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The Champion's Tour finale, the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, took place at San Francisco's Harding Park Golf Course.
“Old” is a relative term, with the most experienced player a spry 66 years of age, and many of them play better than most everyone their junior.
It is a perfect opportunity to learn about the game from those who have been around the block a few times. More swings and conversations occur on the driving range, so that's where we'll glean the most valuable information.
“Should I use three or four?”
It was only when the caddy reached into the pocket of the player's golf bag did I realize that he was referring to the amount of Advil, not his club selection.
It seems, for the Champion's Tour, the players have a small medicine cabinet within each golf bag. It's always important to take care of those little aches and pains before heading to the first tee.
Virtually every player began warming up with a wedge. In fact, for Joey Sindelar, his first half-dozen shots didn't make it past the tee line (no more than 10 yards away). This is a wonderful lesson. Start small and work up to the longer clubs when you practice.
For one player, nearly every shot was hit while standing with a golf ball under his right foot. The ball, submerged and showing just the top half, was placed strategically to the right of the sole's center.
Many of us tend to sway or allow the leg to buckle during the backswing. This little trick with the ball forces the foot and knee to remain flexed inward. It might feel odd for a few swings, but this is a great way for all of us to practice.
As he finished his warmup, Fred Couples teed up three balls in a row. He proceeded to drive the three balls without pause in between. He teed up another three balls and hit the three without pause in between.
This process was repeated at least three or four times. For many, this game may be more about rhythm than technique.
Couples must have more on his mind than the Schwab Championship with the Presidents Cup just days away and the top 10 point earners and two captain's picks making up his team.
Captain Couples and his dozen will travel to Melbourne, Australia, to tee it up with the International team led by Greg Norman.
Ironically, it was Couples and Norman who were here at Harding Park just two short years ago for the 2009 Presidents Cup. Team USA won that match and kept the cup on US soil.
Now, the team will have to bring its “A” game to defeat Norman on his home course. The action starts next Thursday.
If they're looking for a little inspiration, they need seek no further than “Golf in the Kingdom,” a new movie to be released this weekend. One of the most popular golf books ever has now been adapted to the silver screen.
It's the intriguing story of Michael Murphy who, on his way to India, visits golf's birthplace in Scotland. His life is changed forever by an encounter with golf guru Chivas Irons.
Golf has often been called a microcosm of life — the challenges, the fortunes and how we face them. Irons provides insights on the inner game and would have you ask, “What if life is a microcosm of golf?”
“You make a mistake when you think the game was meant for the shot. The game was meant for the walking. Enjoy every step. If you can enjoy the walking, perhaps you can enjoy the other times in life when you are in between. And that's most of the time.”
Locally, we only have one opportunity, a Sunday-night showing at the Nevada Theatre on Broad Street. Put it on your calendar and call 274-FILM (3456) for information.
“Old” is a relative term, with the most experienced player a spry 66 years of age, and many of them play better than most everyone their junior.
It is a perfect opportunity to learn about the game from those who have been around the block a few times. More swings and conversations occur on the driving range, so that's where we'll glean the most valuable information.
“Should I use three or four?”
It was only when the caddy reached into the pocket of the player's golf bag did I realize that he was referring to the amount of Advil, not his club selection.
It seems, for the Champion's Tour, the players have a small medicine cabinet within each golf bag. It's always important to take care of those little aches and pains before heading to the first tee.
Virtually every player began warming up with a wedge. In fact, for Joey Sindelar, his first half-dozen shots didn't make it past the tee line (no more than 10 yards away). This is a wonderful lesson. Start small and work up to the longer clubs when you practice.
For one player, nearly every shot was hit while standing with a golf ball under his right foot. The ball, submerged and showing just the top half, was placed strategically to the right of the sole's center.
Many of us tend to sway or allow the leg to buckle during the backswing. This little trick with the ball forces the foot and knee to remain flexed inward. It might feel odd for a few swings, but this is a great way for all of us to practice.
As he finished his warmup, Fred Couples teed up three balls in a row. He proceeded to drive the three balls without pause in between. He teed up another three balls and hit the three without pause in between.
This process was repeated at least three or four times. For many, this game may be more about rhythm than technique.
Couples must have more on his mind than the Schwab Championship with the Presidents Cup just days away and the top 10 point earners and two captain's picks making up his team.
Captain Couples and his dozen will travel to Melbourne, Australia, to tee it up with the International team led by Greg Norman.
Ironically, it was Couples and Norman who were here at Harding Park just two short years ago for the 2009 Presidents Cup. Team USA won that match and kept the cup on US soil.
Now, the team will have to bring its “A” game to defeat Norman on his home course. The action starts next Thursday.
If they're looking for a little inspiration, they need seek no further than “Golf in the Kingdom,” a new movie to be released this weekend. One of the most popular golf books ever has now been adapted to the silver screen.
It's the intriguing story of Michael Murphy who, on his way to India, visits golf's birthplace in Scotland. His life is changed forever by an encounter with golf guru Chivas Irons.
Golf has often been called a microcosm of life — the challenges, the fortunes and how we face them. Irons provides insights on the inner game and would have you ask, “What if life is a microcosm of golf?”
“You make a mistake when you think the game was meant for the shot. The game was meant for the walking. Enjoy every step. If you can enjoy the walking, perhaps you can enjoy the other times in life when you are in between. And that's most of the time.”
Locally, we only have one opportunity, a Sunday-night showing at the Nevada Theatre on Broad Street. Put it on your calendar and call 274-FILM (3456) for information.
John Renslow is general manager and director of golf at Alta Sierra Country Club. Please contact John with your questions or comments at jrenslow@pga.com.
