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.

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.

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 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.

Practice and play over the last week has demonstrated two major deficiencies in my game which will need to be corrected to become competitive in the arena I have chosen to compete.

1. My drives which average 190-200 yards are inconsistent in direction.  I average 7/14 fairways hits with my most consistent misses being pull hooks to the left.

2. Because I lack distance in driving, I need to cover the remaining distance with my 3 and 5 woods and 3, 4, and 5 hybids on the longer Par 4′s and set up my third shots on Par 5′s. This will require significant work since these clubs were not required from the senior tees.

Handicap index as you might have noticed has increased. This is to be expected as I have moved back in my tee selection to add additional yardage to the courses I am playing. This will bring me more in line with what will be presented at the qualifying rounds. I have observed yardage from 6400-6800 yards for qualifying and championship rounds. In adding additional yardage, glaring deficiencies were noted in my long game which will need to be corrected.

Important dates to remember:

Wednesday, August 15, 2012. Deadline for USGA Senior Amateur Qualifying Entry. Handicap index of 7.4 required to submit application

Monday, September 10, 2012. Amelia National Golf Club, Site of US Senior Amateur Qualifying Round

The amount of practice time has increased as we have been blessed with great weather in NE Florida this winter thus far. Hopefully, this will remain as practice will be essential if I am to achieve my goals.

This year promises to be my break through year for golf. I am recommitted to practicing, exercising, learning new techniques, maximizing my equipment and playing as often as I can to give myself the best shot at becoming a single digit handicap index golfer.

We played the green tees (senior) at approximately 5000 yards.

I shot a 92, 46 and 46.

My first time playing 18 holes in over two weeks.

I would rate my game today as average.

Driving: fair

Approach shots: poor

Short Game: good

Putting: good

Will add yardage next week since I will be back playing on a regular basis.

Looking forward to playing TPC Sawgrass in a little over three weeks as part of my brother’s 60th birthday celebration.

The previous week Mary had been able with minimal effort to show me that I had much work to do to be a better putter.

Tonight’s clinic was about the short game, specifically shots between 20-50 years. Our goal was to land the ball near specific targets. We were do do this with a variety of clubs including a SW, PW and 8-iron.

This was an outstanding clinic with a tremendous amount of great information regarding technique.

My biggest fault was my inability to start my downswing with hip rotation rather than my standard shoulder rotation. Her recommendation was for extensive stretching exercises.

The ladies in the clinic were outstanding as usual soaking up the teaching of Mary Hafeman and actively applying it to their swing.

What an excellence experience. First Florida Senior Golfer was the only male with eight women in the clinic.

We worked on putting tonight. My major problems are distance control and breaking putts. Mary is able to explain theoretical background before providing clear explanation about how to perform the necessary techniques to achieve the goal. In addition, she provides multiple stations allowing you to practice the practical aspects of putting.

She is an excellent teacher of the game where golfers of all levels benefit from her instruction.

I look forward to further instruction from her.