The True Essence of Golf
Since the beginning of time, man has competed amongst one another in numerous ways. The quest for reaching new heights, as well as outperforming the competition, has developed an insurmountable drive to dominate a subject of interest. Where some sports activities are dependent upon a team of individuals working together as one with a common goal, golf is a sport in which each person is responsible for their own success or failure. With this in mind, the individual spends time and money attempting to gain an advantage by any means available. This is an ongoing feat in which marketing gurus utilize their skills and capitalize on the opportunity to satisfy the hunger of the ever-growing population of golf fanatics.
In today’s society, research and technology offer a shortcut for everything. If a person has a particular fault, there is a special tool or club to compensate for it. This, however, being thought of as a technical advancement or breakthrough, is actually a bandage for the incorrect execution of the task at hand. People in general seem to excuse their deficiencies and faults by blaming the equipment or the conditions of the course. Knowing that fact, multiple manufacturing companies thrive on the fact that the person will be continually in the market for the ideal “fix.” When it comes down to facing the real problem, however, the true fault lies with the person, due to improper technique and process. With that in mind, it is a proven fact that those who are willing to face the truth and take the necessary steps to correct their mistakes are the individuals who seem to continually advance in their skill level and reach a higher level of performance and enjoyment.
A famous quote by Bobby Jones once stated that “the hardest course that one can encounter is 5 inches between the ears.” Golf is a sport in which each and every shot can be advantageous or disastrous. The player needs to accept the fact that the only important shot is the shot ahead of them. Remember, golf is played one shot at a time. The time to analyze the outcome is at the conclusion of the round. It is also crucial that the player doesn’t dwell on the previous shots, despite the quality or outcome. What’s done is done and it can’t be changed.
Golf is a sport that is played in the mind and executed through the body. After all, the mind tells the body how and when to make certain movements. It’s also where the senses are processed. Our confidence level depends on how we feel about our ability to succeed or fulfill any task, which will determine whether we will truly commit to the action. If one analyzes their options, taking in as much information as is available, then commits to the shot and finally attempts to execute it, they have done all they can do. If the particular shot produces unfavorable results, it is then that they continue the learning process, make the necessary adjustments, and enable themselves to grow and achieve a higher skill level. If the shot produces favorable results, it, too, can be a learning experience.
Remembering the things that were done correctly can be as beneficial as those that were not. This is how we continually “find” ourselves and determine our limits and capabilities. If one is willing to work on the things within their control, and accept the things that are not, they will experience the highest possible level of performance and indulge in the true enjoyment that the sport has to offer.
