January 22 Grand Lake Golf Report

Tips for winter golf

Channel your inner Scotsman and play the ground game. If it’s bitter cold outside, it’s likely the ground will be hard too. So use that to your advantage and play some run up shots and bump and runs. Forget the flop shot in the cold, as the ball won’t spin, the greens are harder and if you aren’t wearing mitts, your hands will feel like steel pliers on that lob wedge.

Dress in layers. It might keep you warm, but wearing your ski parka will turn your golf swing into a slap shot. You simply can’t make a full turn in a jacket. Instead, wear a turtle neck or insulating layer followed by a shirt and thin sweater or wind shell. This layered approach will keep you warm and still allow you to make a full golf swing. You can always wear that jacket between shots if it’s really cold, but take it off when you hit.

Don’t stop drinking fluids! Many people will substitute water and Gatorade with coffee and hot cocoa when it gets cold, and their game suffers. Your body still needs nutrients and hydration even when it’s cold, and coffee just doesn’t cut it. So, have your hot cocoa, but don’t forget to take a few sips of that sports drink every hole to stay properly hydrated.

Hit it solid! That should be a no-brainer and it’s not really a tip, since the goal of every golf shot should be solid contact. But seriously, you’ll know what I’m talking about the first time you take a mighty lash with a 3 iron and hit it a few grooves too low. Ouch!

Relish the challenge. Tom Watson got it. He loved playing in adverse conditions. You see, he knew that half the field was virtually eliminated before they even started because they dreaded being cold or getting wet and didn’t really want to be there. I love playing in harsh conditions for the same reason. If my opponent is hating life out there, I have the advantage because I’m much less likely to get rattled by the conditions. So relish the challenge of cold weather golf and take solace in the fact that most everyone out there with you is miserable! At the very least, it will make you feel better. 

Golf Wisdom

A gimmie can best be described as an agreement between 2 golfers who don’t putt very well

Joke of the week.Thanks to Steve Pace:

Frank and Dianne were in a local shopping center just before Christmas.
Dianne suddenly noticed that Frank was missing, and as they had a
lot to do, she called him on his cell phone.

Dianne asked, "Frank, where are you?  You know that we have lots to do."

Frank said, “Do you remember the jewelry store we went into about
10 years ago, and you fell in love with a diamond necklace? I could
not afford it at the time, and I said that one day I would get it for you."  
Little tears started to flow down Dianne's cheek, and she got all choked up
"Yes, I do remember that shop,” she replied.  
"Well, I’m in the “Hooters” next to that."

CHEROKEE GROVE GOLF COURSE

Weekend Skins

The starting time is 11:00 a.m (weather Permitting) and It is still the cheapest skins game in the world!  Sometimes Best Ball Scramble or Best Ball Scramble Skins. Check it out.  All are welcome.  Fair draw for partners. Saturdays and Sundays get your golf on!   40 Degrees or warmer.

LOCAL GOLF VENUES

-Cherokee Grove Golf Course (Grove) @ 918-786-4100

-The Coves Golf Club (Duck Creek) @ 918-782-3220  

-Grand Cherokee Golf Course (Langley) @ 918-435-8727.

-Patricia Island Golf Club (Grove) @ 918-786-3338

-Peoria Ridge Golf Club (Miami) 918-542-7676

-Shangri-La Golf Club (Monkey Island) @ 918-257-4204

-Eagle Creek Golf Club (Joplin) @ 417-623-5050

-Elk River C.C. (Noel) @ 417-475-3208

-Kelly Custom Golf (Grove) 918-787-7640 golf shop

Keep it in the Middle!

Mike Kelly