Isn't it interesting...

PA-PLAYA · 2016-07-26T01:52:57+00:00

How much confidence really matters, how important self-belief is. Case in point - the last round I played back on Sunday - I found myself standing over a 5...

PA-PLAYA

Release

Well, there is a history with that guy. I played with him on numerous occasions in friendly's last season, and there were a couple of episodes I vividly recall when he played great early on, then, from seemingly out of nowhere, would struggle to just get the club on the ball. Then about 2/3 through the round, he would quit, citing a nagging elbow or back problem. What we always chuckled about was how he would quit with about 4 holes left, complaining about his elbow or back, but we'd see him up at the range hitting balls after we finished. So you tell me....

I played with him on Saturday... he played well, he hung in there in a tight match against his opponent and ended up winning. He never trailed, he was either tied or 1-up most of the way, closed his opponent out out on the 17th. Both he and his opponent played very well, it was a nice win.

So going into Sunday's match against him - I knew if I could get out to an early lead, wear him down with keeping the ball in play and making pars - history would probably reveal itself once again.

And it did. He's 4-down going into the green on the 11th - and he's had enough. Says he's just not feeling it today, doesn't want to continue in the oppressive heat... says that the match from the day prior just really took it out of him, that he's in no shape to continue. And that could very well have been the case. The guy is a really good player, but he's also 70 years old (although he hits it better than most 20-year-olds). So I'm guessing it was a bit of both that got the best of him... his age, certainly, but also the fact that he has a history of going in when the chips are down.

I encouraged him to continue, telling him that I really took no joy in winning like that. He replied, "Look - it's obvious that I'm not beating you today. I don't need to stay out here another hour in this heat, only to end up with the same outcome. As much as I'd love to give you a match - I simply can't. I wish you well in your next match - you're clearly the guy to beat next weekend."

And that was that. But oddly enough, he was up at the range hitting balls when we finished. LOL...

Oh well. Not the way I wanted to win, but a win no less. I continued to follow the other match playing with us yesterday, of which I would be playing next Saturday in the semis. It was a poorly played match from them, neither player played well... I saw nothing from either of them that would give me cause for concern next Saturday, they were winning holes with bogey.

But at the same time... I also know how difficult it is to ignore a struggling opponent and play your own game in those situations. Matchplay can be very situational... if an opponent isn't playing well, the tendency is to become overly conservative, and then a lack of focus can easily set in.

That being the potential - I'll stick to my game plan of trying to make as many pars and birdies as I can. Keep the ball in play, keep the pressure on my opponent by hitting greens and making putts. At our level, particularly at our level, we'll win more matches playing our normal game versus feeling like you need to be overly cautious or overly aggressive.

Old man par is still a tough guy to beat. And if you end up losing to a birdie? Well... that's okay too. It ain't gonna happen all that often, not at our level anyway.

Release

PA-PLAYA

Strange. I wonder if he quits at other events in his life ?

There is a good book which I enjoyed a lot, many times over.
"The Match", by Mark Frost

PA-PLAYA

Release

If it's the same book (which I think it is) it's about Harvie Ward (amateur?) and Ken Venturi playing Hogan and Nelson in a friendly match. Eddie Lowery (Francis Quimet's caddie) put up the money to make it happen. Excellent read, I read it the month after it hit the shelves. Definitely a must-read if you follow the history of the game back in those days.

But back to my opponent... he's perceived to be well-off. Lots of staff at our club make a special effort to cater to him. He's very generous, as he's always eager to buy drinks at the bar and take care of the club staff.

He recently sold his business, but I think it was a have-to situation. He sold the business, then signed a contract to work as an independent contractor for a brief period through the transition phase. I also know that he has some personal situations at home that he's dealing with. His wife isn't in good health, his son is a recovering addict who just recently moved back in with him, and his granddaughter is a special-needs child who attends therapy classes (of which he pays in excess of $20k/year) to help out his daughter.

