The Masters has been run and won. Once again it dished out some amazing drama and was compulsive viewing for us golfers.
Here’s my take:
- Phil Mickelson made one mental error (his tee shot on 12) that probably cost him shooting one of the best ever rounds in major golf. It nearly seems unfair but is why golf is such a great test.
- I couldn’t believe the commentators gave Phil that putt on 15. I’m not a big fan of commentary but conceding a tricky 4 footer is a big no no. I wasn’t surprised when he missed.
- Statistics should only be used as a guide. When Perry was playing 17 with a two shot lead the commentators were quick to point out he hadn’t had a bogey for 22 holes. I think they were saying that he was unlikely to make another. Pity he bogeyed 3 of his last 4 holes (including the playoff holes) as I think he deserved to win. Although useful at times, statistics can’t predict the future.
- Chad Campbell played great golf – a bit unlucky and a terrible way to exit the tournament.
- Couldn’t believe Tiger said he had the worst warm up he has ever had. I don’t think this should matter. Warming up before the round is just that – warming up. It isn’t a measure of how one is going to play. This is one of the first times I’ve heard Tiger say something that isn’t positive and bordering on being average.
- Angel Cabrera played a gritty round of golf. He never looked like winning in regulation and was all but out of it on the first playoff hole. His up & down for par on the 19th was one of the best efforts I’ve seen. He also made great putts on 16 and 18 in regulation. His performance was the perfect example of playing golf – he wasn’t playing great golf but still managed to play the last eight holes in 3 under par. Sometimes it is possible to play well, even when things aren’t going to plan.
- No matter how much experience we have golf can still be a difficult game. Despite playing almost perfect golf at the age of 48, Kenny Perry stumbled at the final hurdle. It was painful to watch and something I hope he can recover from. It was mentioned he took three years to get over his PGA collapse in 1996 – this one could take longer. I hope not as his performance should serve as inspiration for all.
Now that an Argentinian has won at Augusta it must be time that an Australian achieves this feat. We’ve managed to get close a few times but haven’t managed to get over the line. Maybe next year…
Dear Golfer,
I’ve manged to shed about three kilograms so far in my little fitness campaign. I’m not setting the world on fire but I feel I’m doing ok, although I think it’s time to ramp things up a bit. I’m thinking if I can get a little fitter and stronger it can only help my golf.
So far I’ve been walking and mainly riding my bike (my bike was stolen yesterday so I’ll be needing an alternative!). A good friend and complete fitness guru, Rick Ravensdale, has been pushing me to keep using kettlebells. Kettlebells are an ancient Russian strongman tool, used for a century or two in Russia but only a fairly new invention here in Australia and the USA. Kettlebells are like a cannon ball with a handle attached which is then swung and lifted in a variety of ways. It turns out that scientific research proves that kettlebell training is more effective than most other forms of training.
Here’s what I’ve found out;
- You can train most areas of fitness simultaneously. If you’re keen to increase flexibility, improve strength and have greater endurance you can do it with this amazing little tool in one short workout
- The unique design of the kettlebell forces you to train harder. It’s not like a dumbell, the displaced mass increases the use of core stabiliser muscles – this happens, I’m told, without you even knowing about it
- Kettlebell training mimics primal movements of the human system. This means that the exercises are beneficial to everyday activity and sport. Much better than some of those abdominal crunch machines and other gimmicky devices that get sold
- I’ve also found out that some kettlebell enthusiasts believe that the kettlebell swing is on of the best exercises going around
The images below are of Rick performing a kettlebell swing.
Rick has been harping on about the importance of general training versus specific golf training. His advice is that I should focus on getting fitter and stronger in a general way, that this will help my golf game (not to mention my health and quality of life). His research and training has led him to believe that attempting to train specifically for golf or trying to mimic my golf swing during training is not a good thing. Aaron Baddeley has also told me the same thing. Something worth considering if you’re thinking about a golf fitness campaign.
I plan on doing some kettlebell swings most days. This should help improve the flexibility in my back and hips and help increase my strength. I can tell you after doing a workout yesterday I can understand why Rick says kettlebells give you a full body workout. I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck! I’m sure this is normal and that I’ll improve over time.
Don’t worry if you think this is a bit hardcore for you. These things come in a variety of weights and programmes can be set up for beginners (like me). They really are a lot of fun and the benefits seem to outweigh any early pain and suffering 
If you’d like to learn more about kettlebells and how they can help improve your overall fitness then visit Rick’s kettlebell website, let him know I sent you and he’s sure to give you the 5 star treatment.
Let me know how you get on.
Cameron
