Golf or Not to Golf – Really?

/ The Grateful Golfer

Golf or not to golf is not really a question most avid players need to answer. A raised eyebrow or puzzled look is really all that is required to send the appropriate message. However, there are times in the season when I have to ask myself whether to hit the links or not.

This question is usually driven by two possible influences: live events and over golfing! The first is a no brainer and I to make a list of life events that would prevent me from golfing is a waste of your time! However, over golfing is a real concern for most avid players. Being able to identify the symptoms is the real key to preventing your game from going stale.

turkey on course

When I feel like this guy, it is time for a break!

About twice a year I reach a limit of golf where I question if heading the links is worth it. Generally, this odd feeling is accompanied by obvious in symptoms that I am oblivious too at the time. These symptoms are not time dependent, but related more to the emotional response from hitting the links more that normal.

I am not sure how these feelings manifest in you, but mine are pretty straight forward. Once I reach this state of apathy, I generally need about 4 days to a week away from the sticks to get over it. Here is what I normally observe when I need a break:

  • Yard work is more appealing that golfing
  • It is a bit of a hassle to get my golfing stuff together
  • When playing, I am ennui about golf
  • I do not want to practice
  • I see if here are other options when someone asks if I want to play golf
  • My short game has already gone on vacation
  • I have difficulty reading putts
  • I do not have the same feeling of excitement as I drive to the course

I am pretty sure that most players feel like they need a break during the golf season. Although my golf season is only about 6 or 7 months, I still need a couple of breaks to revitalize my game. I strive for 80 rounds a year and somewhere in that time my game does get stale.

After taking a few days away from my game, I feel revitalized, focused and driven to play great golf. So far, I am have not experienced ennui on the course and hopefully my desire to improve my game continues to grow until I become a scratch golfer.

Do you need a break during the golf season? Do you know your symptoms of when it is time to go fishing?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

17 thoughts on “Golf or Not to Golf – Really?”

  2. Jim,

    Interesting post. With anything, balance is important in our lives. Too much of a good thing can sometimes be a bad thing. I don’t get to the point where I need to take 2 weeks off during golf season or anything (especially since like you, my golf season is not year around), but after busy stretches I will often go a few days without touching a club. I try to take regular breaks of shorter duration so that I don’t burn myself out and need a longer break.

    Cheers
    Josh

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      • Yes I am! I am playing after work with some buddies today, and on Friday the low handicap match play championship starts at the club for the low 16…minimum of 2 and as much as 4 rounds over the weekend …you?

        Cheers
        Josh

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  4. I always need some breaks. I usually get in 45-60 rounds per year (full 12 mo season). I never really like to practice, but I do sometimes feel stale when playing. Usually a week off will do it. Then I have big breaks during tax season where I don’t get to play so I usually go hard the rest of the year when I can.

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  6. Jim, sometimes less is more. It’s still a leisure activity and not work, although sometimes it seems like work when we are all in on trying to improve. Your Jack Nicklaus graphic says as much, but it was work for him.

    If you are flamed out, take some time off. It will still be there when you come back 🙂

    Play well!

    Brian

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