Today started out normal.  Up at 5 am, out the door by 5:15 am, grab a coffee at Tim Horton’s and off to the course 22 minutes away (yes I have it timed, I know, but I need it for planning purposes).  When I arrived, I met Bill.  He is visiting family in the area and wanted to get a quick round in before his kids woke up.

During the front nine, Bill and I made small talk; slowing getting to know each other.  But mainly we focused on our game.  At the end of nine, I was 1 over and I think Bill was 4 over.  We were both very happy with our scores.  Now the fun begins.

During the back nine, Bill and I started to talk more about or families, jobs, hobbies, etc.  Well a funny thing happened!  As we talked more, we focused less on our game – then it happened; 6 bogeys in a row! I cannot remember the last time I had 3 bogeys in a row!  And here the lesson to myself for the day.

It is very important to stay focused for the entire 18 holes.  It really makes a difference.  I know many of us have our group of friends who we play with on a regular basis and generally they have been our friends for a long time.  It is easy to get caught up in conversations not related to the game at hand.  That is when goofy shots creep in.  So if you want to lower your score, try staying focused for the entire round, chances are that you will shave off a couple of strokes.

Ultimately my 77 today was a minor thing.  The best part is I met someone new (golf is a social game) and learned a few things along the way.  I am a grateful golfer.