Mats,

Congratulations! That’s an amazing handicap drop!

-Matt

I was taken by three 13 year old boys I played with. I was envious of their fluid swings, their flexible spines and their swing-out-of-their-shoes tee shots — a marvel to watch. However, what inspired me was how much fun they were having, they made it a true game, seeing who could hit closest to the pin, who’s tee shot went farthest and straightest, et cetera. And when they went into the woods, water or bunkers, they were smiling and laughing. They challenged each other to shape their ball around the tree and under the branches, or out of the greenside bunker with spin, or pick a fairway bunker shot clean, then who could hit a flyer out of the rough! They ran back and forth across the green or fairway to try the shots and moved on without any apparent emotional scarring after missing their shot. They played without fear or desperation, no cursing, throwing or slamming clubs, no sulking — just light hearted play — unlike many adults I play with regularly. In that round, I saw how seriously I had taken the game, how tight my body had become, and how hyper-focused, myopic, I had become around scoring low and making every shot count as if my life depended on it. I was thrilled that they enjoyed my game, and that they were wowed by my lowest scores, and even more psyched when they asked me to show them how to hit certain types of shots, which they would in turn see if they could hit. They reminded me that golf was fun, it’s supposed to be a challenge, and when you’re on the course, laugh whether you make them or fail miserably trying. Even their banter between shots or in between holes made me smile. I carry that day with me and when I feel my body get heavy, my mind get too intent, or the stakes feel high, I think about playing with those boys and immediately feel buoyant again. We could all learn a thing or two from youthful spirits, light hearts, and fluid swings.

Yes Matt, this game is fun — and the more fun we have, the more likely we can hit that shot, and if not, laugh and reload.

I was just thinking that on a normal shot I can get so focused on my swing thought that I paralyze myself a but when I have to hit a low hook out of trouble, I tend to visualize the shot and then naturally make it happen. Maybe I am the anomaly, but that seems to happen to me often!

Stephen,

That’s very interesting. I’d be curious to know if people think about mechanics more or less on difficult shots.

Best,

Matt