Golf preparation for 2016..... ok, lost our focus a bit, so we'll continue with playing and competing in 2016.
What I've recognized is that; in order to become a consistently good scoring golfer, we have to dedicate a significant amount of our time to practice and playing the game, almost, daily. That's right, if we want to become a seriously effective golfer, we NEED to practice and play the game daily.
As you saw from my last post, I had improved my game immeasurably and my scoring as well. I was now sporting a 5 handicap, but, over the past two weeks had been challenged to maintain the scoring consistency. In fact, my ball striking, short game and putting has been quite consistent, especially as I practiced and performed, but, something different creeped into the game in the last two rounds; the BIG number.
My rounds had begun quite well each of the last two times I played 18, but, all at once, the BIG number happened. Firstly, I had been playing very well, not scoring particularly well, but, remaining confident in my abilities. The tee shot on #9 was quite easy, just a 3 wood out to the middle of the fairway and a wedge into the green, but, "Oh my!!!" I almost shanked the shot dead right and lost outside of the hazard. We looked and looked, but, no ball. Back to the tee for a second tee shot, hitting 3, but, unexplainably, I topped the ball about 100 yards. Had 182 yds over trees and hazard, but hit an incredible 4 iron. Ended up in the front bunker with a very difficult shot that I left in the bunker, decent out next and two putts for an "8". Yes, an 8. BIG number, right? Now this is where we have to hunker down and maintain focus, but, there were 9 holes left. An innocuous performance on the back resulted in an 86. That's right. Fourteen over par!!
I won't get as specific about the other round, but, the BIG number was a 10 when another shanked tee shot ended up under a tree, unplayable in the woods and the ensuing horrors included hitting another tree, a dubbed chip and a missed 3 footer. A TEN for goodness sakes and a resultant 88 for a total score. How tough can this game be, especially when putting so much time into improving.
So, what do we do, quit?? Yes, that's an option, but, there is no way we're doin' that!!!!
Some soul searching. Discussion with the wife, for sure. What am I doing this for at 64 years of age??
For ministry!
What? That's right, for ministry. As you're reading this post, you won't, necessarily, see the passion and motivation for this entire website and social posting, but, I believe I'm called to Give the Gospel thru Golf. In order to have that opportunity, I have to work through this game and get better as well as engage with those I meet and play with/against in order to edify Christ in the game.
Whew, we'll continue.............
What I've recognized is that; in order to become a consistently good scoring golfer, we have to dedicate a significant amount of our time to practice and playing the game, almost, daily. That's right, if we want to become a seriously effective golfer, we NEED to practice and play the game daily.
As you saw from my last post, I had improved my game immeasurably and my scoring as well. I was now sporting a 5 handicap, but, over the past two weeks had been challenged to maintain the scoring consistency. In fact, my ball striking, short game and putting has been quite consistent, especially as I practiced and performed, but, something different creeped into the game in the last two rounds; the BIG number.
My rounds had begun quite well each of the last two times I played 18, but, all at once, the BIG number happened. Firstly, I had been playing very well, not scoring particularly well, but, remaining confident in my abilities. The tee shot on #9 was quite easy, just a 3 wood out to the middle of the fairway and a wedge into the green, but, "Oh my!!!" I almost shanked the shot dead right and lost outside of the hazard. We looked and looked, but, no ball. Back to the tee for a second tee shot, hitting 3, but, unexplainably, I topped the ball about 100 yards. Had 182 yds over trees and hazard, but hit an incredible 4 iron. Ended up in the front bunker with a very difficult shot that I left in the bunker, decent out next and two putts for an "8". Yes, an 8. BIG number, right? Now this is where we have to hunker down and maintain focus, but, there were 9 holes left. An innocuous performance on the back resulted in an 86. That's right. Fourteen over par!!
I won't get as specific about the other round, but, the BIG number was a 10 when another shanked tee shot ended up under a tree, unplayable in the woods and the ensuing horrors included hitting another tree, a dubbed chip and a missed 3 footer. A TEN for goodness sakes and a resultant 88 for a total score. How tough can this game be, especially when putting so much time into improving.
So, what do we do, quit?? Yes, that's an option, but, there is no way we're doin' that!!!!
Some soul searching. Discussion with the wife, for sure. What am I doing this for at 64 years of age??
For ministry!
What? That's right, for ministry. As you're reading this post, you won't, necessarily, see the passion and motivation for this entire website and social posting, but, I believe I'm called to Give the Gospel thru Golf. In order to have that opportunity, I have to work through this game and get better as well as engage with those I meet and play with/against in order to edify Christ in the game.
Whew, we'll continue.............
By the way, new GHIN posting. With those two rounds I'm now a "'5,8" handicap.
Thanks, in Him2.
Bill
Thanks, in Him2.
Bill
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