Even the Bad Shots are Something to Appreciate
If golf was less frustrating, would we still enjoy it so much?
“Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours.” ~ Marcus Aurelius
“Nothing will content him who is not content with a little.” ~ Seneca
Every golfer has their "miss". I have two, a straight block to the right or a big hook, both of which come from a pronounced inside to out swing path. For others, it’s it might be a weak, spinny slice or having a tendency to catch the ball a groove (or two) fat. If you suffer from the strike on the hosel that shall not be named, we’re so, so sorry.
On some days, these misses happen less often than others. There are days where you got just the right amount of sleep, food in the belly, caffeine and/or adult libations that allow you to avoid your miss regularly.
Unfortunately, there are also days were the stars did not align and it seems like the only shot you can hit is your miss.
On those days, it’s pretty easy to get annoyed with yourself and the game of golf in general. The mind leaves the present moment and starts asking unhelpful questions. Why do I play this game anyway? What’s the point of coming out here? Why do I suck so bad at this when the ball is just sitting there?
But are those questions actually unhelpful? What were to happen if you were to ask yourself in a curious, non-judgmental tone, "why do I play this game?" and "what is the point of coming out here?"
If you take the time to truly think about those questions and answer them in a thoughtful way, you probably arrive at something like, "I enjoy being outside", "I enjoy the social aspect of the game", or "I enjoy the challenge, frankly" or a combination of all of the above.
And so, when Your Miss seems to be happening more often than the good shots are happening, if you can remind yourself of why you play the game and be thankful for the opportunity to do so, it’s amazing how your body and mind lighten and good shots return.
“…the more grateful we are to take the opportunity to play today, the more we create the conditions of being in the place all of the sports psychology books tell us to be: The present moment.” ~ Karl Morris, The Lost Art of Playing Golf
At the risk of being preachy, be thankful for the chance to be outside when you could be in a cubicle somewhere. Be thankful for the opportunity to take on the challenge of getting that little ball into the slightly larger hole. Maybe most importantly, be thankful for the opportunity golf provides to spend time with friends or make new ones.
Try your hardest, but be thankful for the chance to do so.
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It’s always interesting to consider how often the observations and recommendations of the Stoics, ancient Buddhists, and other philosophers are often proven out in today’s science. Gratitude practice has been shown as a tool to reduce anxiety and depression, likely improves emotion regulation, and improved cardiovascular health.