By all accounts he's a genuinely good guy. But unfortunately the game doesn't take any of that into consideration. There's probably some ego going on there, feeling that maybe conceding competitive matches, on some level, is better than losing, if for no other reason than the appearance that he went out on his own terms and not someone else's.

He's a good player. Maybe the heat did get to him the day before... I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Just very odd that someone would quit, knowing just how easily a 4-up lead can quickly diminish if an opponent can find some momentum. I would never quit, for that very reason.

Then again - if I wasn't feeling well and thought my health was at risk - maybe I would. Who knows....

Release

PA-PLAYA

Yes, it's the same book. I own a few copies (paperback and hardcopy ).

Okay, he has personal issue, of course it'll carry onto the golf course. I thought golf imitates life , so, failure or losing comes with the territory.
Sorry to hear that he has more than he could chew on the plate at the age of 70, hope he'll come out fine, not quitting or taking the easy way out.

johnnydoom

Working on building the confidence back. Until just a few weeks ago, I hadn't played or practiced in at least 3 years I think. I played a 9-hole semi-executive muni very poorly a few weeks ago and now played 18 on a real, but not terribly difficult (6600 yd, but with nasty rough), course last week. 52/49=101 😦. Round included a 10, 9, 8, and two 7's. On consecutive holes I toe'd the first two balls out of play and then hooked the first two out of play (the 10 and 9, both on 380ish par 4's). Driving was mostly horrible, putting was average. Anything good? I made par on 4 holes (2 par 3's, 1 par 4, and 1 par 5) and mostly hit solid iron shots with the exception of a thin gap wedge that flew the first green by 20 yards. Chipping and pitching were average with one chili dip, but several up and downs. Hoping to rebuild some game one brick at a time the rest of this year.

PA-PLAYA

johnnydoom

It is indeed a process. I can confidently say this - if I played only once per week - I would struggle to be a single-digit handicapper. The game has never been easy for me, no matter how much time and energy I've committed to it over the years. I have always been required to either play on a frequent basis or at least practice on a frequent basis to simply maintain a reasonable level... there is nothing natural about the golf swing to me.

When I moved to London back in 2012, I had a bad experience at the first club I joined. I found the members to be quite arrogant and hoity-toity. And I'd spent a lot of money to join there, about $5k to be exact. I played there for a month... then finally decided that I needed to step away from the game for a while. Didn't feel like I belonged, was upset that I threw away a significant amount of money, and wrongly assumed that every other club there wouldn't be much different. Didn't play any golf from September through to about April the following year, didn't even go to the range, had no desire.

Then about March of 2013, I got back into it. I found a nice, friendly club and really enjoyed the remaining 14 months of my golf experience and the members there, before returning back home to the states in the summer of 2014. So taking 8 months off, I'm thinking - this ain't something that a few weeks of practice can't fix.

Hah! Think again.

It probably took me until October (about 5 months back into it) before I felt like I was playing somewhat similarly to the level I was at before I'd moved to Europe. The short game was even more difficult... not only was I trying to chip away at 8 months of rust, but now suddenly I'm having to figure out how to pitch and chip from hardpan lies, which isn't something that most of us have had to deal with too often over here in the states.

But regardless of the time away, I think the process is pretty much the same. You get back into it with lowered expectations, and something I've learned personally - I helped expedite the process a little by going to the range and swinging the clubs that I still felt I could swing pretty well, allowing that natural feeling of confidence to gradually transition into the other clubs, or at least try to develop a consistent, serviceable swing that enables me to go out and enjoy the experience without feeling as though I'm completely lost. And this doesn't happen overnight... it takes time.

