Old Shoes, New Shoes

I don't even remember how long ago it was I bought those Footjoys  It might of been fifteen or maybe even twenty years. Those shoes were older than my two youngest children. I bought them at Roger Dunn's Golf Store and I believe they were on sale. I have replaced the spikes and repolished those things more times than I can count.  But, what really counts is not just the games I played but the people I have been blessed to spend a few hours walking around trying to hit a little white ball into a hole with. 

Those old shoes and I played several rounds with my biological father until he passed away. I hadn't seen him for about twenty two years and golf was an old passion of his and a growing one of mine. Golf was a good way to get reacquainted. 

Those shoes were with me while one of my best friends and the best man at my wedding, spent many a day hacking our way around 18 holes. Los Verdes Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes can be crazy busy and the wait woeful. One Mother's Day (before I got married, of course) we went to see if we could maybe get in nine before dark. When we asked how long the wait was the tee-master said, "You're up next." Now that I've been married for a while I know why. Great day with a great friend. 

Those old shoes have hung in and waited patiently when the I didn't play very often because my family always comes first. So, many times it was months or even a year before those old shoes were once again allowed to roam the green grass. But, the Footjoys welcomed anyone who would share a day of golf. We made a lot of new friends sometimes just the Footjoys, myself and a twosome willing to let us tag along. 

This last year we were invited to join a new foursome that plays about once a month. A new pair of spikes and off we went. I got to tell you. I couldn't believe those old shoes stayed together so well. A few months ago we enjoyed a round at the Chester Washington Golf Course in LA. Great company, good game of golf. On the 17th hole my right shoe felt funny. I look down and the the bottom of the right shoe, near the heel was starting to come loose. I tried to walk gently and all seemed well. Well, on the 18th hole, right after my last putt went into the hole, I took a step and the bottom of the shoe stayed on the grass while the rest went with my foot. 

So, thanks to those old Footjoys. We made a lot of friends and have some great memories together. Time to get some new shoes.

Thanks to Big 5 Sporting Goods I picked up some very nice Nike golf shoes. They feel great and look pretty good too. I took them out a few weeks ago with with friend and we had a great day on the links. And so the journey begins anew. I am not a scratch golfer and I like my new shoes. 

How to Enjoy A Game of Golf

I am not a scratch golfer. I may never be a scratch golfer, but, I do want to enjoy every game of golf I play. I have three keys to enjoying each and every game I play. You need to pick good partners, celebrate good shots, and embrace the challenges your not- so- good shots give you. 

Let's start with the choice you make for partners. I have a few groups of guys with whom I can really enjoy a round of golf. I have people from work, church and people I meet and like from the community I live in. I also prefer to golf with people who are a bit laid back and possibly have a good sense of humor. A few weeks ago a friend of mine from work and I spent a day of golf at a local course. We were paired up with a couple guys who were nice but whose vocabulary was pretty much four letter words mixed in with a couple of verbs and maybe a noun thrown in for good measure. We won't be asking for phone numbers to play again. 

Because I am not a scratch golfer I will have some bad shots. But, you know when I watch the pros, they make bad shots too. So I try to focus on, and celebrate the good shots. Maybe write notes on your scorecard like maybe a "D" for drive and "S" for sand wedge. I also like the idea of a Best Shot of the Day (BSOTD). I even have a Better Than Work Score (see previous post). The main idea is that you celebrate and enjoy the day on the course. 

Based on the fact that I will have some bad shots that will leave me in some not so favorable lies, I will need to embrace those challenges. Breathe and play from where the ball landed, not from where I think it should've been. If I remember to play smart and play the best from that point on, I tend to take a better shot. I also like to concentrate on improving  how I use a particular club. During my last game I focused on my new sand wedge. I made one shot out of the sand trap and it went into the cup and bounced out. I also used it to make a short approach shot. Embracing the challenge helped me focus. 

I am not a scratch golfer and you may not be either. Since scoring par may not be the goal, enjoying each game is what really matters. I find when I enjoy the partners I play with, celebrate the good shots I make and embrace the challenges each shot gives. And you know, I find that if I enjoy the game, I score better. 

Club Review: Diamond Tour Golf 56 Sand Wedge, Soft Cast

Diamond Tour Golf 56^o Sand Wedge, Soft Cast

I bought this wedge to replace a Ping Beryllium sand wedge I had for about 10 years. I was on a limited budget so value was played a big part in my selection. I noticed that this particular wedge was actually the same as one a few bucks more save for the imprint for "670 The Score" on the back. I thought the look, feel, actual playability and value of the club was outstanding.

First of all, the look is pretty nice. The grip makes it easy to position my hands and the face looks big and addresses the ball well. 

Next, the feel of the cub is outstanding. The weight is enough to feel it yet not so heavy that I felt like I had to swing it like an ax. When I shot out of the sand the club worked through the sand just like I wanted it to. I played one out that actually went into the hole and bounced out! I also tried it from some light rough and it performed great. What I loved about my old Ping was that it felt soft on the ball. This Diamond Tour Soft Cast Sand Wedge felt just as soft. I was pleasantly surprised.

Finally, the value of the club is virtually unbeatable. The base price was $12.99. With the upgrade to midsized pro grip and launch lite shaft plus shipping my grand total ran less than $25.00!

I give a 5 star recommendation for the Diamond Tour Golf 56^o Soft Cast Sand Wedge. If you are looking for a good looking, great feeling and playing club at an amazing value this is a great buy!

The link below will take you to the site.

http://www.diamondtour.com/