The Wacky World of Golf!

Lots of funny and weird things happened while I was learning to play golf. Unfortunately no cameras were present. So in a tribute to new golfers everywhere he is a look at the wacky world of golf!

Golf in Retrograde

Can we be making progress when what we are doing seems like it’s taking us backwards. Yesterday, I played the most bizarre round of golf yet. I warmed up ok but when I hit the first hole the bottom fell out. My usually consistent tee shot was out of control time after time. I tried four times and in the end I was left with the choice of picking - the best of the worst! Not a place I want to be, ever!

Riding back to the clubhouse after the round I mused “my golf game is in retrograde.” I have a few friends that are into astrology and from time to time they talk about, “Mercury (the planet) being retrograde. This is usually when all the communication stuff like emails, phone calls and even contracts are getting all screwed up.

The idea of being retrograde is when a planet appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac when it really isn’t. It's a bit like travelling on the road watching another car beside you: when the other car slows down, or you speed up, it looks as though the other car is moving backwards. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way due to this cosmic shadow.”

Well, this cosmic shadow is being cast on my golf game – I know I am much better than when I started, my score went from 64 to 54 for nine holes and I actually made par on two holes. I know I am better but it feels like I am going backward.

How can this be?

When we throw out our old habits and belief systems we can develop a sense of not being grounded. We try to extend our arms out to touch the walls but the old walls have been moved. Our old way of doing things had become a basis for defining our comfort zone. Getting out there or doing things in a new way requires us to travel upon unchartered waters.

I have learned to rely upon my partners, advisors or coaches to help me feel grounded. I look for support to someone whose steady hand can be relied upon.
Putting my clubs away in the garage I was thinking about discouragement and how that way of thinking often precedes making real progress. I walked up the stairs from the garage, my wife asked “How was golf?” The word horrible slipped out. Talking to her made me realize my expectations were way too high for playing for only a few months

So, back to fundamentals for me in golf, I must have changed something on my swing and a few sessions at the practice range and a lesson or two will correct it! When I shift focus from what I couldn’t do to what I did do it made all the difference!

You’re a Little Off Balance…. You Need Rhythm Too!

In early April I knew I was going to be completely absorbed in the opening of our new business venture and that stress levels could become elevated from time to time; I needed a way to deflate that stress. I tried yoga and I liked it but I wanted an outdoor sporting activity where I could also make some new friends. I envisioned my late business partner and mentor sitting me down and whispering in my ear, “Ike, you are starting a new business and you need to get out there and do something fun! Make new friends, challenge yourself, try something brand new – why not play some golf?” S.D.B. always knew how to press those buttons!

I thought about trying it out more than once. I always said, “Who has the time for golf?” I’m now into my fourth month of learning to play and the other day Richie Packish, the PGA golf pro at Spanish Wells Country Club took hold of my arm and said, “Ike, your balance is not so hot and you really need to work on your posture! Let’s take a few weeks off from lessons and you hit the gym and do those exercises I gave you! Balance and rhythm is everything in developing a good golf swing!” “You need good posture too.” Richie said as he walked away bouncing the golf ball on the face of the head of the club.

So, how did I get out of balance, have crummy posture and no rhythm? I thought about this the other day and it seems while I was expanding my horizons on sabbatical, I kind of let myself go - physically. Gained a few pounds, stopped working out and worst of all - stopped taking long walks around the neighborhood or the beach. I needed to change my habits and make time for what I needed as much as for what I wanted. How could I change things around so that I wanted what I needed!

I had participated in a special training a few years back that addressed this very thing. I took out my notes from the training sessions and I immediately knew which technique I had to employ to change old habits to new habits. I had to visualize myself as a thinner, light-on-his feet golfer; who swung the club with grace, rhythm and aplomb. These techniques are explained in sports books like “The Inner Game of Tennis – The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance” by Timothy Galleway. http://tinyurl.com/22sgdj2

Often, I am looking in my schedule to find time for not only practicing or playing golf, but also getting to the gym and going for walks on the beach! If we tie changing habits to accomplishing something we need, we will be more inclined to do it! When we tie changing habits to something we enjoy it’s easier to make the changes.

He Said, “Bring the big stick!”

Do you like getting an expert’s opinion? Doing things by trial and error is frustrating, time consuming and expensive. Two months ago, I decided to learn how to play golf. I value the advice of two experts; my cousin Bruce, who generously gave me some golf clubs and Richie the golf pro, who’s teaching me how to play. My cousin ‘took apart’ the local golf store to find used clubs to round out the set. He made sure they were just perfect for me! I learned from Richie the pro, that cousin Bruce found a high quality used driver that would cost at least $400 brand new. My entire set of clubs, including the used irons and woods; re-gripping and bag costs only $400. It sure pays to rely upon the voice of experience. I saved lots of time and money!

I’ve done some homework these past two months. I discovered there’s a lot more to golf then I ever could imagine. I learned how important it is to play with a set of clubs that match my ability level. My web research revealed, “Whilst it's tempting to use the big stick, how often are you really going to be using it on course? The driver is a hard club for a beginner to control. The majority of beginners would be better served with a 3 wood to achieve decent results”. I avoided practicing with the driver until a recent lesson when Richie said “bring the big stick to the range.” “Oh no, I thought, I haven’t taken even one swing with it.” It turns out I have a natural swing with the driver and it is the strongest part of my game. Every player is unique and every situation is different.

When I was a CPA practitioner, clients would often ask,” What would you do? My answer:” I can provide you with accurate information and all my experience and expertise. I can be an objective sounding board and together we can examine all the options available for you to make a sound business decision. However, you are always the best judge of what is right for you.

I like to work with experts, but I trust my business intuition, experience, training and common sense. My father was an expert with tools and home improvement. “I use my ‘know how’ to set up the project in my mind. Once the project begins I use my ‘gut feelings’ to actually do the job!” This also applies when working with experts and consultants. Before the project begins, do your homework and ask practical questions. Once the project begins, make sure it’s progressing according to your needs. Give your constant input along the way.

It’s wise to seek the advice of experts in all areas of life. Keep doing your homework until the project is finished. You will want your consultant to see the whole picture… to understand your personal goals and aspirations. Rely on your consultant’s expertise to present options and choices and rely on yourself to make the best decisions for your future.