Breaking par in golf is the ultimate benchmark. I realized that it is out of the realm of possibility for many players, however other than having a solid game, there is one trait that all top golfers share. These élite players expect to shoot low scores and a desire to continually play better is the corner-stone of great golf.
Professional golfers always talk about playing better the next time. Regardless of their score, they believe that they left something out on the course and hope to find it during their next round. After shooting a 5 under par 66, Brooke Henderson talked about missing a few shots. The fact that she was already under par did not matter, it could have been better.
I have shot under par a few times in my career. It was an amazing thing and left me wanting to more. Surprisingly, I have shot even par or one over at least 10 times more often than breaking par. What prevented me from shooting under par in those instances; the expectation of playing well.
During my rounds, I expect to shoot in the 70s. This is my first benchmark and I succeed more often than not. When I say the 70s, I think of a score between 75 and 79. It is a given I will do this and I become disappointed if I do not. Now that I am thinking about it, why am I limiting my potential? Why not expect a lower golf score?
This is a very good question. I follow the Law of Attraction philosophy and by focusing in on 75 to 79, I am eliminating shoot a lower score. Of course, I do shoot lower scores from time to time, but it always seems a surprise that I did. Unlike the top players, I do not think like a champion. Well, that all stops right now!
Moving forward, I am going to reshape my score expectations. I am going to think that playing under par is not the exception, but the norm. Of course I realize that I will fail most of the time and yet, it does not matter. I am going to let my desire to shoot under par at the forefront of my thoughts!
The phrase ‘Conceive, Believe, Achieve’, finds it roots from the mentor Napoleon Hill – It was later adopted and expanded by another highly successful man – W. Clement Stone. No truer words were spoken! This year, I am going to change my thoughts and it starts right now! It is my new normal!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
I can relate to literally all of this. I do have a problem with throwing golf clubs but I’m working on it. This is a very competitive sport.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mike
We all areas that need improvement. It is a life long journey!
Cheers Jim
LikeLike
Jim, interesting dichotomy you’ve landed on. This is where the pro game is so different from ours. Under par for the pros is just another day at the office. Most reside there without much thought. They are concerned with their relative score against their peers. How far under or over doesn’t matter and it varies based on venue, weather, etc. For an amateur trying to get to scratch, it matters a heck of a lot because you need enough scores at or under to achieve scratch. Despite the differences, the similarity in approach between pro and amateur should remain consistent. I think that most research has shown that it’s fine to expect to shoot low scores (before the round), but when you’re on the course, it’s wiser to immerse in the process and forget your score, until you finish.
Good post, thanks!
Brian
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brian
As always, you went straigjt to the point. I agree that score on the course should not be a factor, but most amateurs, including myself from time to time, follow their score. Mentally it is wrong, but we cannot help ourselves. Thanks for the great comment.
Cheers
Jim
LikeLiked by 1 person
I struggled last night to figure out how to respond. Your comment makes me glad I waited because you hit the nail on the head. On the course, to achieve your best, it’s required to expect your best. One shot at a time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Kevin
Exactly!
Cheers
Jim
LikeLike
Kevin, like Jim said, I too from time to time have chased my score on the golf course. Nothing productive has ever come from it. I either become overly aggressive, or more commonly, start protecting when I don’t have to. It takes a good amount of discipline to just play the correct shot for the situation and not let your score guide your thinking.
Brian
LikeLiked by 1 person