Is Golf Worth The Trouble

/ The Grateful Golfer

The everchanging landscape of golf has me wondering if all the effort I put into being a better player is worth the trouble. I know my limitations, both physically and mentally, that directly impact my golf scores. I know where I need to improve and what areas I need to fix. To use an expression from my past, I am not sure if the ‘juice is worth the squeeze’. To phrase it another way, is the outcome of all my effort worth the time I put into trying to be a better golfer.

I wonder if the effort put into being a better golfer is rewarded by consistently lower golf scores. In simple terms meaning that hard work is worth the reward at the end. With hard work, we can achieve our goals and receive what we’ve always desired. It sounds very similar to my views on the Law of Attraction.

The phrase ‘Conceive, Believe, Achieve’, finds it roots from the mentor Napoleon Hill – It was later adopted and given an addition by another highly successful man – W. Clement Stone.  No truer words have been spoken!  Yet, I am left wondering at what point does my passion become drowned out by the lack of significant improvement to my golf game. When do I transition to just playing golf and accepting that my game will not likely improve.

Every year I try to conceive being a better golfer. i create a plan to follow that will help me lower my golf scores and to consistently shoot in the low to mid 70s. As I stubbornly eek towards the back nine of my career, the effort of lowering my golf score by a stroke or two becomes more challenging. In other words, is “the juice worth the squeeze”.

I am not sure what I am going to do in 2024 with respect to my golf game. As it is, I spend a great deal of time between may and September looping any golf course I can. I spend sometime practicing (not near as much as I should), but as my passion to become a better players starts to wane, I wonder if it is all worth it.

Don’t get me wrong, I am still passionate about golf. I love playing and definitely competing. However, I am on the fringes of ‘my game is good enough’. I do have other interests, like fishing and kayaking, that provide some tranquil moments that are good for my soul. As of yet, golf is still at the top of my ‘fun things to do’ list and I am sure I will want to hit the links many times this upcoming season. As far as working at my game….that remains to be seen.

I do love playing golf. As I stated earlier, I am not sure if I want to devote as much time to my game as in previous years. It might be the cold winter’s nap sapping my passion, but only time will tell. For now, I will continue to be introspective about my game. Making no decisions now is the correct course of action. Thanks for listening and have an awesome day!

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

14 thoughts on “Is Golf Worth The Trouble”

  1. Jim, you are very adept at personal retrospection and seeking/trying new methods to improve via DIY. I think improvement is hard as a single digit player but possible. I’m also in the camp of “Keep doing what your doing, keep getting what you’re getting.” If you’re serious about improvement, you’ve got to change your tried and true approach.

    What does that look like? I’d seek out a professional you can trust. You may have to iterate through a few. When you find your guy, have an honest conversation on what you want to improve and dial in your focus to his recommendations and a practice/play regimen that can be stuck to and is measurable. It will take time, maybe a couple seasons, as there is no magic bullet or tip without putting in the work. Also, as you know, there is no finish line, just an endless journey. Enjoy it!

    Have a great Christmas and New Year and good luck in 2024 if you give it a shot!

    Brian

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Brian,

      The challenge is I would have to travel about 3 to 4 hours to find a reasonable professional that offers lessons. I have thought about it many times, but alas here I am still lamenting. I agree that if I truly want something to change, I need to adjust my current path. It is all good and I will continue to seek innovative ways to improve my game.

      On a more important note, retirement is coming for you soon. You must be excited! An new path on your journey is about to begin. In the meantime, have a very Merry Christmas and an Happy New Year. ‘Tis the time to spend with loved ones.

      Cheers Jim

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  2. It’s “worth it” if you enjoy the journey. But whether our work to better ourselves sees results is another story.

    The worst teacher is us. We’re also the worst student. Lol A double whammy. We makes things worse as often as we see progress. Or maybe that’s just me.😂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. I hear you loud and clear. I am getting older as well and I although I have made great progress in my game it at times feels like I am stagnant. I have broken par once and have had many rounds in the low to mid 70s but I still have some ” stinker ” rounds as I call them. The love of playing and the fellowship with my playing partners keeps me going. I am finding score less important. Maybe I just dont care that much about the score anymore. I’m not sure. I still excited when I’m playing well. I just dont seem to get to upset when it’s just not my day. There is so much more to golf than the score! Cheers!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. I’ve had this kind of conversation with other golfers many times. In most other sports, the more time you devote to training or practice, the better the outcome you can expect in terms of your performance. Golf, perhaps uniquely, seemingly doesn’t work like that! Not sure what the answer is …..
    Cheers, Rob

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Rob,

      It seems that somedays the gains are amazing, then it takes weeks to move my game an inch. Not sure what the answer is either. I am not destined to be a professional, so I guess it really is not as critical as I think. Have a great holiday.

      Cheers Jim

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. Hi Jim,

    For me, there are 4 parts to golf. 1) Enjoying the outdoors and great scenery. 2) Socializing with new and old playing partners. 3) Exercising to extend my health span and lastly 4) Enjoying the personal challenge of playing good golf, individual and team fun competition.

    At our age, how many things can you do that offer these 4 great things?

    Wishing you the best for the holiday season!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • You are spot on with your 4 parts of golf. I too follow that path. I think I enjoy playing with friends the most. Having said that, the solitude and walk with nature when playing alone is always comforting. Golf offers so much. Have have happy holidays as well!

      Cheers Jim

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment