The Uncle Dennis Rule

Don't be Tommy Bolt Tommy Bolt was a pro golfer in the 50s and 60s. Though a talented player, his temper was what he was known for best, mainly for throwing golf clubs during his rounds. One such story appeared in a book, "It's Unlucky to Be Behind at the End of the Game", with quick hit quotes and stories from sports. As the story goes, Bolt was looking over a 150-yard approach and inquired of his caddie about a club selection, to which the caddie replied, "I'd say either a five-iron or a wedge." "What kind of choice is that?" asked Bolt. "Those are the only two clubs you have left, sir," said the caddie. I would have been looking for a 6- or 7-iron myself. It's obvious to tell you not to throw clubs, but equally important is having the right clubs in your bag to begin your round. But how many clubs do you really need anyway? Start with the Dirty Dozen...or a Baker's Dozen Actually, the USGA (United States Golf Ass...

So, now that you know that we're here to talk golf, let's get started and talk about more applications of the the Uncle Dennis rule. Leave it in the bag I know this is one of those stupid things that one of your buddies with a lower handicap suggests as you pull your driver out on the tee, but it can be the best way to stay out of trouble in the first place. How many times have you been sitting watching a tour event and Phil Mickelson was heading down the stretch near the lead, or in a playoff, and you found yourself pleading for Lefty to do just that? Conversely, how many times have you seen Tiger hit a 3-wood or that trademark 2-iron stinger off the tee to put a ball nicely on the fairway? Here was a guy who could drive, long, and he chose to leave it in the bag. That's why you're sitting amid the pine trees trying to figure just how the heck you're going to get back in play and not mess up the next shot even more. And why is that? It's because you had...

Yogi Berra once said, "Baseball is 90 percent physical. The other half is mental." The numbers can become overwhelming in golf as well and sometimes a long round on the course can feel like it takes 140% of you as the shots (and penalty strokes) begin to add up on the 'ol scorecard. The golf swing requires precision and consistency. For the average golfer, it can be a little more challenging, requiring adjustments to be made, almost constantly. I spent 15 years swinging a baseball bat before I took up golf. So when I try to really lay into a drive, I slice. When I get tired, I slice. When I control it, at least a little, I have a nice high fade into greens from 150 yards and in, because, naturally...I slice. When I can't keep it in check...I find a nice place to take my penalty and drop another ball. While the physical part of the game can be exhausting, the mental aspect of the game can take just as much energy. It's about risk-reward, managing the possibilit...