Are you a player? I’d like to think that I’m now a player.
My online golfing buddy is definitely a player.
Most golfers turn up, try hard but in my opinion don’t play golf. You’re not playing golf if you;
- Continually change your golf swing
- Believe your technique is the most important element of your game
- Are always looking for what’s wrong with your game
- Walk off the course exhausted
- Get overcome by self doubt (you can add fear and anxiety too)
- Change your style when the pressure is on
- Feel that you’re not living up to your potential
- Tell stories (make up excuses)
Playing golf is fun, rewarding and worthwhile – anything else and you’re missing out on the real enjoyment and success that’s on offer.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks Cameron
… Those are great insights. I am sometimes guilty of your first point — continually changing my swing, but I always gravitate back to my own unique swing that some say looks more like a hockey swing than a golf swing. I have great weight transfer during my swing, but also more lateral movement than some might recommend. But it works for me. Mostly, I experiment a lot with my swing. I guess I don’t change it too frequently. I rarely focus on technique or what’s wrong with my game. What’s helped me most is not putting pressure on myself — to win, to shoot par, to get a birdie, etc. I’ve learned to just play and let the scoring take care of itself — most of the time anyway. Also, I try to just take a quick look at the shot, pick a target, and hit the ball, just like you’d do if you were throwing the ball. No thinking, no stress, no anxiety…. just automatic! I still hit some bad shots, but I hit a lot more good ones that way.
Artful Golfer,
Thanks for leaving your thoughts.
I think there’s a difference between changing your swing and experimenting. I like the idea of experimenting – spending some time learning new shots and trying things that seem interesting. It’s a fun way to practice and can improve your game.
You’ve reached a point in your golf game where you’re more concerned with playing golf than with the aesthetics of your swing. This is a huge step that many golfers don’t (or can’t) make.
They should print this quote on all golf score cards. It’s perfect and real! This is why you’re a “player” and are continually improving and are able to shoot such good scores.
Well done.
Cameron
Great Post Cam,
I don’t think I’m the only golfer ever to tick all the dot points in your post. As hard as it is to overcome the number one element is that your score will take care of itself. All golfers try to shoot the best score they can when they play. However the road to golfing succes and letting the score take care of itself is littered with half truths, deception by the golf world and technique/instruction.
The real key (no pun intended) is to switch from manual to automatic while walking to the ball. as Rotella said in his book about golf is not a game of perfect you gain control by giving up control. Not only in Golf but life itself there are outside influences that control what happens not yourself. So it may take a dose of golfing reality to realise that your best scores come when you switch from manuel to automatic and truely PLay Golf.
Cheers Steady
Thanks Steady for taking the time to leave your thoughts. Hope the golf is going well.
Cheers,
Cameron
My grandpa always told me consistancy and balance was the key to my game. It broke my heart when he passed away. But those words have always stuck with me.
Hi Mulligan,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
My Grandparents taught me to play, they rarely confused me and kept things simple. It wasn’t until I had professional lessons that golf become complicated.
I’d like to think that my coaching ideas improve your consistency and balance – one reason it works so well.
Regards,
Cameron
{ 2 trackbacks }