The Golf Student

Yes! It’s true, went to a course for the first time a training golf course on Cherry street in Lake Forest, California.  The GolfNewB took me out for a game on this training course.  As you may already know, a training course has only 9 holes.  I was very thankful for that, given I lost seven golf balls, on certain holes, when teeing off, I swung at the ball three or four times before connecting with the ball, ignored all the rules given how poor I was hitting the ball, and came away with a popped blister on my right hand ring finger.

With all that said, I can also tell you that I had a great time!  I had the same impression of the game as I did about snowboarding the first time I went out.  In both cases I made every mistake possible, but I also saw what it meant to play the game well at some point in the future, while enjoying the learning process in the meantime.

I had a few good shots that I keep thinking about.  I’m mostly interested in learning how to harness what I did on those few good shots for every one I make from this day forth.

While on the course, I realized why I’ve been taking a golf course and what’s the purpose of the lessons I’ve been taught.  I now know why I want to control the direction of the ball.  I learned why your perspective makes a huge difference.  In fact, there were five lessons that really stood out:

1. Mind over Matter
   I started the game thinking that I may loose a few balls, hit some terrible shots, and even miss hitting the ball.  Sure enough, that’s exactly what happened.  Had I focused on having a good time and making every shot the very best I could, I would have witnessed a greater number of shots I could have been proud of.  I know for next time I’ll visualize how all of my shots will go exactly where I want them and how I’ll sink every ball on the green with two putts.
2. Relaxation is Key
   I’ve written about this here before, but I found it to be doubly true on the course.  When on the course, I tensed quite a lot, especially before hitting the ball.  The opposite was true for the shots I’m proud of.
3. Keep Eyes on the Ball
   This seems obvious, but I wanted to see where my ball was going.  Almost every time, I looked up on the fairway before connecting with the ball.  The times I didn’t, I hit the ball better.  It makes sense to focus on what you want to hit…the ball!  The GolfNewB had a good quote about this, “The ball will go where it will.  Just focus on hitting it right and keep your eyes on the ball.” Hoora!
4. Play with a Partner
   I heard many encouraging words from the GolfNewB, but I also heard some great pointers.  One of his greatest observations came when we were on the golf range.  He told me in I tensed my arms and brought them too close to my chest on my follow through.  As soon as I attempted to stretch and straighten my right arm, my shots became more consistent.  It helps to have a friend watch your every move.
5. Have Fun
   You may play your worst game ever (hopefully this WAS my worst), but you have to remember why you’re there: to enjoy nature and play a game. So, laugh at the poor shots and celebrate the good ones.  I now see why many even drink on the course.  It’s all a celebration.

I learned a lot more than this, but I want to focus only on these five, since I can only change a handful of things at any one point.  This may be the sixth lesson.

I’d love to hear what you think about these lessons.