"Letting Go" Golf - Lesson #1

“Golf is a game that is played on a five-inch course – the distance between your ears. ” -Bobby Jones

About a year and a half ago, I wrote my 1st entry about golf and me. I'd said that I was looking for a "hobby" after I retired, and with the help of a friend (and the encouragement of Deborah), I took up golf. Started learning to enjoy it. Began playing and practicing more frequently. 

In that entry, I also mentioned an idea that my friend, Doug Norby, called "Letting Go Golf". It is essentially working to develop a new mindset while playing: one not so much focused on technique and results (and thus constant frustration), but focused on self-observation and learning to let go of the interior thoughts and feelings that masquerade as "helpful", but are only painful limitations to one's game. 

So, I wanted to share here some principles that are at the core of "Letting Go Golf". Guy Finley, our mutual friend and teacher, shared them with the two of us. I wanted to record them here so that I would better remember them. They're really great to work with!

"Ten Insights Along the Way to Swinging Fearlessly" (Guy Finley)

1.  Swinging fearlessly begins with a feeling of fearlessness.

2.  Talking to yourself seems to relieve tension, but in truth, it does just the opposite; self-talk is produced by a level of self seeking to escape fear. Every word it utters strengthens the false belief that there's something in your swing to be feared. Don't be a "dead man talking".

3.  Identifying with any form of physical, mental, or emotional tension over the outcome of a swing seems to provide a form of protection; but getting tighter and tighter doesn't hold you together. It tears you apart from the inside-out, because what's squeezing the swing out of you is your own fearful thoughts and feelings.

4.  Reliving any bad shot is the sure way to repeat it.

5.  Never fight against a wrong feeling; rather always be for the right feeling. Find the right feeling - then swing it freely.

6.  Attention is your anchor to the present moment. Lose it, and you will drift off course.

7.  What the other player is doing during your round is only your concern if you want him to win.

8.  It is impossible to resist the outcome of a swing, and learn something about your swing at the same time.

9.  Any form of tension in the body is the painful result of a prolonged negative reaction.

10. As is true in life, so it is in golf. Quitters never prosper.

Each of these insights are so true, not only on the golf course, but for life in general too. Looking forward to my next chance to use these!

This close to my 1st ace - Dutcher Creek #17 (Par 3) - 142 yds. - April 23 2019

To find a man’s true character, play golf with him. – P.G. Wodehouse