from David Leadbetter called The Short Game. It was a huge seller but unfortunately we are sold out and I do not know where to get new ones. So I went to the library to rent the DVD.  

Besides my wife thinking he is a major geek, it is an excellent DVD. I decided to adopt his suggested putting stroke and immediately went to the driving range to try it out. The results were mixed but that was to be expected.

Yesterday I played golf with my son. It was the first time I used my new putting stroke on the course. We were teamed up with a couple who were probably around sixty. The woman was probably the finest woman golfer I have ever played with.

The first five or six holes I struggled with the new putting stroke and left many putts short. The woman in our foursome said a pro once told her you have to “Commit to the Putt”. Once you decide the line and the speed do not start to second guess yourself and simply “Commit to the Putt”.

One I starting to use her advice I found myself focusing on technique only and the improvement in my putting was tremendous. It is amazing how a little four word phrase can make such a difference in you putting.

Next you are out on the golf course, always “Commit to the Putt” and I think you will be happy with the result.

Tags: Tips by admin
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