Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord (Lamentations 3:40)
Why don’t I hit good shots consistently? I especially seem to implode during competition against much better players. Do you ever feel the need for a golf psychologist?
I found one: Dr. Bob Rotella wrote the book GOLF IS NOT A GAME OF PERFECTION. On the cover, Brad Faxon said, “I was taking golf so seriously that I wasn’t enjoying it anymore. Dr. Rotella taught me to throw away doubt and fear, and as a result, I am enjoying golf, learning more, and playing better.”
Tom Kite said, “To say that Doc has helped make me a better player would be an understatement.” I needed to read that book.
Rotella writes, “The foundation of consistency is a sound pre-shot routine.” I’ve heard that before. He suggests that the next time you watch a PGA event, break down the professional’s routine.
Earl Wood said the hardest thing he had to teach Tiger was the importance of a pre-shot routine. To quote Yogi Berra, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up somewhere else.”
The good doctor says 80% of any golf shot happens before you swing the club. None of us will always get consistent results, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that great golfers repeat the same mental and physical steps before every shot—even the number of waggles.
Here are some AAA Cliff Notes that I’m trying to incorporate:
Assessment: The shot depends on the situation. Find the target, determine the distance, consider the wind and any hazards, and choose the right club. You might have a great swing, but if you don’t have the right club… well, I’m just saying. Gary Player says that most amateur golfers overestimate how far they can hit each club and therefore are routinely short.
Alignment: A perfect swing with poor alignment leads to a bad shot. When I question a shot that goes way off target and then look down at how I’m set up, it’s no surprise I’m missing my target. My Grandma used to say, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” Oh, that’s what those alignment sticks are for.
Attitude: Many professional golfers say they visualize the shot they want to make, and they see the flight of the ball before they hit it. Personally, I don’t think positive thinking will make you a better player, but my experience is that it allows you to play better than with negative thinking. Ever notice that not recovering mentally from a bad shot usually leads to more bad shots?
In assessing your life, your family, your marriage, and your relationship with God, are you evaluating correctly? Where do you want to be? Life is too short not to have some sense of where you’re going, and just like in golf, we need to determine where we need to go and how best to get there.
How’s your alignment? What needs evaluating in your life? Do you practice spiritual disciplines in a consistent manner? Are your relationships in good shape? What behaviors need to change? Do you surround yourself with people who add value to your life? Are you trying to be somebody else or your true self? What are you preparing for? One of these days is usually none of these days.
Prayer: Father, help me assess correctly your will and direction for my life.