Sometimes I take a risk and play with amateurs that I don't know very well. I am courious how my mind will react and also how they will behave during that round. I know for myself, that in my brain there is a tendency to show up in a good light and to protect my professional status. It took quite a time to know my mind and its strategies and today I know it's only for some kind of protection, game survival that mind wants to play.....
I don't see my mind as an enemy anymore. I used to to that in the past, because as soon I could sense some negative or painful sensation in my body, be it anxiety or trembling, I started to reject such symptoms and trying to look more confident and positive on the outside....
So, yesterday I was paired with somebody new (will call him Steven) and it took me about 5 holes to relax and be myself. For 5 holes my mind was telling me not to "Screw up" and better to be a professional, to be good.....
I could see where that is leading me and it almost caught me. I did't start so well on the first few holes and my mind was starting to be very loud saying - I am wasting my time with these people.....I could feel myself closing up and disconnect from fellow players. Thankfully I know such reactions from the past and I know very well that It doesn't mean anything serious, that it is just automatic response in my body. So I thanked what mind was telling me, ignored the rest and focused on how I want to spend my day on the course.
I know the reactions after the shot are very important and I simply ignored any kind of complain, negative voice from my brain after not so good shot. On the 6.th or 7.th hole I approached Steven and started relaxed conversations without trying to do so. After that my game was more relaxed and despite not so good form and the swing; I enjoyed my day.
Whe we finished the round I could see how Steven was pleased with his game and we talked about getting better at golf. He explained to me, how his pro showed him a plan to a better Handicap, exactly HDCP 5 or better.
Now, Steven's HDCP was 13 and I also told him that he has a potential to reduce his HDCP. He laughed and said:" I don't wanna reduce my HDCP. I am happy with where I am."
I asked why and he answered: " Just imagine- HDCP 5: If I start with a triple bogey on the first and have only 2 shots to waste, no way I can enjoy the round later...With 13 I can easily start poorly and relax because there's a lot of reserve....."
We both laughed. I know in golf it takes lot's of effort even to
maintain the HDCP. But to improve, I guess it takes a whole new man.
So, yesterday I was paired with somebody new (will call him Steven) and it took me about 5 holes to relax and be myself. For 5 holes my mind was telling me not to "Screw up" and better to be a professional, to be good.....
I could see where that is leading me and it almost caught me. I did't start so well on the first few holes and my mind was starting to be very loud saying - I am wasting my time with these people.....I could feel myself closing up and disconnect from fellow players. Thankfully I know such reactions from the past and I know very well that It doesn't mean anything serious, that it is just automatic response in my body. So I thanked what mind was telling me, ignored the rest and focused on how I want to spend my day on the course.
I know the reactions after the shot are very important and I simply ignored any kind of complain, negative voice from my brain after not so good shot. On the 6.th or 7.th hole I approached Steven and started relaxed conversations without trying to do so. After that my game was more relaxed and despite not so good form and the swing; I enjoyed my day.
Whe we finished the round I could see how Steven was pleased with his game and we talked about getting better at golf. He explained to me, how his pro showed him a plan to a better Handicap, exactly HDCP 5 or better.
Now, Steven's HDCP was 13 and I also told him that he has a potential to reduce his HDCP. He laughed and said:" I don't wanna reduce my HDCP. I am happy with where I am."
I asked why and he answered: " Just imagine- HDCP 5: If I start with a triple bogey on the first and have only 2 shots to waste, no way I can enjoy the round later...With 13 I can easily start poorly and relax because there's a lot of reserve....."
We both laughed. I know in golf it takes lot's of effort even to
maintain the HDCP. But to improve, I guess it takes a whole new man.