One would be hard pressed to find an individual who isn't feeling an increase in stress and anxiety in these troubled world times. Both domestically and abroad, news reports continually speak to societies across the globe exhibiting signs of higher degrees of uncertainty and instability. In large-scale protests and in individual conversations, there are many who would like to "turn back the clock" to the way things were just a few short years ago. Interestingly, it is especially during these times of tension that we in America have historically turned to sport and recreation as a diversion. Whether as a spectator or as a participant, for many there is something therapeutic about the environment that these activities can create to "help us get away from it all". For some, the connection with golf at this time allows for a single-minded, "in the moment" experience that frees up that part of the mind that has been under strain. For others, simply the physical release of pent-up energy can have attendant calming benefits.
Like so many things in life, it regularly takes a significant event or events to shake us out of our comfortable world that we take for granted and help us put things in a more accurate light. Ask a person who can no longer walk how much they appreciated being ambulatory. Ask a person who can no longer see how much they appreciated their sight.
Where I'm going with all of this is to suggest to the Senior golfers to make a point of deeply appreciating the opportunities that you have, and to put into perspective some of those things in golf that you typically allow to upset you. Missing a short putt, hitting a drive OB and hitting an "easy" shot into a hazard are much easier to cope with when put in the context of how fortunate we are to be able to play at all. The level of frustration, anger, and anxiety that I regularly witness in golf stems in part from the person's difficulty with putting his/her experience into context. While acknowledging that many golfers have trained or practiced hard, there is, at times, an "over reaction" relative to life's big picture. I am not suggesting that anger or frustration or worry is an inappropriate emotion in golf, I'm merely proposing that these emotions be managed such that the encounter with the game not be contaminated. How sad to be unfulfilled and/or dissatisfied doing something that ostensibly has the potential to bring such joy. For many of you senior golfers, this is what you've worked hard for your whole life- to finally be able to enjoy this great game.
Next time you find yourself upset when on the golf course, catch yourself and reflect upon how important really in the scheme of life is that with which you are stewing. My suspicion is that you will enjoy yourself more if you incorporate a "big picture" outlook in your reactions.
Jeff Troesch, MA, LMHC is an internationally recognized expert in the mental side of golf. As the former Director of Sport Psychology for the David Leadbetter Golf Academies, Jeff has worked with thousands of golfers nationwide and brings a wealth of experience to seasoned golf professionals as well as the recreational golf lover. You may contact Jeff directly through his website, http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.
Are you seeing the same decrease in your handicap that... Read More
Having a golf trainer in your corner to give you... Read More
It's one thing to get mad when you miss a... Read More
How can you lower your scores by simply cleaning your... Read More
Golf exercise equipment can be a variety of pieces; but... Read More
It should be rather clear to everybody that the gift... Read More
A better question might be, why would you not want... Read More
GOLO GOLF GRUB Fuel for the golfer."A good diet can... Read More
Golf fitness should be a priority for any golfer in... Read More
The golf swing plane is the direction that your golf... Read More
Even as you read this article, golf fitness exercise programs... Read More
Power golf is a game very few golfers can play.... Read More
Some golf beginners think that all they have to do... Read More
What does it take to reproduce the perfect golf swing?... Read More
Could your golf swing use some improvement? You are in... Read More
Golf swing trainer is a term you might think of... Read More
Golf exercise and stretch. This is a combination I use... Read More
Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is very important if... Read More
Fitness for golf is a common term on the television... Read More
The sensational entry into the game by legendary golfer Tiger... Read More
I am guessing that all of us can relate to... Read More
In (Part 1) of this article I discussed how muscle... Read More
Used golf clubs can be great for those who are... Read More
Basically, your approach shot is your shot onto the green.... Read More
Core exercise for golf. You've probably heard this phrase mentioned... Read More
The game of golf can be difficult when you consider... Read More
Why do so many golfers hit a shot and immediately... Read More
Golf swing training aids have a bad reputation with most... Read More
Very few people, whether they are golfers or not, realize... Read More
A useful golf exercise tip to take into consideration is... Read More
The golf swing is so central and so important to... Read More
Golf swing tips are rampant! Golfers can't get enough of... Read More
One of the most common mental errors golfers make when... Read More
Even as you read this article, golf stretching routines continue... Read More
Very few people, whether they are golfers or not, realize... Read More
It is the dream and deep desire of every golfer... Read More
Until recently being physically fit was of little concern to... Read More
As a golf biomechanic, my focus is on looking for... Read More
Golf nutrition is still a relatively new concept. However, everybody... Read More
Many of the top touring professionals know that winning on... Read More
Golf swing improvement is a never ending goal for every... Read More
Basically, your approach shot is your shot onto the green.... Read More
An optimal golf swing release has a lot to do... Read More
Are you seeing the same decrease in your handicap that... Read More
Picture yourself standing on the tee box of your favorite... Read More
It's one thing to get mad when you miss a... Read More
There is really no doubt about just how important the... Read More
What if I could give you three important exercises for... Read More
The one lever golf swing involves chipping and putting. To... Read More
What should you do if you need some golf swing... Read More
Hitting long golf drives is the desire of every golfer... Read More
Much debate has occurred about kids and strength training. There's... Read More
Are you ready to take your golf game to a... Read More
Fitness for golf is a common term on the television... Read More
Using a golf exercise dvd is a great alternative to... Read More
Golf instruction is critical in understanding the mechanics of the... Read More
The sensational entry into the game by legendary golfer Tiger... Read More
Golf swing training aids have a bad reputation with most... Read More
When most people think of Chicago, they usually think of... Read More
Even as you contemplate on getting a golf gift for... Read More
In (Part 1) of this article I discussed how muscle... Read More
There are many training tools available to help achieve better... Read More
Time is a precious commodity when it comes to golf.... Read More
Could your golf swing use some improvement? You are in... Read More
Are you slicing all or some of your tee shots?... Read More
Improve your golf game right now you say? I say,... Read More
Golf |