Sunday, February 17, 2013

The Zen of golfing in 4 hours

What does Zen have to do with golfing in less than 4 hours?   You might think of trying to remain calm or at peace on the golf course.   Yes, this would be Zen for yourself.   The Zen referred in this article has to do with providing calm throughout the entire golf course or an outing of guys playing together on a Saturday morning.  When you are reading the article for a moment reflect on how your actions on the golf course are holistically an anti-Zen like.

You are 14-handicap player or maybe you are a 3-handicap about tee off number 1.    You look down the fairway standing on the tee.   Stop!   Look again…what do you see in front of you?    Maybe it's the trees on the right or the water on the left or the one-hundred fifty yard marker in the middle of the fairway.   What do you see?

No one really cares about the trees right or water left.   If you are in a Zen mindset, that stuff comes naturally.   Why?   If you are really interested in getting in the Zen of golfing in 4 hours, you need to be aware of the other people around you.   Yes, other golfers are watching you!   Don't be the guy; that guy people talk about for the entire round.   First, why are you that guy?   Am I that guy?

Golfers who score their best rounds and strike the ball the well while making a bunch of putts.   It is because they are golfing when it's their time to play.   Just the other day watching the PGA Tour on television.   They played as a three-some.   Two players were in the fairway; the third was in high grass off to the left just ahead.   The group in front was still on the green.   So, what?   The Zen-less thinking third player in the high grass was standing around chatting with his caddy about who knows what.   In the meantime, the other two players where getting yardage, checking wind, locating the pin, and even watching the group putt out to get a read of the green.   Mr. Zen-less still standing chatting with his caddy stood and watched the other two players play their shots.   He had not even located his golf ball and two other players already hit their shot.  What's the big deal?   Well,  Mr. Zen-less was not really creating calm on the course when it took about 3 minutes to locate his ball in the high grass.   In the meantime, the other two players were already nearing the green.   Mr. Zen-less continued to create some tension in the group as he went back to his bag again to get another club.   At this point, the other two players start talking about "that guy", is that you?  

You can help create some calm and peace on the golf course by being prepared to play your shot.   When it's your turn you should know where your ball is, the yardage, the club you are going to hit, and get ready to go through your pre-shot routine.   Imagine for a moment if a  similar scenario like this happens on every hole or even every other hole; Mr. Zen-less is never ready to play.   This is going to impact the entire course or outing.  Don't be "that guy".

Challenge yourself to be prepared to play when it's your turn.   A golf course with many Zen-full players makes for a day when everyone has fun, potentially shooting a good round, and allows time for a post round beverage or maybe even a little extra practice time on the range or putting green.

Don't be that guy!   Dare yourself to make the entire golf course to remain calm and at peace; play ready golf by being prepared to hit your next shot. 

Enjoy your round!

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