rust......sorta!The Bad: I lose focus more than a hyper active toddler!
The Ugly: My score!
The last two times I've gone out I've met, and played with, someone....and their boss. Last Friday it was Jeff and his boss Mike. Today it was Eric and his boss Heidi. I had fun both times, but I learned the same lesson twice which I will address later. I use the term boss lightly, because the employees and bosses did. It's good to know that the professional and personal lines can be blurred for golf.
Mike and Jeff work in Information Systems for Carolina's Medical Center in uptown Charlotte. They were enjoying a day off with a leisurely round of golf. Mike said that he was just Jeff''s boss temporarily but Jeff, however, was still on call because his wife is preggers and apparently due at any moment. I'm surprised he was able to get out for a round of golf! I caught up to them at Sunset Hills, where I wanted to get some practice in on an easier course. The thing about practice is that it's only as good as you make it, and lately, I haven't been making much of it. We all had our issues whether it be off the tee, or on approach shots. Some times both. Jeff and Mike were light hearted fellows just looking to have fun, and once every one became more acquainted, I think we all settled down and hit some good shots. I made par on the eighteenth hole which was a good way to end a less than stellar round
I shot a one-something on an easy course mainly because I kept flubbing wedge and short iron shots, and then four putting. A total lack of concentration. I used to blame my astronomical scores on my driving, but apparently my whole game is suspect. Thanks for letting me play with you guys Mike and Jeff. I hope to see you on the course again soon!
Today, I went to good ole Renaissance Park golf course. People either love the course or hate it. I love to play it, but hate the scores I take. I think I'm traumatized because Renaissance is one of the first course I played. It's a long course and has a lot of trouble. I think I lost a dozen brand new balls in one round there last year. Actually, I don't think....I know. I was hittin 'em good on the range until a piece of divot hit me in the eye. I figured it would rub out but it didn't. I tried to wash it out, but still no luck. So, I just sucked it up and played with blurry vision in one eye. I'm not very good with two good eyes, but oh well. Rich came out and met me for what is becoming our weekly round. He just hates the course and he reiterated that fact on several occasions. I like that he has a passion for playing, and is trying to get better. I can see improvements each round. A lesson would probably be good for him. I'm sure Brad at GolfTec has some good counsel for him. Brad taught me a few basics that have helped me as I've crafted my own swing.
Anyways, Eric was playing by himself, and caught up to us on about the fourth hole. He joined, and then said his boss was going to meet us on the back nine. Eric was pretty long off the tee. He should probably play with my boy Kevin, and they can have pissing contests with their drivers. No, seriously, Eric was a solid player, and he said he tries to play three or four times a week. For playing with one eye, I was making good contact. I think having one eye made me focus on the ball more. Although, it did screw up my depth perception and gave me a headache. Once again though, I was killing myself with wedges and short irons. On holes that I should have been putting for birdie, I was routinely putting for bogey or double because I couldn't hit a sand wedge 50 yards in the right direction. I made par on the eighth and then blew up on the ninth hole, and that's when I really lost what little focus I had.
Eric warned us about his Boss, Heidi. They work at Coyote Joe's in Charlotte. Eric is a bartender and Heidi is the bar manager. I might have to stop by and get a drink or twelve because I've heard that Coyote Joe's is a good time. Back to golf. Eric told us, "She hits it long and straight." He wasn't lying. I think she hit every fairway and I'm pretty sure she out drove me most of the time. She drove one so straight, that she had to move the 150 yard marker to hit her second shot. She said that she grew up playing with her dad. Just like at Sunset Hills, It took a little while for everyone to get comfortable, but after a few holes we were having fun. Or at least they were. I was mad at myself for losing focus again, which only made me play worse. I'm noticing a pattern. Rich actually played better, and even birdied the par 5 fifteenth hole. I was just lost. I could hardly keep up with my score. Or maybe I just didn't want to. Eric and Heidi were cool, and eventually, I remembered what I always remember. I'm not very good, and it's a blessing to be able to play. I do want to get better though.
Which leads me to my self observation. I've gotten better with my irons. I'm more confident in my distances. I can use the hybrid off the tee. My last two round have been lost to focus. The problem is that golf is for obsessively compulsive people who pay absolute attention to details. No offense, but people who have five locks on their door, and lock them in a certain order repeatedly until they feel safe would probably do well at golf. People who count their footsteps, would probably be excellent golfers. The point is, you have to be ridiculously consistent to play golf well, and that hasn't always been my strongest trait. Don't judge me, I'm trying. The desire to organize my golf game is making me more organized in other aspects of my life. My third grade teacher, Mrs. Nelson, always said, "Organization is the key to success!" She was so right. I lose focus because I'm not organized and consistent. The loss of focus makes my already shaky mechanics go tot hell, and then I get frustrated. Such a vicious cycle, but I'm driven, so I'll get better. Time to meditate!
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