One of the nicest things about being an amateur golfer is that seldom does anyone record our miss hits for posterity. Although many of us strive for excellence on the course, we know we will survive even if our efforts fall a tad short. We are generally able to find a comfort zone within the realm of slightly-less-than-perfect because we realize our lives will not be changed dramatically, for good or for bad, by the outcome of our round. So why is it that we still care so much about each and every shot we hit? Why is it that sometimes we just can’t seem to let it go? Because there is a little bit of Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy in all of us, no doubt.
What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. That explains why and how the professional golfer survives his practice round. Picture the 17th at TPC Sawgrass with its island green and a certain lefty on the tee hitting practice shots… his first swing leaves one on the fringe, his next ball settles into the rough. Any reasonable, average amateur would have said “good enough.” Nay, says lefty, it’s not yet perfect… and he proceeds to plunk three consecutive shots into the water. Now what kind of twirling pink elephants in tutus do you think he’ll see dancing across the water come tournament time? Some people just can’t leave well enough alone.
I’m thinking that ball on the fringe is looking really good right about now.
