EVEN THOSE GOLFERS
with the best mental state of mind and best attitude
when playing a round of golf can get worn down and
upset at the crazy game that is golf. I guess addressing,
overcoming and dealing with that frustration are
some of the wonderful lures of the game. Over the
course of time, I've seen many people who retire
to golf resorts, join expensive country clubs or
pour tons of money into the game, all resulting
in them taking the game far too seriously and ruining
the playing experience for themselves and for their
playing partners.
Sure, there is the occasional venting of steam
from time to time, but golfers who don't allow
themselves the joy of realizing the privilege
of golf are severely misled in the game. Golf
offers beautiful surroundings, great memories
and the chance to spend quality time with friends
and colleagues.
While most players won't ever have a swing as
smooth as those of the pros they see on television
or putt for any type of championship, they can
still enjoy the experience of trying to get that
little white ball into the hole.
For those of us who happen to work in the golf
business but maybe don't get to take a swing of
our own all week long, we're still like a kid
in a candy store when it comes time to play. This
is the attitude most golfers should have on a
daily basis with regards to the game we all enjoy.
The perfect golf attitude is a strange enigma.
Books have been written on the topic, and many
audio and videotapes have been produced. Why do
golfers make it so tough on themselves? It is
only a game after all. Sometimes though, golfers
need a dose of reality to get their poor attitudes
and a flailing appreciation for the game back
in check.
A short time ago, one of the assistant professionals
at The Club at Cordillera, Michael "Bubba" Hawks,
was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease at the age
of 23. My next round of golf after hearing the
news helped to get my focus back on the important
things in life. I had a much deeper appreciation
for how golf is just a game and that how you shoot
on a given day does not reflect on you as a person.
As the news of Hawks' disease permeated through
the club membership, I saw a shift in how golf
was perceived by everyone at the club, from being
ridiculously important to unimportant, and almost
an afterthought.
Golf should be fun. Remember, it is just a game,
and tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Sometimes
it takes a terrible thing to help us understand
that we are all "rich in the game of golf" and
that our attitudes should be reflective of how
lucky we are.
So don't take yourself or the game too seriously.
Be glad you are physically able to play this grand
game, no matter what your final score adds up
to on the scorecard. If you will keep this in
mind during your next round, I guarantee that
you will have a more enjoyable time and probably
play better golf.
