How did you get into golf?
I first started playing golf when I was about eight and my parents sent me to a golf camp. I was by no means a natural. I was given the award for 'most improved' solely because they had to give everyone an award! I didn’t play a lot of golf until years later. I had sort of an epiphany that I wanted to have a new goal in my life. That is why I started writing a blog to keep me motivated. I have so far enjoyed every step of my journey into the amazing world of golf.
If you had to name one thing you love the most about golf, what would it be?
Choosing one of anything is difficult but if I had to choose one thing it’s that golf always beckons improvement. Golfers are always struggling for that seemingly-unattainable perfect shot, but one good shot on the course makes you forget about any misgivings before.
What has been your favourite golfing moment personally?
Personally it’s been meeting other golfers. As a new golfer I find it inspiring when I’m able to pick other players' brains and learn something from them, either a new technique or insight into the game.
What has been your favourite professional golfing moment?
I am an avid watcher of The Golf Channel so I have a list that goes on for days. If I had to pick one moment in the last year I would say it was Phil Mickelson winning his 3rd green jacket and dedicating it to his wife Amy - honestly if you weren’t choked up over that then I would seriously question you.
How did you get into blogging?
I got into blogging like I said - as a way to keep myself motivated through all the hurdles of beginning a new sport. Blogging is a great way to explore frustrations and praise triumphs. I personally think it’s a great way to stay connected to the golf world.
Which other golf blogs or news sites do you read?
I am an avid reader of my peers' work from blogs to forums. I read as much about golf in the day as I am able to. My favourite news sites are the big guns such as Golf.com, ESPN Golf, and The Golf Channel. A few of my favourite bloggers are Sandbox8, Ottawa Golf Blog, Wei Under Par, The Sand Trap, and Armchair Golf among many others.
What makes a good golf blog?
I think what makes a good golf blog is when you are writing about something you're passionate about. Golf may be new to me but that doesn’t mean I am any less passionate. Yes, at times I think every blogger climbs aboard the bandwagon and writes about Tiger Woods' trials and tribulations. That is what makes golf so great - you are able to explore other avenues and write about everything from golf fitness, equipment, to course construction.
Do you follow any golfers / golf fanatics on Twitter?
I have a Twitter account dedicated to my blog and of course I follow golfers and golf fanatics alike. I think it’s a great way to communicate and get up-to-the-minute information about the golfing world. By following PGA players, especially, you are able to get insight you would not gather from a news article (sometimes you get a little too much information). Some players are more dedicated than others, Ian Poulter and Rickie Fowler are avid users.
Do you think the golfing industry is using social media well?
The golf industry is doing a fairly good job at keeping up. I think it helps that the players and the news sites are fairly-well versed in the mediums. Social media is a great way to stay connected and to communicate on both ends, golfers and industry.
Do you think golf courses could benefit by using the internet and social media?
I think social media is slowly creeping into every aspect of our lives and it’s a great venue to express thoughts, news, and communicate with others. Golf courses could absolutely benefit from using social media and I would hope that most of them are out of the dark ages and have a website. Twitter and Facebook are easy ways to talk to golfers.
Do you buy golfing equipment online? What are some of your favourite places?
I absolutely buy my golf equipment online. I think it’s a hassle free, easy way to shop. However, I do have a word of caution to those buying online - always qualify the site to make sure they are an authorised dealer and a secure site. My favourite site to buy from is a great new online retailer http://www.GolfClubs.com. I like this site mainly because it gives consumers such as myself an easy and simple way to navigate through all the equipment I'm interested in. Of course in a sport like this where equipment is expensive i'm always looking for good deals, and trust me, they have fantastic deals.
Do you watch golf tutorials online? If so, where? What is great about them?
I don’t watch as many as I should, but I do try and watch those from fellow bloggers.
What are your golfing and blogging goals for 2011?
I didn’t want to make any rash New Years' resolutions about golf, such as giving myself some goal handicap or anything like that. Mainly my goal for this year in golf and blogging is to practice and immerse myself as much as I can into the golf world.
Discovering The Game Of Golf is a blog about one person's journey into the golf world http://discovergolf.wordpress.com/.
