Improve your game without taking a swing

Do you want to improve your game but the weather is holding you back? Maybe you aren't able to make it out to the course every night to get the practice in that you want to. Don't worry, there are many ways to practice other than hitting golf balls every day.

One of the biggest ways I have improved my game over the last few years is by reading. There are many books on a multitude of topics that relate to golf.

My favorite golf book helps improve your mental game.

"Zen Golf presents a simple system for building “mental game mastery.” Dr Parent’s unique PAR Approach (focusing on Preparation, Action, and Response to Results) guides golfers with specific techniques for each aspect of their games. In chapters such as “How to Get From the Practice Tee to the First Tee”, “You Produce What You Fear”, and “How to Enjoy a Bad Round of Golf”, the author shares a personal teaching regimen that has helped improve the games of professionals and amateurs alike. By combining classic insights and stories from Zen tradition, Zen Golf helps eliminate the mental distractions that routinely cause poor shots and loss of concentration, allowing golfers to feel in “the zone” that professionals have learned to master."

I was hesitant to read this book at first because I knew nothing about Zen but I would say this book is NOT about Zen. The author gives some examples of Zen but the idea is to use your mind to execute shots. By far the best book I have read.

I also love any book by Dave Stockton. He has worked with some of the best players in the world and the results prove he is one of the best coaches there are.

Stan Utley has one of the best short game books out there. He really simplifies the short game and his technique is great for all types of players.

Another great mental game book is Golf Is Not A Game Of Perfect by Dr. Bob Rotella. He also works with many PGA Tour players on the mental game and his books are world renowned.

Come On Aussie

I laid in bed Sunday night and still couldn't believe the quality golf that was played during The Masters this year. I'm not sure how The Masters does it, but every year we get an exciting finish. Both Adam and Angel hit spectacular shots coming down the stretch. Not only did they have the pressure of trying to win The Masters, but it was raining pretty steadily. I know how big of an issue rain can be and they didn't even seem like they were bothered by it.

Unfortunately the biggest topic of the weekend wasn't Adam Scott winning, but the drop. Tiger was involved in one of the stranger scenarios to happen at The Masters. The drop that occurred on Friday afternoon on hole 15 caused a lot of controversy. After reading the release from Augusta National, I feel it was handled as best as possible after the events had occurred. They probably should have talked to Tiger immediately after his round but in the end, it didn't affect the outcome.

How about the 14 year old Tianlang Guan finishing as low amateur. He had ZERO three putts for the entire week. It was a great story and a lot of fun to watch.

The Masters never disappoints. It is the greatest event in all of sports and this year just reconfirmed that. With Adams Scott's win the anchored putter has now won the Career Grand Slam. Its tough to say what will happen with the ruling, but I have a feeling they will ban it. I hope you all enjoyed The Masters as much as I did. Now we just wait til next year.

Attention all lady golfers!
Our Head PGA Golf Professional, Maureen Farrell, is hosting three clinics for women golfers of all skill levels, each focusing on a different aspect of the golf game. These clinics are open to the public.

This is your opportunity to work personally with one of the few female PGA Golf Professionals in the state.

Each clinic has two different scheduling options, Tuesday evenings or Wednesday mornings and each clinic is only $30.

Chipping & Putting
April 16th: 530-7pm
April 17th: 930-11am

Mid-Irons & Hybrids
April 23rd: 530-7pm
April 24th: 930-11am

Drivers & On-Course Lies
May 14th: 530-7pm
May 15th: 930-11am

Depending on time allowance, at the conclusion of every clinic Maureen will take participants 

out on the course for a few holes to put the new skills to the test.

To signup, please call our Pro Shop at 402.434.5106 or email Maureen for more information: mfarrell@wildernessridgegolf.com

The Masters starts in one week

If you are like me you look forward to Masters Week the Monday after the final round. The Masters is the only major that is played on the same course every year. We get to know the holes and the shots the players will face. From the swirling winds at 12 to the excitement of the par fives, there is always drama at The Masters.

Augusta National has the perfect balance of risk and reward. There are great shots like Tiger's chip in at 16 in '05 and Phil's shot from the pine straw on 13 in '09. But you have to be spot on otherwise you will pay the price. Tiger Woods has twice hit putts that rolled off the green with one of them going into the water.

There have been plenty of heartbreaks at Augusta. Seve in '86, Norman in '96, Ernie in '04, but the wins of Tiger in '01 to complete the Tiger Slam or Phil in '04 to finally get his first major, are what make the Masters special.

The Masters has many different intricacies that make it unique. The Champions Dinner has to be one of the greatest events in the world. I couldn't imagine being in a room with the greatest golfers of all time.

All of the little kids running around in their caddy suits on Wednesday during the Par 3 Contest always brings a smile to my face. The players get to relax and we get to see Arnie, Jack, and Gary every year. Because of the superstition that the Par 3 Contest winner will not win The Masters that year, I wouldn't try too hard and like some players let my caddie hit a few shots.

Tickets may be expensive but once you are in the gates, you won't want to leave. Patrons can dine on pimento cheese sandwiches for $1.50 and beer for $3. Wilderness Ridge will be serving pimento cheese sandwiches during the 3rd and 4th rounds.  Stop by, watch The Masters and dine on these fantastic sandwiches.

Wednesday night feels like Christmas Eve to me; I can't sleep and I always wake up early to watch the ceremonial opening tee shots.

This year the favorites include Tiger, Phil, Rory, and Snedeker among others. I would love to see Tiger win his 5th green jacket but maybe more so to see Ernie win his first. Either way, there is no event is quite like The Masters.