And one final thought... perfection is for the guys on television. Back in the early 2000's when my handicap got down to scratch, I decided that if Tiger could change his swing - so could I. So I spend the next 5 months trying to hit the ball higher and longer, without really understanding the hows and whys, and completely abandoned the very things that enabled me to be a consistently decent player. The lower ball flight was fine... I hit the ball plenty far enough as it was. It wasn't like these two areas of my game were incredible weaknesses that I needed to improve upon. So I abandoned a reliable shot for one that my current physique and limited physical abilities couldn't consistently produce... my handicap went up several points, I abandoned my short game practice because of so much time I spent trying to rework a higher trajectory, and I basically compromised everything that had up until that point enabled me to get down to scratch level.

So I've figured out the hard way that perfect golf swings don't exist, and yet the endless search for it leads to much more misery than enjoyment. I will never downplay the importance of practice, ever... those of us who take the game somewhat seriously are probably trying to become better players (if time and means permit), or at least working on our weaknesses that hold us back from scoring like we want to. But on that same token - practice is supposed to build confidence, not destroy it. Knowing how to practice, knowing what needs improvement, and knowing when to leave well enough alone... all important factors.

If you decide to commit to the process, good luck! Have fun, enjoy the journey. Stick with it and don't let the struggles get you down. I've enjoyed arguably my best season of golf ever this year, but it has likewise not been without struggle and lack of confidence from time to time. You just gotta have an attitude that you're not afraid to fail. When you can embrace that attitude, things just seem to go a little more enjoyably.

johnnydoom

Due to current priorities, I won't likely get much practice or play, but I've never played more than once a week and even then it was nine after work with a friend. My 13 yr. old boy is playing both ways on the school football team and playing on a competitive baseball team in hopes of honing his skills to make the high school baseball team next year - so his practice comes first. For that reason I won't join a club (we have three affordable clubs close by), but am fortunate to have two good public courses within 3 miles of the house that have driving ranges and putting and chipping practice greens. I don't expect to get good, but would like to get back to shooting in the eighties again. I need to get where I can keep the driver in play and/or the 3 wood in the fairway - neither of which I did last week. However, some of that I believe is attributable to reduced flexibility, some of which should alleviate with practice and stretching. The good thing is, my son wants to learn golf also, so he will push me to the range even if I don't think we have time.

PA-PLAYA

johnnydoom

Well, John... sounds like you've got your priorities right where they need to be, my friend.

My kids are grown, so trust me when I say I miss those days. I used to hear older parents say, "Enjoy it while it lasts, they grow up much too fast." Not that I discounted their advice, but I was too young myself to completely appreciate the sentiment... you think your kids will always be young, at least in your mind anyway, until the day comes when you're traveling 12 hours to help your youngest move into her new apartment her third year of college. Then it hits you... man - how did the past 15 years go by that fast? It seems just like yesterday that I was throwing out the car seat because she'd finally grown enough to use the seat belt.

I was down in the basement looking for an old golf club yesterday, and had to move a few boxes around. I came across some old pictures, and down near the bottom of the box was the old, faded sippy cup that always fell behind the headboard on our bed when she would come in and sleep with us on occasion.

Good days, they were.

Golf will always be there, but your kids will be grown and out of the house before you know it. "Enjoy it while it lasts." 😉

livegolf

Scott! I haven't paid much attention to the forum but I read some threads here from time to time. Good to see you back and that you are having a great year! Keep it up

PA-PLAYA

livegolf

Thanks, Brian! You still slumming it on the East Coast??? It'd be great to connect with you again if so! Hope you're well buddy.

livegolf

PA-PLAYA

Yes, I moved to VA almost four years ago. If you are back in PA then it would be a short drive up your way and I'm definitely interested in a round or two. Although my 5.5 handicap this year won't give you much competition unless we play the tips lol. Maybe we could get prof out too

johnnydoom

PA-PLAYA These are the good times indeed. I'm enjoying watching both of my kids improve year over year and very much like the people they seem to be developing into. I'm actually an old dad at 53. My son was born when I was 40 and daughter when I was 43. Had a little too much fun early in life I suppose, but I think a little age has given me the patience to deal with the family better than I might have as a younger man. With both now more than halfway to adulthood, I'm starting to look forward to how I'll be spending my time when they move on with their lives and have high hopes that health will allow for plenty of golf when that time comes. Good luck to you in the competition this weekend.

