Ten reasons why golf isn't easy.
There is a 96% chance that you are one of us, so why make excuses or feel badly for not being a "Scratch Golfer?"
We say "No shame in your game". If you're above dirt AND playing golf, life doesn't get any better - enjoy. Besides, more strokes merely means that you're REALLY getting your monies worth for your greens fees.
If you were a scratch golfer, look at all the marvelous botanical wonders you'd not get to examine closely, or the vast array of fauna you'd not encounter. How many people would you not meet if you never went into the trees?How many golf balls would you not have found had you not been looking for yours?
Besides all that, wouldn't you be bored to tears knowing that there were no challenges left to shoulder or demons to conquer? Would you, could you feel excited at shooting a 73 if you were a scratch shooter? We're like kids that can't wait to grow up. So much so, that we oft times don't pay attention to the journey or the beauty along the way.
A four year old once told me, "Don't get mad, you're only frustrated". Out of the mouths of babes. If you do hit a bad shot...Take a deep breath, let it out, let it go and get on to the next shot, which is of course "The most important one"
Our goal is to get you feeling a little less embarrassed about your being "Less Than Perfect" at the game you love.
We in no way make light of the seriousness, dedication or practice the game requires. We believe that you can be serious without being hard on yourself for falling short of your goal. "The best laid plans..." and all.
To many, that play the game, golf is synonymous with life. You study, practice, get the proper tools and set out on your journey. Along the way you meet folks that have both begun before you and have learned many things you haven't yet. They share tips or you just watch and learn. You do your best, sometimes coming up shorter than you'd hoped, causing you to study and practice some more, double check your equipment and repeat the cycle ad infinitum. After you've compiled sufficient information and become comfortable in your level knowing that you know what you know, you become the teacher.
Did you know...?
* There are 28 million golfers in the United States
* Only 22 percent of all golfers regularly score better than 90 for 18 holes on a regulation length course. For females, the percentage is 7 percent...and for males it is 25 percent.
* The average 18-hole score on a full-size course is 97 for men and 114 for women. It's an even 100 for all golfers. Only 6 percent of the men and 1 percent of the women say they break 80 regularly.
* When asked what they'd like to shoot, most golfers say they'd be satisfied if they could shoot 85 on an 18-hole regulation course on a regular basis.
* Even with the progress in technology, the average score has changed very little over time.
Ten reasons why golf isn't easy:
10) The ball is so small.
9) People are watching you.
8) So many things to remember.
7) The ball leaves the face of the club in 7/1000ths of a second, leaving very little time for corrections.
6) No two shots are the same.
5) It's a full body coordination thing.
4) Most start too late in life.
3) You're required to not think while remembering everything you're supposed to do.
2) You never took lessons.
1) It really is rocket science.
If you'd like to contribute anecdotes, stories, sayings that have helped you keep it together on the course or other enlightening pieces, email them to us at writings@ltpga.com
Thanks and keep "Workin' on it!"
