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Party of One
Whisper out to my man Dan Neal this fine first day of March and his 2007 album, "Party of One," for today's missive title. 'Tis in fact the scenario we all face on the golf course when playing, n'est-ce pas? Just you - no swing coach, no launch monitor, no adult baby sitter. A party of one.
Dan's got a nice bottle of vino, glass and party paraphernalia in front of him on the cover, you've got a ball, stick and park in front of you on the golf course. Is it not time you learned to navigate the challenges without utilizing the equivalent of a golfer's spellcheck in practicing and learning?
It is.
Is your golf guide empowering you to self coach and respond to the emotional curveballs thrown your way on the links for better performance? I sincerely hope so...
And yes, you 'heard' me right - whisper.
Alas, far too many folks shouting their opinions, preferences and bias in every nook & cranny of the Intrawebs on all subjects (golf included), yet not heeding the words of the fantabulous non-shouter, Rumi:
"Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows the flowers, not thunder"
Indeed - raise the volume of your device to a level that suits you (is that what you're doing with your golf swing - or following some SM plasterer's sexy words and/or method?) to enjoy Dan's music, while pondering - with nudges and suggestions from yours truly - a fivesome of the album's song offerings to improve your performance in the golf park, and beyond..
Click up top for the entire album, or on the individual song title as you move southwards on your screen.
Gravity seems to be broken tonight
If you are relying on gravity to hit the golf ball farther - yes - things are broken... Tonight. Tomorrow. Even yesterday. Physics - who woulda thunk?
Wonderful concept for all partial shots (think putting, chipping and shorter pitching), but if you are not putting energy into the golf club (right from the start) on swings where distance is paramount, you too are sacrificing precious yards.
The club must begin its swing with energy amigos: torso, arms and hands specifically, then below the belt to follow, so ditch the 'slow takeaway' idea if you are in need of more speed.
Wake Up In The Mud
Let's touch on that response/resilience aspect aforementioned, shall we - 'cause that's what you must master after things don't turn out just right during a round (aka: waking up in the mud).
Oh, wait a minute, someone told you this game was easy? Tricks, tips and secrets for presto-chango betterment? Insta this or that? I understand.
And I understand the allure of snake oil for dazed & confused golfers; it is indeed mighty.
Whatcha doing for your 'mental game' and your actions post less-than-perfect shot? Time to join AAAA:
- Acknowledge. Take off your drama king or queen costume and acknowledge the outcome. CS' tough love tidbit du jour: you're not good enough to go into a tizzy, so just STOP. Plus, it's embarrassing for your playing partners to be forced to observe you acting like a 5-year-old who misplaced his or her fav toy. It's called respect for others - an endangered species on the narcissistic and "look at ME mommy & daddy" SM platforms, fo shu..
- Accept. No, it's not unbelievable, unfathomable, or incomprehensible. It just IS. Accept the result, good, bad, average or ugly - no time-machines in the golf (but those who are practicing inefficiently seem to have created similar regimes with do-overs, perfect lies & conditions, and zero consequence, among others; science and experienced based solutions here: Train2Trust).
- Adjust. The skill the best in the world possess. Strong, mobile and skilled? No doubt, but those who hold the trophies on Sunday afternoon are highly adept at adjusting according the day, moment and conditions. Are you stuck in things that worked yesterday, or where you want to be in the near future? Unglue yourself and enter into the present/now. Adjust your mindset (it's all and inside job after all). Adjust your ball flight. Adjust your intentions.
- Adapt. Adaptations work closely with its sibling 'adjust.' Pay attention to your current surroundings (oh, they don't look like you hitting a ball off of an artificial surface into a screen with perfect climatic conditions?) and play with them instead of against them. Direct your precious life force and energy toward things you can control and manage - not towards the elements & aspects beyond your reach.
Who's Gonna Take The Blame
Or responsibility, might we say. The golf ball's eventual resting spot is largely out of our hands, yet what you do before the swing is 100% your responsibility - and vital for success.
It's called planning and programming, like we do hundreds of times daily. You see, you are in charge and offering the desired outcome to the universe, the golf Gods, and your own miraculous human mind-body system is the first BIG baby step in the golf ball's journey, each & every time.
Seeing. Picturing. Visualizing. As a case study of one, you have a way that works optimally for you, and this must adhered to and followed like any useful ritual. Commit to the process and you will like the results. Leave things to 'hoping,' praying and swing fundamental pixie dust then yes - take the blame for blundered shots.
BiPolar Express
Ever feel that way during a round of golf? PGA Tour player one moment, 49-handicapper the next? From mostly competent and skilled to a completely uncoordinated buffoon in a matter of moments? Dr. Jekyll one instant, Mr. Hyde the next?
Me too... And, what about the different emotions, parts of self and sub-personalities that pop up? "Mini Me's" as Dr. Debbie Crews and I like to call them. Oh, they are within you, loud and clear.
Perhaps it's time to get to know them a bit better (the first step is to stop ignoring their presence - we all have them), so they can better serve you. Just as you have different golf clubs for different tasks, your Mini Me's are ready, willing and able to assist when called upon.
First off, find some descriptors for the feelings and emotions that flood your system during a round of golf (yes, there are many). Then, give each a name - could be silly, could be poignant. Once identified (and made peace with..) you decide when, if or whether 'they' will come out and play.
A six pack of potential examples:
- Mrs. Calm
- Senor I need a kick in the ass to get going
- Scaredy Cat
- Superhuman to the rescue
- The Perfectionist
- The Solver of Problems
Create your own personalized list, then invite them to the on-course party when they can best serve you.
Time To Shine
"If not now, when?" as the Buddhists like to say. Indeed.
Shine as golfer. Shine as a human being. Shine as a denizen of spaceship earth. Often the qualities required to grow and evolve in all three realms share commonalities.
Patience and understanding. Who's normally your 'worst enemy' on the links? You are. How about showing some kindness and compassion to yourself (and yes, others) when you hit one sideways? A little pat on the back (literal and figurative, please) goes much further than belittling self-talk.
If it's not shiny, it's tarnished. What part of your game (or demeanor & actions in those other endeavors) needs the most attention, work, and love? You know, your weaknesses as a golfer. The good news? There is an upside, people - room for improvement.
Statistics are very helpful (to me as a coach and you as a player) to show trends and tendencies. It's time to start tracking that data if you are serious about progressing. I'd be happy to recommend a program that fits your needs.
And I'd be happy to assist in any and all aspects of your game - at Eugene Country Club, and part-time at Puerto Los Cabos in the wintry months - or refer you to someone with true street cred in your area. I also offer remote coaching plans wherever you may reside. Click below on either spectacular venue for specifics.
"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent"
-- Victor Hugo
Best,
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