For Women Golfers

I learned how to solve Sudoko puzzles recently and found I was spending the time I was supposed to write this blog obsessed with number play. I woke up this morning stunned at this discovery and decided to make up for lost time.

There are extremes in (probably) all activities. Ben Hogan was an extreme in the practice of golf; Johann Gauss was an extreme in his solving of statistical equations; Wolfgang Mozart was an extreme in music. We associate extremes with genius, accomplishment and irrationality; something to admire but not necessarily to emulate. Yet, the phase before extremism may be a single minded focus that can be wonderfully productive.

I re-discovered this while working out Sudoku puzzles and I realized (again) how important such focus is for improving one’s golf game. I hope to hold on to this thought as I get back into a golf practice routine. I went from solving “gentle” puzzles to “moderate” puzzles in about a week and decided I could effect that same progress on the golf course applying a similar intensity.

It takes courage to stick with something where one has to work hard to make up for inadequate talent or natural ability. Focus can develop courage, a prerequisite for confidence, and with confidence anything’s possible.

I played golf today where I was the only person on the course for at least the first 90 minutes—or seven holes. The day started off gray and if the temperature dropped it would have rained. Instead, it got warmer and I had the distinct pleasure of having the back nine to myself on a nice morning.

I wish I could say the first round of the year was a stunning success—it wasn’t. But, I’m definitely hitting the ball better, but can I get to where I don’t have to keep reminding myself to do the right thing? For example, hitting down on the ball, turning my shoulders, relaxing my arms, taking the club back straight, etc., etc. More important, I need to toughen up, mentally and physically.

I played two balls on every hole, although not on every shot. The course was covered with dirt turds from an earlier aeration so I was trying to keep on the sides of the fairways to avoid the clods. I’m easily distracted by a bad shot, mud on my shoes, sun in my eyes, seeing my shadow in the swing and looking for the ball. I can’t believe how uptight I get, yet there’s no one around and I’m not keeping score. That’s what I mean about getting mentally tougher.

My oldest son recently took the ACT test and reminded me of how many people he knows who do poorly on standardized tests, even when they’re pretty smart. I’ve never had that experience but know it exists for a lot of people. Today, I realized that the way I play golf is probably like the way those people take tests.

It takes courage to be reminded of one’s deficiencies over and over again. At least playing golf CAN be fun. Can’t say the same for taking the ACT test.

There is a bitter-sweetness about fall golf. There are lots of folks who put away their clubs right after Labor Day and join bowling leagues. There are others who keep their clubs ever ready for that unexpected fall day when the weather\'s great. The bowlers don\'t look back, but the golfers grasp for whatever is left of the season. So, a bad game in October feels a lot worse than in April, especially if it\'s a beautiful day.

What\'s the best way to prepare for the end of the season? Wintergear? Cart Hoods? Swing trainers? A last lesson?

What about new clubs?

I think I might try to play all year just to see what it\'s like. I need an adventure and winter golf may meet that need.