Golf Lessons
I’m a golfer. It’s a part of my identity. My first memory of playing the game, probably around the age of twelve, is with my father at the “executive” course at Blacklick Woods Metro Park, in Reynoldsburg. It is now called the “Learning Course,” and it was a great place to learn the game. I very much enjoyed golf in my youth, though I took a hiatus during a portion of my teen years. The combination of hormones and rapid physical growth created the double-whammy scenario of diminished physical coordination with a hormone-enhanced temper. I could not hit the ball very well, and got unreasonably upset about it. By college I had settled down, and was enjoying the game regularly again. A student membership to Ohio State’s golf courses was just $250 per year - which probably equated into about $3 per round.
As I have matured, I’ve experienced mixed emotions about identifying as a golfer. Its reputation as an elitist, country club activity doesn’t match my own self-image. Aside from human status games, it also feels really indulgent to spend 4+ hours hitting a little white ball around a beautiful parkland. Despite this dissonance, I continue to play. Most of my closest friends play the game, so there really is no escaping it. The feeling of a well-struck shot is something I will always be chasing.
The game has a taught me many lessons over the years:
Never be late for a tee time.
You can learn a lot about a person by watching them on a golf course. How they manage their emotions. How they follow the rules. How they treat other people.
Golf is a walking game.
The average person can hit a world-class golf shot - just not as often as Tiger Woods.
Mind state affects performance. When I show up to the first tee relaxed, grateful to be there, and free of expectations, I play better.
Good swings sometimes produce poor results (and vice-versa).
Play it as it lies. Sometimes the ball is laying in thick grass, hard to get good contact with the club. Just do your best, and try to advance the ball to a better position.
Pre-shot routines can be helpful. Consider the hazards ahead. Have a clear picture in the mind for how you want the ball to respond to the shot. A practice swing to prime your body, then swing free and accept the result.
Forget bad shots immediately. Dwelling on them only affects your next shot.
The diameter of the hole on the 18th green at The Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, is exactly the same diameter as the cups at the Blacklick Woods Learning Course.
When all is said and done, golf is just a game.
One last metaphorical thought: Life is a lot like golf - but our parents hit our tee shots for us. The better at golf/life that our parents are, the better start we typically enjoy.
Sunday Supper
This Beef Vegetable Soup and Green Goddess Salad are going to be on our table this Sunday.
Sunday Music
This time of year, I always think of Neil Young and his song Harvest Moon. While we're at it, here's a three-song set from Young's former bandmate, Graham Nash at the NPR Tiny Desk. Enjoy!
If you know anyone who might like this essay, please share it with them.
Have a great week ahead! Offer support to others. Make good use of this day. And let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,