Here is a video that outlines the secret to how to be a better putter.
LOP Golf Course Closure
Good morning golfers,
I’ve just completed a National PGA Board Meeting, and they supplied an updated list of states that were allowing golf to be played with social distancing restrictions. There are 21 states with full playing privileges for all golf courses, 16 states with certain spot area openings, and 13 states that are not allowing play, but the courses will still be maintained. A golf course not maintained turns into a hazardous field, with increased tick and mosquito populations, and un-kept turfgrass can be lost forever. Concerning our community course, being now closed from yesterday morning, due to the GM and Board’s decision on advice from their consul, we will be scheduling two marshaling shifts per day, 10a.m.-2 p.m., and 2p.m.-6p.m. The marshals will be there to make sure no damage is done to the course, along with making sure the walkers are on the path, and no dogs are off leash. Unfortunately, and it breaks my heart, but we will be making sure no one is playing until the restrictions are lifted.
I’ve been playing golf since I was 5 years old, all over the Western Hemisphere, and it has given so much to myself and my family. Probably the greatest gift, is the relationships that came with all the special events, or even during a simple pickup game of 18 holes. I can remember playing with so many wonderful ladies and gentlemen in the 70’s who were so passionate about the game. They are mostly passed on now, but their image and kind hearts are burned into my memory.
I have hope, and some ideas, that when the end of the month comes, this course can open again with no fear of negatives but appreciating what the course and the game can give our private community. On the bright side, the course was going to be closed all next week, and this weekend because of rain, which takes us to the middle of the month. Having the greens aerified, putting is strictly a no skill, sledgehammer swing that is awful for your stroke, so you wouldn’t want to play on those things anyway. Putting is like a fine art to be diligently practiced and cared for. It can save your round’s score, and keep you coming back for more. All my life, if someone ever asked me how I putted after a round, my answer was either good, or great! Just because you missed a few putts doesn’t mean you’re putting bad; you just didn’t start them online. Your putter is one of your greatest tools for scoring success, believe and trust it.
When I was younger, I unfortunately grew up eating too much McDonald type process food resulting in clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) by 20 years old. But as Patrick’s luck would have it, it was a blessing in disguise. I became a student of the health sciences and cleaned my internal self-up and my problems disappeared. Why I mention this, is that we should be focusing now, in this current atmosphere of virus-mania, to concentrate on getting our immune systems as strong as possible. Exercising, fresh air, sunshine, quality sleep, pure water, fruits and veggies, and a productive hobby, along with a positive attitude, are all facets of a solid foundation to springboard into a healthy future. Healthful living produces health!
LOP is a wonderful community filled with assortment of great personalities. We need to stick together, building each other up, and making sure our community rises above the negatives, and grasps at a bright future that God will provide.
Sincerely yours,
Your Pro Paddy O’Shaw
Lake of the Pines Pro, number 2 in Northern Cal. Senior PGA player of year standings.
Lake of the Pines Pro, number 2 in Northern Cal. Senior PGA player of year standings. Looks like I’ll be sitting on top for a while.
2019 LOP Pro-AM
I just took a meteorology class on youtube, and I can guarantee no rain for our Pro-Am Friday, May 10th at Lake of the Pines C.C.
This year is our club’s 50th anniversary, and we are planning some very entertaining activities before the Pro-Am competition. We again have great payouts for all the winners, whether they be individual pros, or teams. The closest to the pins, and the putting contest will have some wonderful merchandise prizes for the amateurs, and $100 bills for the pros. A Hole-in-One on the 2nd hole will win an EZGO lithium battery, 2019 golf cart, an $8000. value. Movado has stepped up again as a gift sponsor with some stylish men, and lady watches.
Our tournament theme pays tribute to the 1970’s Celebrity Pro-Am Classics. Many of us have fond memories of the West Coast’s Bing Crosby Pro-Am, Bob Hope Desert Classic, Glen Campbell L.A. Open, Andy Williams San Diego Open, and the Dinah Shore LPGA, as well as on the East Coast, the St. Jude Danny Thomas Memphis Classic, Sammy Davis Jr. Hartford Open, and the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic. I was very fortunate to attend, and work at a few of these special events, and like Bob Hope use to say “Thanks for the Memories”. I expect a visit from Glen Campbell, Dean Martin, and a few other (look alike) celebrities, so bring you’re A game, and singing voice to warm up for the round with the golden oldies.
If you don’t have a team, no problem, we’ll have a few local members to join in.
Pat Shaw, “Rhinestone Cowboy”
Tentatively our PGA Pro list includes:
Dave Carr
Shawn Kelly
Daryl Fukano
Mike Galli
Jacob Marta
Bill Childs
Jamie Harper
Ryan Eckroat
Don Thames
Scott Prenez
Katy Hamilton
Brian Glosser
Paul Marchewka
Pat’s Tee Box
Mexico’s Pebble Beach signature hole 5
Now this is a hole you’ll need to carry the water, the rocks, and a few fish too.
1970’s golf was so much fun!
A tip from the past, that still applies as a good short game fundamental
Are Chipping and Putting Styles Similar?
By Patrick Shaw, Head Pro Bajamar Golf Resort
Of all the variety of styles I’ve seen and read about over the last 35 years I have come to the conclusion the best, most consistent form of chipping is to resemble your putting stroke. The only difference between the two strokes is the weight distribution (more weigh, on your left side on a chip) that obviously produces more of descending blow.
The lists of steps to groove your, proper stroke for chipping are as follows:
1.) The majority of body weight is placed on your from foot, with the two knees pointing slightly forward toward the target.
2.) Tbc ball position should be just to the right of the center of your stance, with the stance: being square to the target line.
3.) The club shaft should be tilted forward over the front thigh.
4.) The shoulders during the stroke are in charge of the movement, rotating back and through.
5.) During the stroke the wrists should not hinge at all with the only motion coming from the shoulders.
6. ) When the stroke is completed the sternum should be facing or very close to facing the target.
7.) Plan all your chips to land just over the fringe and run the rest of the way to the cup. With this method a player will be required to use a variety of club lofts according to how much green they have to work with, from 4 iron to LW.
8.) The club-head will rotate open and close slightly during the swing and will generally stay swinging down the target line. The last thing a player wants is an inside-out or outside-in normal chipping stroke.
This style of chipping is similar to the putting motion. It may not be the only one, but it certainly is one of the best for consistency and control especially under pressure.
A tip from the past, that still applies as a good short game fundamental
FLAGSTICK IN OR OUT | Which is BETTER?
FLAGSTICK IN OR OUT | Which is BETTER?
Analysis of whether to leave the flagstick in the hole or have it removed when putting. As of 2019, hitting the flagstick when putting a ball from the green is without penalty. This of course raises the question – which of the two is better? This video gives you the answer and will help you to hole more putts. Follow Yves C. Ton-That, author …