Looking For Pearls: Golf Is Not A Game of Perfect

Sunday, June 5, 2022

Golf Is Not A Game of Perfect - Ten Valuable Reminders

“Golf gives you an insight into human nature, your own as well as your opponent’s.“ -Grantland Rice

Rainy weather and some aching shoulders have convinced me to take a couple of days off from golf. But, as I've said in an earlier entry, I've become a certified "nut" about the sport. Can't stop thinking about the game even when I'm not playing it. I know. Certifiable.

I've read a few books on the game and one of my favorites is "Golf is Not A Perfect Game", by Dr. Bob Rotella. Read it about a year ago. Great book. Full of wisdom, especially on the mental aspect of becoming a better player. So this afternoon I browsed back through the book and revisited the things I highlighted back then that have truly been helpful for me. Thought I'd share them here as well as any observations I have about them. Enjoy.

Golf Is Not A Game of Perfect - "Rotella's Rules"

1. "Golfing potential depends primarily on 3 things: a player's attitude; his skill with his wedges and putter; and how well he thinks."

Most players work on - at best - only 1 of these. I'm pretty good with my short game, but I've also been learning that "attitude" and "thinking about the game" has nothing to do with JUDGING oneself.

2. "Golf is not a game of perfect. No matter what happens with any shot, accept it. When a shot is done, it's done."

The best golfers - and certainly the ones who have the most fun with it - have short memories.

3. "Decide before the round starts how you're going to think, and do it every shot. Choose to think well. Have fun. Focus."

The challenge of this is doing it the ENTIRE round.

4. "Learn to love the challenges. Why? Because the alternatives: anger, fear, whining, cheating - DO NO GOOD.

This in itself is an absolute GEM to remember: not only on the golf course, but in the rest of Life!

A crazy shot by Jordan Spieth this year!

5. "You cannot hit a golf ball consistently well if you think about the mechanics of your swing as you play. A golfer must train his swing, and then trust it."

I have slowly learned that THINKING about my shot has never helped me improve it. My mind can give me a MILLION thoughts about "fixing" the swing. But change only occurs when I can FEEL what needs to change.

6. "The foundation of consistency is a sound pre-shot routine."

This has been the biggest challenge for me to stick to. Same set up and routine every time. Assess the shot. Pick the target. Visualize and practice swing. Look at target. Look at ball. Swing freely.

7. "Before taking any shot, pick out the smallest target. Smaller the target, sharper the focus, better the results."

8. "Hit the shot you know you can hit, not the one you think you OUGHT to be able to hit. Conservative strategy, Cocky swing,"

In other words, I have to "know" my game, my tendencies, my strengths and weaknesses. You'd think you do, but it's surprising how often I'm playing and just "hoping" for things to happen "right".

9. "Attitude is what makes a great putter. Balance determination with nonchalance. Believe you'll make the putt every time."

10. "Love golf for what it teaches you about yourself."

This last one is so true, and why I think I've become so much a fan of playing this game. There is no end to the learning that one can receive when golfing. The infinite variables of clubs, climate, grounds, competition, and mentality provide constant opportunities to learn something new. And the most valuable things I know I'm learning are those things that are inner and timeless: perseverance, honesty, striving for excellence, humility, staying in the present moment, letting go of what doesn't serve me....and always, always....starting over. The power of Beginning Again.