Yesterday, I played golf not to achieve the lowest score possible but as a learning experience.

I am gradually working my way back in tees to come more in line with the 6400-6800 yards that the USGA Senior Amateur Qualifying will be played upon.

As most of my readers are aware as you change tees either forward or backward the game you play changes. Moving forward, reducing the yardage, bring your shorter driving clubs into play, allows you to go for the green with shorter irons and helps with your short game.

Moving back, adding more yardage, puts a premium on your driving accuracy and approach shot. In addition, since I am less likely to hit the green because of my shorter driving distance, approach shots that fall short or are offline place a heavy burden on my short game.

Yesterday, I play golf with Andy “Dancing Bear” Gardella, Joey Salvino, the new assistant pro at the Champions Club in Julington Creek and myself, Florida Senior Golfer.

Joey, played the tips, I play the white’s at 6003 yards and “Dancing Bear” Gardella reluctantly stretched himself and his game by playing the golds. The day was beautiful, the sun was out and the wind was probably a factor on more than a few holes.

My short game continues to be the strongest part of my game. From 100 years in with one of my four wedges, I am on the green 90 plus % of the time.

Putting was only average as I am a two putter most of the time which will definitely have to be improved to convert more up and downs if I am not going to be able to reach the green on the longer Par 4′s and Par 5′s.

The major weakness of my game currently is my driving accuracy and lack of any significant distance over 200 yards. In addition, my approach shots average 170 yards but are improving in accuracy. However, I will not be able to reach the 400 Par 4′s without some increase in driving distance.

Joey shot a 75 from the tips and had 9 missed birdie putts. He easily could have been in the 60′s. I came in a 101 with a penalties due to the above mentioned lack of accuracy on my drives. “Dancing Bear” Gardella shot 110′s on a harder course with lots of water. Overall “Dancing Bear”  is definitely improving as he has only been playing for a year.

Next updates from the practice range as I work on my game.

5 months and one day until the application if due for the qualifying round. I am at about 55% of the way there.

Stay tuned for the journey.

Rarely, have a read a golf book that moved me to emotions at the conclusion at every chapter. From the novice to the seasoned professional golfer, the message of the book will speak to each individual in their own unique way. Not since Harvey Penick”s Little Red Book has their been a book containing more basic golf instruction and wisdom without being a golf instructional book. But Golf”s Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia is much more. In this small book we are given lessons about life told through the teachings of Johnny, a Texas farmer and golf instructor. Rhythm, Balance, Patience and Freedom describe the golf swing. See, Feel and Trust are used to detail the preparation for each individual shot. However, you quickly come to realize that these simple golf lessons are  life lessons too meant to guide you on your journey when the game of golf is over for the day, for the season or for a  lifetime.

Golfers will enjoy this book. Philosophers will analyze the book for its enduring truths and people who need and desire a spiritual message will greatly benefit from its reading.

I am truly thankful and feel blessed that my golfing friend, Roy Tipton, gave me this book as a gift. Since learning of it from a golfing friend, he has given it as a gift to a number of golfers. I can assure him and you that the link will not be broken with me as I will pas this gift on to as many golfers as I possible can.

On Saturday, February 11, 2012, Roy Tipton and I played the Ocean Course at  Ponte Vedra Inn with the winds blowing between 15-25 miles-an-hour and gusts

Roy Tipton Ocean Course

higher than that. Not only was it cold but it was difficult to judge distance.

We had a great time despite weather and I look forward to playing additional rounds of golf with Roy, my first-cousin-in-law over the next four days. He is down with Cheryl, my cousin, for a few days of rest and relaxation.

I shot a 99 in the wind which I think was remarkable.

Here is the link to the article/player profile on www.amateurgolf.com.

Florida Golfer James Phillips sets lofty goal

It is a good article about what I am trying to accomplish this year.

Florida Senior Golfer

I was interview last evening by Ben Larsen, Website Content Manager of www.amateurgolf.com.  We talked about my reasons for the website, how my goals came about and was I on track to achieve my goals.

I joined Amateur Golf  as I mentioned in my link section to locate tournaments for senior golfers so I could begin to play in a competitive environment while continuing to work on my game.

I was pleased to be interviewed and it is my understanding that at some point a featured article/profile will be placed on their website. Good things continue to happen to floridaseniorgolfer. I will let my readers know when this happens.