Tiger Woods and yours truly were at
the Doral Championship in Florida last month. Tiger and the 2009 golf season
are looking good. It took Tiger a year to prepare, but it should take us a lot
less time.
To prepare for the 2009 season,
the first thing I would suggest is to take out your golf bag and put
its contents on the ground. Now put back the golf clubs, only one of
each kind, then the shoes, tees, balls, towels and hopefully a fresh
tube of suntan lotion. What is left on the ground leave on the ground,
especially that golf glove with the holes in it. What follows is my suggested “to
do” list for the 2009 golf season.
First:
renew your golf clubs by bringing them into any sports golf store or
pro shop for new grips. The cost usually starts around five dollars a
club and should help you save strokes.
Second:
golf shoes are your link to on-course comfort and safety on slippery
grass. New soft cleats are the answer. There are normally seven cleats
per shoe. New ones can be put on yourself or bring them with you when
you drop off your clubs. Toweling off your shoes with a non-abrasive
household cleaner will restore that new shoe look and make them sparkle
on the first tee.
Third: get back into the golf “mind
set.” Take a golf class at Adult Education or private lessons with
a pro. This last option I would suggest doing by recommendation. You
can also attend a few demo days; usually listed in the local newspapers.
This allows you to see the latest golf technology and try out that technology
before you purchase. You can also join a golf league at a local golf
course that is suited to your level of play. This is an economical way
to enjoy a set golf schedule and friendly camaraderie at the same time.
One of the many golf associations that can assist you in joining a golfing
group is the EWGA whose contact information is listed on this page.
Fourth: new or used equipment
or stay with the clubs you have? I would wait till after your first trip
to the driving range, first round or first lesson to make that decision.
Play in at least one golf event sponsored by a cause you believe in. If you’re
lucky your raffle ticket will send you home with a big screen HDTV.
If you see me at a golf outing
or on the links, a high-five would be more than welcome
