What Did I Do Wrong?

 “What did I do wrong?”  This question is still relevant, and as Tommy Armour stated in his most famous, best-selling golf book over 50 years ago, the question continued to be asked by his students during golf instruction despite Armour’s constant reminder of the positive in his teaching.  A simple Thou Shalt that he stated, “When you miss a shot, never think of what you did wrong.  Come up to the next shot thinking of what you must do right.l”  Cultivating a positive mental attitude helps us to teach ourselves. 

This attitude accompanies us to the course.  Think of some of the ladies you play golf with.  What is their attitude?  Better still, what is yours?

One individual within our organization in particular comes to mind.  She shall remain nameless because I’d like to think you may choose another with the same qualities.  This lady that I’m referring to, without fail, comes to the course with a smile on her face and an upbeat attitude.  She has had numerous family tragedies as well as personal illnesses that keep her down for awhile, but certainly not out. 

Wouldn’t it be fun to have an audio of her thinking as she plays her round?  Surely, that mind-audio thinks not of the trees on the left or the running water just ahead, but rather the point of focus that immediately blurs everything else.  With a confident eye, she is in the habit of thinking before she ever swings at the ball.  But it’s how she’s thinking that helps her maintain that status as a low handicapper. 

Another individual comes to mind, too.  She will literally clap her hands over her ears if the cart partner starts in on the looming dangers to be seen on the next shot.  This lady is also a low handicapper.  H-m-m-m, do we see a pattern here?  Ability with both of these ladies is only a part of the picture.  Attitude is another.

September is the start of our new golf season.  Time to put a new attitude into our golf bag, too.  Yes, we’ve heard that old saying, “Golf is a four-letter word”, but let’s turn it into a nine-letter word:  FANTASTIC!

As I finished this message, saved it, and was readying it for our webmaster, Terry, I went to copy and send the attachment.  Nowhere could I find the document.  Searched. Searched different folders.  Nothing.  Okay, I’ll write it again in a few minutes.  Thank goodness I had handwritten everything first.  No problem.  Attitude.  Stay positive.  Attitude.  Go to the bedroom to put the ironing board away, I grabbed for it as I bumped into it and felt it tumbling forward.  Snap.  A broken nail!  Deep breath.

This must be a message for me.  I, too, am being tested.  What did I do wrong?  No, I at least got the rewrite done in the same day.  I at least did not just have my nails done!  Think I’ll go hit the links.

Hit ‘em well!

Jeanne
President 2008-2009