A number of years ago, before I even began playing, I read a golf instructional book. I remember in the first paragraph the author stated that unless you were reading the book, and you were under the age of ten, then you would never be a world champion. I also remember being disappointed that someone who didn’t even know me should be making such rash judgements before I had even picked up my first club. I certainly didn’t consider being 30 years old as an impediment to future success, on the world’s golfing stage.
The author it turns out was quite right in his prediction, so now having a bit more respect for his judgement I propose to default to his second piece of advice which was, ‘to simply enjoy the game’.
I’m learning that to enjoy the game is as much to do with the’ inner’ game, in your mind, as it is the physical swing. Once you’ve wrestled your inner demons you can begin to appreciate the game more, no matter what stage you’re at.
A good example for me would be to stop worrying about my opponents swing on the first Tee and concentrate on the way I play. I tend to look at other people to validate my own game. If my opponent makes a poor drive at the first tee, I’m engulfed with a wave of Schadenfreude – not in a spiteful way but one that sets me at ease with my own game. I’m not a bad loser but I do worry about the manner of the defeat.
I’m beginning to appreciate those twilight rounds of golf for what they are and to realize that no matter how I play (or my opponent plays), there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
“I tend to look at other people to validate my own game.”
Indeed, I seem to suffer from the same narcissistic tendencies at times. The more you put yourself into the situation, and the more you understand that it’s a problem, the easier it will get to free yourself of that feeling
You should check out the book, Golf and the Spirit, by M. Scott Peck. I have a feeling you’d enjoy it. It’s more about the inner spirit/mind games we play than golf itself.
“I tend to look at other people to validate my own game.â€Â
Same here…it is only natural. The good players play more from within themselves, they are seldom preoccupied with how their opponent is doing…probably my biggest obstacle is getting to that point in my game.
Thanks guys for also validating my views!!
I’m currently reading Extraordinary Golf – The Art of the Possible, by Fred Shoemaker which is also about the ‘inner’, game.
How are you liking Fred’s book so far? It’s taken a while, but the book really helped me learn to play my own game and not be affected my others.
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