That’s swing thought number 12

When a shot goes astray, I’ll often blame “Swing Thought Number 12.” That’s the one found just in the beginning of my backswing! There are still 37 swing thoughts to follow.

Between advice from a dozen golf publications, the Golf Channel’s instructional shows, on-air tournament analysis and of course our helpful friends, we are blessed with hundreds of tips and pointers about our swing. It’s information overload. With the exception of our friends (and who listens to their advice) none of the others have ever seen our swing.

If you are really interested in game improvement, get help and direction from a PGA instructor. The Myrtle Beach area is blessed with both some great teaching pros and wonderful golf schools.

I know you’re not coming to the beach for golf lessons. You’re coming to wear the grips off your clubs and play some outstanding courses. However, do not give-up on some game improvement just because you’re interested in playing as many holes as possible.

Since many golfers to the area return with their families, a morning clinic or private lesson during your vacation might be just what the doctor ordered. There are numerous opportunities and your accommodations golf director will steer you in the right direction.

If you’re a family of golfers (like our three generations), a vacation that focuses on golf instruction is appropriate. A few years ago it was our Christmas present and all had a great time. Again, work with your golf director and they’ll help you put something together. They’re knowledgeable about more than tee time availabilities.

Most area courses are more than willing to go the extra mile for their visiting golfers. With enough advance notice a short clinic prior to your group’s tee times can be arranged.

Take advantage of the instructional opportunities available to you through teaching professionals. You’ll find the game is a lot more enjoyable when you can eliminate those 40+ swing thoughts.

He’ll be back

Like most golf fans I cringed as Dustin Johnson fell apart on his way to a final round 82 at the U.S. Open. The championship was there for the taking. In a previous blog I picked Johnson to win.  I overlooked his inexperience and previous poor Sunday rounds.

Although I do not know the young man, everything I’ve read and heard says he has the character and mental toughness to close the deal on a Sunday. Call me a “homer,” but I thoroughly believe this 26-year old has more than enough game to win a major, soon.  

So many choices. So little time.

With the U.S. Open beginning today at Pebble Beach there has been the usual build-up. The media is attempting to stir us into a frenzied state of anticipation. Personally that’s exactly what I like about the majors.

Since promotion of this year’s event began I’ve changed my favorites as often as I’ve change my shirt. With the temperatures soaring well into the 90s in Myrtle Beach twice a day shirt changes are in order. Call me crazy but I really do enjoy playing golf on the hottest days of the year. Anyway back to the point.

I always begin thinking one of my two favorite players is sure to win the major tournament soon to begin. I’m a fan of Phil Mickelson and hometown pro Dustin Johnson.

Of course along comes that darn Golf Channel. With “all Tiger all the time” coverage they cast that seed of doubt in my mind. Maybe the world’s number one is back on track. We’ve all seen him do some miraculous things in the majors.

Of course the media doesn’t stop with Tiger. They tell us there’s a youth movement this year. Guys with big belt buckles, less than conservative clothing and an absolutely fearless attitude could very well prevail. The 20 something’s have won on some big stages this year. I really believe Anthony Kim is ready to make a splash.

But, those media types are not done with me yet! How about those foreign players! Lee Westwood is playing great golf this year. McIlroy won in Charlotte and Justin Rose won Jack’s tournament at Muirfield. It just makes to much sense to ignore a foreign player’s chance. Maybe a young foreign player will walk away with this year’s U.S. Open trophy.

You can see my dilemma. According to the media gurus, just about everyone in the field could win this tournament. Left with that thought I recalled what a mentor from 40-years ago told me, “Given to many choices, most people will choose not to decide.”

With that sage advice in mind, I’ll ignore the Golf Channel gurus and announce that a young gun that seems to win regularly at Pebble will prevail. Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson will be paired Sunday and Dustin wins a very close U.S. Open.

      

Hats off to the guys with the mowers

Over the past four/five weeks I’ve been fortunate to have played more than my share of golf. It’s one of the great advantages to living in the “Seaside Golf Capital of the World.” One of the true beauties of the Myrtle Beach area golf product is the tremendous diversity of courses.

This Northeast corner of South Carolina and Southeast corner of North Carolina read like a virtual “Who’s Who” of golf course design. Names like Fazio, Maples, Dye, Byrd, Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Floyd and many others resound throughout the golf community. Although, courses may share a similarity each is distinct in its own way.

However with all that said the Myrtle Beach area courses I’ve played this late spring and early summer share one very distinct feature. They are in great shape! Frankly, I was concerned how the area would recover from the unusually wet and cold winter we experienced.

Well my hat is off to the area golf course superintendents and their crews. These folks did yeoman like work this year under challenging weather conditions. Couple weather and difficult budget times when 2009 play was off considerably and you have to respect the folks that work their miracles every day.

Next time you play a round of golf and really appreciate the condition of the course find out the superintendent’s name. Drop him an e-mail of appreciation for his work.

Two area courses have closed holes to make renovations on greens.

Panther's Run Golf Links at Ocean Ridge Plantation and nine holes at the 27-hole Sandpiper Bay Golf and Country Club have closed to change greens from Penncross Bentgrass to the more heat tolerant MiniVerde Ultradwarf Bermudagrass.

River Club in the Litchfield Beach area was scheduled to close June 23 to replace A1 Bentgrass with Champions Bermuda.  The owner/management group, Myrtle Beach National Company, has decided to keep the course open until at least next summer.

Possum Trot is on schedule to reopen June 18^th after rebuilding and resodding 5-greens.  Reports are that golfers will be very pleased with the renovations.