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?

Conceive – Believe – Achieve

February 2, 2013February 2, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

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! But really, what do this have to do with golf.

Do you think that Phil Mickelson, who was 1 centimeter from shooting the ever elusive 59, has ever sat on his couch and thought of what it would feel like to break 60. I say – absolutely! Hasn’t everyone. Do we not think of shooting a hole-in-one, chipping in from 150 yards, making a 60 foot put for eagle or winning the club championship on the 18th hole with everyone watching? If you said yes to any of these statements, then you are half way to setting yourself up for success on the golf course.

Manage your internal expectations and reality will tend to meet them. Although this is not just for golf, it can easily be applied to our favorite game. The use of positive mental imagery is nothing new. It is all around us. At Clear Mind Meditation Techniques, they describe how to use this powerful technique. It is very simple, yet can change even the greatest obstacles. Norman Vincent Peale said that “we tend to get what we expect.” So why not expect great things on and off the golf course!

At GolfMindShop.com, they talk about four benefits of positive mental imagery: emotional control, perfect result imagery, physical bio mechanics imagery and self-image “Engineering” imagery. These benefits are very important to success on the golf course. It is not just about swing mechanics, but developing a strong mental attitude in all areas of the game.

At Golf Mental Game Coaching also outlines the benefit of using mental imagery to change your game. They go into more detail of what areas can be affected, but the process is basically the same. Ultimately, each player will decide the area they what to improve – keeping it all positive will definitely help.

In an earlier post “When Life Gets In the Way“, I suggested a 5-minute mental exercise to calm your mind and to focus your efforts while running to the first tee. The techniques suggested today are an extension of that exercise. It allows for a total examination of your game and will help improve your mental toughness. There is no specific length of time one should perform mental imagery….it really is up to the individual.

Golf is not just about swing a club. A positive mental attitude through imagery is a fantastic technique to improve your game. What other tips would you suggest to help with your golf game?

When Life Gets in the Way

January 25, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

Not making my living in the golf industry, I find that sometimes life gets in the way of life. Sound confusing, well I know what you mean. Life is to be experienced and enjoyed all the time. I love my job and would consider it a calling. As a military professional, the demands of my career sometimes reduces the time I have to dedicate towards my off hour activities (the fun stuff). I am not fussed when this occurs because I believe everything that happens for a reason. We are the architect of our own lives!

Sometimes we find ourselves running around like crazy working late, doing chores, running errands, taking our kids to whatever, or helping out a friend. This can translated into players speeding to the golf course, jumping out of their car and running to the first tee. They take a couple deep breaths and WHACK! They are off first tee for a run around the course. Usually, it takes three holes to really calm down and depending how they scored on the first three holes….longer.

Anytime we want to perform well, we generally schedule time to practice, prepare, and mentally focus on the task before starting. Golf is no different. Knowing that focus is very important to success on the golf course, I have a little trick I use to prepare for a round of golf when my life is getting in the way of my life.

When I arrive, I shut off my car, the radio, my phone and any other distraction. I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. I try not to think of anything at first; just my breath going in and out. After about 2 minutes (and 2 minutes is longer than you think when focusing on just your breathing) I go through my round of golf in my head. How well I am going to drive the ball; the accuracy of my wedge play; the confidence I have in my putter. I go through this part of my preparation for about 2-3 minutes. Then, just before I leave my car, I take a couple deep breaths and I am ready to play.

I find that this little 5 minute drill allows me to really focus on my game and enjoy my round of golf. There are many such techniques to get ready. Do you have any to share?

Is Golfing Fun?

January 16, 2013January 16, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Golf is a good walk spoiled – Mark Twain

Is golfing really fun? What is the major draw for people to spend 3 – 5 hours outside chasing a little white ball? I have heard, read and watched many aspects of the game, but is golf really fun? Well, I am here to say without a doubt that golf is fun…..if you get it!

Hole-In-One, 26 Jul 12, Osprey Links Golf Course

Throughout my life, many people have asked me about golf? They wondered why I devoted so much time to a sport that looked easy to play, but in actuality was very difficult. I would explain about the personal challenges, the uniqueness of each round, the enjoyment of spending times with new and old friends, but they never seemed to get it. They just could not grasp the concept of how golf enriches our lives.

I actually had this conversation not to long ago and it made me think of why I spend 25 hours a week practicing, playing and learning about a sport/hobby/pastime. Well, I have finally reach a definitive conclusion and I am sure it really only makes sense to me. My darling wife supports my golf habit, my friends laugh at my desire to constantly play, and my family have given up trying to explain it. So here is my reason why I love to play golf:

IT MAKES ME HAPPY! Yup that is it. It makes me happy. The joy I feel when I walk up to the first tee in anticipation of what is to come is something I have always enjoyed. Stroking a hole-in-one (three times) provides an almost unexplained sense of excitement. Walking early in the morning, experiencing the sunrise, listening to the birds and watching the wild life is so peaceful. Watching your friend achieve a milestone and sharing in their triumph. Connecting with people from around the world and sharing a common theme that only golf can offer is rewarding. Teaching your children how to play golf is priceless. I could go on and on, but I believe you get it!

I am grateful for being able to enjoy golf. It has brought untold joy into my life. I believe golf is the best sport in the world. I truly am a grateful golfer.

What has golf done for you?