If you are going to play golf; play golf!

Just one great shot can change a round of golf.  The magical chip-in, 30 foot-putt, exceptional approach or a booming drive can turn a mediocre round into a fantastic round. On Sunday past, I was playing around of golf with the usual crowd.  As I hacked my way around the course, I felt as if this was the worst round of the year….and it had the makings to be!

After a smooth 47 front nine (47 front nine….I still have a hard time saying 47; anyway I digress) I decided to change the way I thought.  I focused on each shot and attempted to follow my new mantra of ‘less is more’.  Swing smooth and watch the ball go.  Well it worked quite well.  After three bogies, I walked up to the 15th tee and hit a flat shot.  Not to worry because it was a par 5.  My second shot was very good and I was 100 yards from the green.  This is one of my favorite distances so I was confident I could get it close. After a ‘less is more’ swing I watched the ball land softly on the green and roll in the cup for an eagle!  Yup, I could not believe it either.

The next three holes I was smooth and back in form.  I finished with 3 pars for a total score of 84.  Normally, I would not be very happy with an 84, but a 37 back was something I was quite happy with.  So, overall, I walked away happy.

The interesting aspect of that game was the last three holes.  After the excitement of an eagle, it was if I was back in the right frame of mind to play golf.  I was focused, read the greens well and displayed strong course management.  Thinking back on the round, I realized that during the first 14 holes I was thinking of everything but golf.

So my lesson of the week is live for the moment!  If I am going to play golf, play golf.  If I am going to concentrate on other things, go do the other things.  Golf is an amazing game, it continues to teach me important life lessons.  I am a grateful golfer.  See you on the links.