Stop to smell the roses

[AussieGuy]

Hi All,

Cant log in any more under my old username. No idea why... Anyhoo.

 

I took a good 1 year break from golf. It did my head in. I practiced and practiced and practiced and with some swing floors that I managed to live with got my handicap down to a 4.3. Had a real hard time playing to it and my home course had super wide fairways and was links style. Try and travel that game to a tight tree lined course and well you can guess. Hello mid to high 80's. Golf was not fun. At all. I'd constantly expect to play better and be disappointed that the hard work wasn't paying off.

 

We've all had some really serious life stuff, I just got lots in a short time lost my mother to cancer, marriage difficulties, career change etc. Sitting around the house I realized I missed it (golf) and the outlet it provides.

 

Long story short. Now I'm back playing and yes I'm working to fix those swing flaws. It's amazing how much more enjoyable this game is if you stop to just take it in and enjoy yourself;

The sun shining on you in beautiful surroundings.

The people you meet.

The places you can travel.

The fun you can have.

 

Whilst a solid game that can shoot 70's pretty much anywhere would be nice, we are so lucky to pay this great game.

Rant over.

Enjoy all!

[HonestPlayer]

Interesting post. My mentality is to enjoy the round no matter what I score. I didn't play for a few years due to various reasons including injuries from other sports, have had to rebuild my swing completely as a result. Shooting high 90s from the tips and just trying to play pain free golf is the most enjoyment I've ever had from golf. I only got to this stage after endless rehab, mobility training and some time on the range afterwards. I've shot sub 90 many times, but that was with a different swing and grip (that I can't use anymore due to previous injuries) so they don't count anymore (and won't count ever again) in my mind. I just try to improve, learn and enjoy myself. I don't get mad at myself even if I take 10 or more on a hole. After all, it's just a round of golf. Playing without stress, for fun etc is the key in my view rather than being score orientated. Good luck AussieGuy.

 

HonestPlayer

[caniac6]

Just about 2 years ago I had surgery to remove a cancerous prostate. Last October, despite being in good shape, I had a heart attack. Golf has been a great incentive for recovery. I'm back walking 18 with no problem. I did get an electric walking cart rather than a push cart. I'm not one of the people that feels like golf has spiritual, or mystical aspects, I just enjoy the game, the company, and the walk. More than anything, I'm just thrilled to death to be above the sod.

[braincramp52]

I've played the game for over 30 years now. I still play in a league and one city tournament but my most enjoyable time on the course is usually when I go out and don't even know what I shot. When I quit worrying about the state of my game and scores I got much better.

[St Jimmy]

Move up when you play those tree lined courses.

[AussieGuy]

St Jimmy,

That's a great idea. Only thing is golf in Australia is quite different. We play mainly 'competition' golf with set tees for all players.

On the very occasional time I get on the course to have some fun, I love playing from the ladies tees. You feel like a Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka hybrid!

 

[Malvern]

I don't necessarily get your struggle having never had any real great handicap ambitions, but I have played since I was very young.

I agree we play too much competition golf in Australia, that is unlikely to change. If you assume that premise, play outside of handicap competition, one of my mates has moved away but we did a Tuesday 10 hole event weekly with persimmon/blades for a beer............enjoyable golf, no scorecard.