I logged into my handicap service today and was reminded it’s been 41 days without golf. Have I missed it? Not in the least. I actually practiced short game about two weeks ago, and practiced quite well, but had no desire to play. In most years, I get antsy after not playing for a month but 2017 is different. The grind of playing “golf swing” all year is still working its way out of my system.
2017 was tremendously successful, as I experienced a high level of satisfaction with my ball striking improvements, but it’s clear how taxing it was to continuously work on your swing and not be able to turn off mechanical mode for a whole year. The struggle was an exercise in concentration and focus, and coming down from it is like draining the adrenaline rush you get after studying for final exams. Remember that? You’ve crammed all night and taken that last exam, and even though you’re totally exhausted mentally and physically, you can’t fall asleep.
Golf should be fun not painful. But improving at any sport requires sacrifice. The world champion Houston Astros had to suffer through consecutive 100-loss seasons as they rebuilt their organization. Was that fun? No, but the payoff was sweet. I’m thinking the same thing. To get where I want to be, I’ll need another year in 2018 like the previous. The commitment has been made.
Nice weekends like this in the DMV are suitable for playing, but I’m not. Maybe a little more short game practice is in order and will get the juices flowing. Stay tuned.
Play well.
All About Golf 