What Makes People Laugh

February 7, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

What makes people laugh? Really, what does make people laugh on the golf course. Everyone is different and each situation has the potential to bring a smile to your face. This topic is very interesting because golf should not be all about focus, mental imagery, a perfect swing, or scoring low. It is important to enjoy yourself on the course; it really helps lighten the load.

Many years back I was playing in a tournament to make a military team. I was in the last group and playing with three friends. We had played on the team for several years together and were very comfortable with how each other played. My friend was the last to tee off on the first hole and the rest of us were watching in silence. For the first time ever, my friend whiffed his drive, the ball hit red tee marker, went up in the air and landed three feed behind him. At first, the three of us were shocked, but then could not hold in our laughter! We know this is very cruel and we should not have laughed, but we could not resist. My friend, after the fact, told us he was amused as well and said he did everything in his power not to laugh as well. After the tough start, he shot extremely well and finished second overall.

Other thing that make me laugh is hitting the ball out of a sand trap over the green into another sand trap. It reminds me of the movie “Happy Gilmore” and I say I spend more time in the sand than David Hasselhoff.

When I four putt, I laugh so I do not cry!

Finally, I laugh at the goofy freaking lies I get in the middle of the fairway. I know, but I really find them amusing.

There are many things that make people laugh on the golf course, whats your favorite?

Phil Does It Again!

February 4, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Congratulations Phil Mickelson! He played extremely well and as one of my favorite players, I was very happy to watch him lead the Waste Management Phoenix Open Tournament from wire to wire. His putt on the 17th hole in the fourth round actually was the shot of the tournament.

Image from: http://wmphoenixopen.com/category/photos/

16 hole WM Phoenix Open

Watching the tournament, I wondered if the players really enjoyed the 16th hole. It was a football stadium style, produced an abundance of noise, and allowed the players to interact with the fans….or was it the other way around.

I for one, enjoyed the 16th hole. It looked like the players had fun. They gave out lots of swag and provided an opportunity to really feel the pressure of the fans. It is an outstanding venue that provides the Waste Management Phoenix Open with something unique to draw fans.

I would not suggest that every tournament should have such a whole, but in this case it was every entertaining. After all, that is why we watch golf on TV…entertainment.

What do you think?

Sweet Music and Golf

January 19, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

I was listening to some music yesterday and was struck by the wonderful sound. They were playing an acoustic guitar and effortlessly moved from note to note. The resulting sound was most rewarding and I was grateful to have heard it. So, I picked up my guitar (which I decided I wanted to learn how to play as a new years resolution) and plucked out some not so soothing sounds. Then it struck me that when I am playing golf or watching an excellent player, I feel the same as listening to someone play the guitar…..it is sweet music.

Some may suggest that this is a long stretch, but just think about it for a moment. When the ball is hit pure the sound is instantly noticeable and a smile usually comes to players face. Same as when you are listening to your favorite song.

Walking on the course early in the morning is like listening to a symphony orchestra. The wind is gently blowing in the trees, the birds are singing, the frogs are croaking, you hear your repetitive foots steps on the wet grass and the sun is rising over the trees. If you close your eyes when listening to classical music and think of playing golf you will know exactly what I mean.

So what am I really talking about? The right music puts most people into a mental state where they believe they can accomplish anything. Music can set the stage for success. When preparing for something special, many people listen to music to put them in the right mood before they have to perform. Athletes, especially, listen to music all the time to mentally prepare themselves to their sporting activity.

Mentally preparing for golf is no different. Preparing for success will result in better focus, greater consistency and be more apt to believe they can succeed. Being in the “right frame of mind” has many benefits and most of which is a more enjoyable time on the golf course.

I listen to music before I play and notice a difference. You may too!

How do you mentally prepare for golfing?

Happy New Year!

January 2, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

As I watched the new year’s celebrations progress across the world, I was struck by a strange thought of how playing golf is similar to these fantastic events. I know it sounds strange, but the huge celebrations unfolded in Australia, UK, US, Norway, etc, I was impressed by how much better the celebrations were this year compared to last. Given the magnitude of the celebrations, planning for next year must have started the moment the celebrations ended in 2012.

Well golf is very much like new years celebrations. Regardless of how well someone played, they immediately start to analyze the game, determine where they can improve and make a conscious effort to play better the next time. Does that not sound like a new year’s celebrations or what?

2013 is going to an awesome year! It is a year full of hope and endless possibilities. I believe that our destiny is in our own hands. We all have the ability to create the future we want. The only thing that stops us for achieving our goals is ourselves. Each golf game provides an opportunity for greatness and that is one of the main reasons I love this game!

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

What do you Listen to on the Golf Course?

December 12, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

What do you listen to on the golf course? As silly as it sounds, this is a very important question. What you hear sets your attitude, focus and mental state. No really, it has a tremendous impact on your game. So what exactly do I mean?

You are on the first green and lining up your putt. The people on the tee box near by are laughing, joking and making lots of noise. You step away and start over. Your inner voice is saying how inconsiderate they are and you miss your putt because you lost your focus. You were listening to your inner voice and went to a dark place.

You are on the first green, the birds are singing, the sun is shining and you are totally focused on your game. Your inner voice is saying “WOW! What a great day!” You feel comfortable and your inner voice is sending you to a great place. You listen, play well and stay totally in the grove.

I know when I am losing my focus while playing. I talk to myself about what is going on, what I am going to do after the game, I wonder what is for supper…etc. When I catch myself, and believe me sometimes I don’t, I tell myself to focus and get my head in the game. I start to talk about my pre-shot routine and how successful I am going to be on the next how. The power of positive thought works for me most of the time, but sometimes…

Ultimately, your inner voice is something that we listen to all the time. It sets the stage for success or can lead us down into a deep dark hole. So the next time you are playing, think positive, listen to your positive inner voice and enjoy your time on the links! I am a grateful golfer.