Tuesday, January 23, 2007

My Journey Towards Artful Golf

I discovered last year that many of my best rounds had occurred immediately after being inspired by reading a new book about mental aspects of the game - many of which I've already referenced in this journal. However, I found that a round or two later, I'd revert back to my old habits of trying too hard and expecting good results, leading to frustration and anxiety.

Although these books inspired me, they hadn't changed me. I began rereading several of these books to keep the ideas and suggestions fresh in my mind. That helped me make progress, but I'd eventually regress again.

Upon further analysis, I found that these new approaches were helping me to get mentally prepared for a round beforehand, but that I rarely evaluated a round afterwards in enough depth or detail to determine what I did well and where I still needed improvement. Perhaps doing some post-game analysis would prevent me from having to keep relearning from the same mistakes and make my improvements more lasting or permanent.

I therefore decided to start this journal to record my evaluations, insights and experiences while learning to play more artful golf. From past experience, I've found I learn best by writing, which helps me sort out my thoughts and forces me to evaluate a subject more deeply, eventually resulting in a lasting understanding and change.

And if, along my journey to playing more artful golf, I happen to share a perspective or approach that helps or inspires another beginning golfer, that's even better.

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Golf as Art

When you disappear, Golf as Art shows up. The resulting void is where all the important discoveries, personal development, satisfaction, joy and fulfillment take place.
–Fred Shoemaker, Extraordinary Golf

Swing motion at its highest level is the uninterrupted flow of natural rhythm from within.
–Tom Woods, True Golf

A great golf shot is a thing of beauty. Repeating it is an art.
–Mark Guadagnoli, Practice to Win

Artful Milestones

  • Mar 05 - Started playing (1 rd/week)
  • Jun 05 - Broke 80 (21st round)
  • Nov 05 - Increased play (2 rds/week)
  • Jan 06 - Under 10 Index (54th round)
  • Jan 06 - 10 GIR (62nd round)
  • Mar 06 - Less than 30 Putts (75th round)
  • Aug 06 - First Eagle (124th round)
  • Aug 06 - 5 Birdies (138th round)
  • Sep 06 - Broke 76 (146th round)
  • Oct 06 - First ACE (161st round)
  • Oct 06 - Under 5 Index (166th round)
  • Oct 06 - 13 Fairways (169th round)
  • Dec 06 - Broke 72 (184th round)
  • Dec 06 - 70's Streak (9/10 rounds)
  • Feb 07 - Under 4 Index (219th round)
  • Feb 07 - 15 GIR (219th round)
  • Oct 07 - 24 Putts (298th round)
  • Jan 08 - 70's Streak (12 rounds)
  • Jan 08 - Second ACE (332nd round)
  • Apr 08 - Par from Tips (370th round)
  • May 08 - Under 3 Index (382nd round)
  • Aug 08 - 50th Course (420th round)
  • Nov 08 - Broke 70 (460th round)
  • Dec 08 - 16 GIR (472nd round)
  • May 09 - 60th Course (510th round)
  • May 09 - 7 Birdies (511th round)
  • May 09 - Broke 70 (511th round)
  • May 09 - Under Par Streak (2 rounds)
  • May 09 - Under 80 Streak (13 rounds)
  • May 09 - Broke 70 (520th round)
  • May 09 - Under 2 Index (520th round)
  • Jun 09 - 70th Course (538th round)
  • Aug 09 - Third ACE (556th round)
  • Aug 09 - Broke 70 (559th round)

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