Playing golf is not about hitting it hard or hitting it far - it's about hitting consistently, mostly straight, and knowing you are never out of the hole. One of my favorite Walter Hagen's famous sayings: "Now what you have to understand is that three bad shots and one good shot still make par. You see, golf is the game of recovery."
Playing golf is about reacting appropriately in every situation, whether good or bad, and knowing that a disproportionate reaction will not win you the game, but it may lose it for you. It's about course management, process, patience and perseverance: Always play smart golf.
Ultimately, having a plan will be your best friend: Make a plan for the driving range, a hole in a course, an upcoming tournament, a meeting with your teacher or something as simple as a phone call: Make a plan before you start - all it takes is 30 seconds.
Being the best at what you do isn't just a goal, it's a way of life. Achieving excellence requires giving it your all, persisting through failures, maintaining a positive outlook, seeking advice, and being open to learning.
To be the best, you need to have a deep understanding of your craft. In the case of golf, that means mastering the rules of the game, developing skills to be a great teammate, coach, or captain, and knowing about sports psychology, fitness, and nutrition. It also means preparing meticulously for tournaments, practicing with purpose, setting achievable goals, and consistently working towards your long-term aspirations.
Being the best at what you do also involves staying resilient during tough times, treating those around you with kindness and respect, and communicating effectively. If you consistently demonstrate these traits, you'll be among the top 10% in your field - a result that comes with being the best at what you do.
Expecting to hit a perfect shot every time you swing the club is not sustainable - invites tension. Striving for consistency and a sound swing is sustainable - invites success. Knowing that you can get out of any situation, and still make par, will free your mind and shed tension. Use your imagination - it's your best friend!
If you are one of those players that don't like it when you hit anything but a perfect shot, watch Bob Newhart's 'STOP IT' video.
Discipline 4
Be impeccable with your words - because the words you use matter/Avoid Negative Talk
Don't take anything personal - avoid Negative Thoughts.
Minimize Thinking About The Past - because you can't change that.
Don't Make Any Assumptions - plan every shot.
Always do your Best - Practice your weaknesses.
Break old habits - Because it's the only way to create change.
Your playing stats (GIR's, U/D, Putts, Fairways)
Your club distances, including 1/2 and 3/4 swing, wind and rain?
Where your misses are with you putter, chips, irons and from the tee box?
Your Golf Routine?
How long do you stand over the ball before you swing?
The way certain foods affect you?
How do you talk to yourself?
When you practice Invest 20% of your time in your strengths and 80% of your time in your weaknesses - because it is the best and safest way to improve your confidence.
Discipline 6
Food Health - Nutrition
Physical Health - Strength and Agility
Mental Health - Balanced and well adjusted.
Relationship Health - Friends, family and loved ones.
Goodwill to fellow members of the human race.
Active effort to promote human welfare by donating your time and/or knowledge.
An act or gift done or made for humanitarian purposes.
I can tell you from personal experience that sharing with others, whether it is coaching, teaching or just assisting someone in need feels good. For me, being the CHS Golf Coach is rewarding and has made me a better golfer - Thank you :)
It's in our DNA - Family is the best motivator you will have, and is there from the beginning and throughout your lives. So remember to stay involved, and be nice to family, friends, and even strangers today, because tomorrow you may be on the other side.
"Remember that Integrity is more in demand than Intelligence, and you’ll be OK.”