PA-PLAYA

livegolf

I seem to recall that you kicked my ass the last time we played. I don't suspect much has changed since then!

I still have a spare room at the house... if you're interested in a weekend of fall golf - connect with me via email over the next couple of weeks. I'm at a new club now, and I think you'd enjoy it. And the guest fee is very economical too ($70 w/cart). We're usually scrounging to find a fourth, so it would definitely work out. I'm eying the second week of October.... we're scheduled to aerate the first week of September, so I'd prefer to have you up after the greens have fully recovered. It would be a nice weekend of fall golf, I think you'd enjoy the scenery. 🙂

You can reach me at: scott.france

Then just add @

Then aol.com

Just to keep the spammers at bay....

Look forward to hearing from you!

jamez

Isn't it interesting...

PA-PLAYA

jamez

Nice. You are so cool with the memes dude.

GLFTPS

Good stuff. This area here near Jupiter Florida is loaded with pro golfers of all ages and levels. I live near The Medalist which has 31 PGA Tour Pros. As a psychologist and pro, I have been asked by young pros on the mini tours and Symmeta Tour to work with them. Often, they are caught up with results and start of with scores and stats. I like to start with getting the process right and the results will follow. I like "See it, Feel it and Do it. Visualize the shot or putt..see it land, or go on line and drop in the hole. Feel what the swing or stroke as it will be and get comfortable with it. Go up and commit to the shot or putt that you have with no distractions. Confidence comes from successful experiences. Practice putting by hitting ten, three-footers in a row and listen to the ball rattle into the cup each time. Smile each time. Everyone has good and bad days but you can put the odds a little more on your side but concentrating on the process.

PA-PLAYA

GLFTPS

Great advice, Bill.

I make it a habit to not have too many high expectations before a match, but at the same time - I also recognize the importance of confidence and spending my energy focusing on positive results. I think there's a definite correlation between visualizing a successful result and executing a successful shot.

Staying in the present, playing one shot at a time, visualizing success - this is just as important for those of us with less talent as it is for the guys on tv. That, and not trying something that you know will take a miracle to pull off, of course.

PA-PLAYA

A fun season continues.

Beat my opponent in the semis earlier today 6 and 4, and I've got 36 holes of matchplay tomorrow against a very good player to get my name on the wall.

Just gotta keep doing what I've been doing.... fingers crossed!

PA-PLAYA

Well... the run officially ended today.

I've always said that I don't mind losing as long as I play well. The fact that it took 7 hours and 38 holes to decide the eventual winner pretty much sums it up. It was an epic battle... one of those rounds where neither of us got more than 1-up on the other. Over and over, back and forth... shot for shot, putt for putt, hole for hole. We literally hit so many good quality shots that we just started laughing about it midway through - how we could play as well as we were playing under so much pressure... with about 40 members providing a gallery no less, just watching and waiting for someone to do something great or to royally screw the pooch. We put on one helluva show today for 'em.

The very first hole of the match would be a prelude of the type of day it would be, the type of match it would become. I'm lying 2 just in the rough about 25 feet away, pin-high. My opponent was in the fringe about 20 feet away, lying 3.

I hit this wonderful pitch shot up over the small mound and I hear the gallery clap and cheer... I also hear the ball hit the pin and then I heard the gasps. I get up there and my ball somehow hung on the lip of the hole, a mere breath of wind away from dropping. Son of a bitch... my par is obviously conceded. My opponent is 20 feet away and he has to navigate about 5 feet of fairway and fringe before his ball gets rolling on the green. Damned if he didn't chip it in for par... great, great shot. We're talking dead-center.

And it was on. And it was like this the whole damned day pretty much.

