The debate has been raging for decades. Walk, or ride a cart? It seems like both sides of the argument are full of absolutists and lots of opinions that use the words “right” or “wrong”. It’s like the Coke versus Pepsi debate.
To me, walking wins out. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I never take a cart. If I’m playing with a friend that I know likes to ride, I’ll ride. But I [...]
posted in Golf Philosophy • 6 Comments
Within hours of my post yesterday about gamesmanship, I got a phone call and e-mail from my mom. She was quick to point out that the definition for the word “gamesmanship” according to Webster’s New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition indicates that it is a synonym for “cheat” or “trick”. She added, “It would appear that when you emphatically imply that you never cheat but suggest that [...]
posted in Golf Philosophy, Mental Game • 0 Comments
Golf is known as a “gentleman’s game” (ladies too, of course). That doesn’t mean that competition can’t get a little heated at times. I believe in sportsmanship and try my best to be a good, fair competitor. I’ve never cheated and never will. But my highly competitive nature forces me to employ a little gamesmanship at times. This is one of the great aspects of match play. I try to keep it subtle if [...]
posted in Golf Philosophy, Mental Game • 0 Comments
Golf is a numbers game. To excel, it requires both art and science. The art can be there from birth and might even be developed some over the years. But the science is there for everyone to use to their advantage. This is one of the reasons that I’m a serious stats guy. I’ve been a little overwhelmed with the journey that I’ve just embarked on, so I’ve been a little lax in keeping my [...]
posted in Golf Philosophy, Practice Tips • 0 Comments
I think this phrase is one of the most overused pieces of misleading advice that circulates around the golf world. It’s most often heard after one player in a group bombs a big one down the fairway and the others are feeling a little inadequate.
Certainly, those who have given it real thought realize that the intent is correct. That is, to stress that putting (and the short game overall, for that matter) are critical for scoring. That’s [...]
posted in Driving Tips, Golf Philosophy • 3 Comments
Most conventional teaching has a player keeping the hands ahead of the ball at address to promote a crisp, descending blow. Unfortunately, many players try to do too much of a good thing and take that bit of advice way too far. I’ve even caught myself doing it.
It’s true - when addressing a chip shot, the hands should be ahead of the ball (closer to the target). But how much? I personally use the technique that [...]
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My name is Mike Gray and I'm a software engineer pursuing my dream to become a golf pro.
Life in the Rough is a chronicle of my journey. It covers my progress, my successes, my setbacks. I'll share everything I learn and do along the way, including reviews and tips. Maybe what I learn can help you too.
