Even though I've recognized that one of the obstacles that stops me from scoring lower is the over-emphasis on doing so, I keep doing it. Even though I've determined that staying focused and finding joy in each shot is a solution, I keep putting pressure on myself to score lower.


Photo by Hans van Reenen at flickr.com

I've been starting my rounds successfully, creatively executing one shot at a time, taking in and appreciating the beauty around me between shots. But as soon as I see a good round developing, my focus changes. I loose my detachment about my score.

I did it again yesterday.

I had another great start. I shot 2 birdies and 1 par through 7. I missed a 2-foot putt for par on eight to go back to even par, and bogied nine to finish the front 1-over. I was pretty happy with how I was playing.

I got off to a good start on the back too with pars on 10 and 11. But then something changed. I missed another 2-foot putt on 12, then another on 13! I 3-putted again on 14 and missed another par putt on 15. I managed one more par on 16, but missed my forth 2-foot putt for par on 17. Just to finish in style, I missed another easy par putt on 18 to finish 6-over on the back.

I finished with an amazing 21 putts on the back nine - 18 of them on the final 7 holes! Even though I tallied 12 GIRs and 12 Fairways during the round, I also came in with 5 3-putts.

I realize now I'm simply putting too much pressure on myself to break 75. I've broken 75 three times, and each time I did so I just went out to play golf and enjoy it with no emphasis on scoring well.

That's what I need to return to. Playing for the pure enjoyment of the game and opportunity to learn and grow. Good results will naturally follow.

As Fred Shoemaker reminds us, the more you focus on learning and enjoyment, the better you perform, yet the more you focus on performance, the less you perform, learn, and enjoy.

Find out for yourself why you play golf and play for that reason only. And don't make it about your score or handicap. That will take care of itself.

Labels: Fred Shoemaker, Rounds