We finished the first 18 holes and I was 1-down. With storms in the forecast later on, we both agreed that we would decline the 45-minute break between rounds, so we took 10 minutes to fuel up and cool off a bit. And then it continued. Shot after shot, hole after hole, birdies and pars... back and forth. Around about the 27th hole - it occurred to me that it was likely going to come down to someone either hitting a great shot near the end or hitting an awful shot to decide it. I hit a great one on the par3 16th, 235 yards of in-your-face misery, our 34th hole of the match. I took a little off of my driver, swung easy, played a nice high cut that landed 10 feet away. That got the match back to all square. We both hit great approaches on both the 35th hole and the 36th hole, both of us just narrowly missing birdies to put the other away. Now we're going to sudden death.

I damn near holed my chip on the first playoff hole... it rolled around the cup, 1/4 inch from dropping, made my par. Thought I might've stole the match there. My opponent leaves his birdie putt 5 feet short, but to his credit - drains it for par. Onto the second playoff hole.

So I'm at the back of the green in two, just off the green, with a horrible lie in the rough. Ball is sitting down, huge clump of grass right behind the ball, and I've only got about 20 feet to work with. But I'm still in better shape than my opponent... he's in the green-side bunker, extremely difficult shot, downhill lie, to a downslope on the green. It was the type of shot that most guys at our level would probably chunk and leave another upcoming sand shot, or blade completely over the other side of the green.

But my buddy was up for it. He splashed it out, ball lands in the fringe, and starts gently rolling toward the hole. I'm watching this ball... waiting for it to stop, but it just keeps rolling and rolling and rolling. I thought it was going in, for sure... It caught the left edge, and somehow stayed out. Damn... I mean I'm not expecting him to butcher the shot, he's too good a player to make that type of mistake. But that shot was just all-world. The guys on tv would do well to leave that ball an inch from the hole from that lie in that bunker, on a downslope on the green running away from him. It was a serious touch of class.

So the rain is coming down harder now, and I know that I'm not getting any spin on the ball with the clump of grass behind my ball. I also know that once the ball goes up the slope to the pin - about 2 feet past the hole it starts running down the slope on the other side. Can't leave it short... can't just get up there and whack it either. Horrible lie. Just a really difficult situation. I took a deep breath and decided, well... if I can't leave it short, and I can't hit it long, I might as well try to make the damned thing. I mean - the odds of hitting it to a foot are low. The odds of chunking and running it... maybe that might work. It was really the only play I had.

So I took the 58º wedge, tried to just simply hit down on the grass behind the ball to pop it out and get it running. And it looked very, very nice the entire way up the hill... but just a touch too firm, long enough to trickle past the hole and then start wobbling down the other side. The ball just kept rolling and rolling, refusing to stop until it got about 8 feet beyond the pin.

With nothing to lose at this point, I gave the must-make a great run. I read it well, just hit it an ounce too hard. It caught the left lip, stayed out. And that's how it ended.

I went over and hugged my buddy, congratulated him. It meant a lot to him to win today. He's 57 years old, very solid player, but he's also not going to have many more opportunities like today to get his name on the wall. He just smiled, his voice cracking a bit, full of emotion. We had one helluva match, we were both exhausted. He said, "Listen, you could've just as easily won as I did... you made this match very memorable for me, Scott. To come out ahead, with you playing as solid as you played from start to finish - I just can't possibly explain how much more special that makes the achievement. I didn't know I had this in me, but you brought out my best, because I knew it would take nothing less to win today."

So that's what I'll hang my hat on tonight. A fun season, a great season, that didn't end the way I was hoping it would, but no less in such an exciting and climactic fashion. Afterward, several of the former club champs and founding members who watched said it was the most exciting championship finals they've seen since the club opened some 17 years ago. So I guess that means something.

I can't be disappointed, not when I'm hearing stuff like that.

Congrats to my buddy Joe, who just played his ass off today. He certainly earned the honors.

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