How many times have you finished a round of golf and said "I PAID for that misery?" We've all done it, and we've all felt the lingering pain that a poor performance on the course leaves us with. Don't be too hard on yourself, it just means that you're passionate about the game, and expect yourself to play up to your ability (providing you have rational expectations of what your actual ability is). Unfortunately however, this self deprecation stirs up doubt in ourselves and our golf game, and will result in a lack of confidence during your next round.
The key is to have fun out there, and never take the game too seriously. I'm smiling as I write this, because I know how difficult a task this is for those that play golf regularly. I used to be a 'cursing club thrower' who sulked around the course and gave my friends the silent treatment if I was having a bad round. I would become increasingly irritated as the day went on, frustrated and angry at myself and others. This became a self fulfilling prophecy, as the shots got worse and my attitude deteriorated.
Fun huh? Hell no, and also not fun for my playing partners who were just trying to enjoy a nice day outside. It took me awhile to learn to let go of bad shots, but when I finally achieved a certain amount of 'inner peace' that allowed me to do this, the results on and off the course were (and continue to be) quite beneficial. Here are some ideas for having fun on the golf course:
Don't keep score:
There is really no need to keep score if you don't want to. Unless you are playing competitively or are tracking your handicap, you will likely find that you have a much better time out there if you forgo the scorecard. This is especially true for the beginning golfer, as trying to add up all those strokes takes the focus away from swinging the club. There is no shame in this practice, as everyone plays this game for their own reasons.
Loosen up:
Talk to your playing partners. Show genuine interest in their games and congratulate them for well executed shots. This will take your focus off yourself and ease the tension that comes with it. Remember that a round of golf consists of maybe two cumulative minutes of actually swinging the club, so enjoy the in-between times and take in your surroundings. A couple of adult beverages can also help you loosen up (if you are so inclined).
Remember, it's just a game:
When you really think about it, getting mad at ourselves for 'not hitting that little white ball exactly how we wanted to' is pretty silly and childish. It's a strange and fascinating game that has an infinite amount of variables, where no two shots are exactly the same. Golf is also unique in that every course is completely different and offers up new challenges. Enjoy this great game but realize that you can never master it. The second you think you have it figured out you become complacent, and the golf gods will make you pay. The pros do so well because they never get too high or too low, and they remind themselves that they are getting paid to play a game.
Do it for others:
If you find that you simply cannot control your temper and feel the need to throw clubs and yell at yourself, please consider the fact that this behavior ruins not only your day but it also ruins the day for anyone in your vicinity. Tension and anger is contagious, so don't be the one that gets the ball rolling, so to speak. Try to laugh off your bad shots and be consoling to your partners when they hit bad shots. This will not only improve your mood, but it will have positive results in your game (and likely your blood pressure).
So, chill out, and have a great round out there!
