Freedom, Fun, Fairways…
Recently, while having lunch with a friend, we discussed Wm. Glasser’s new book about “Choices”. We laughed about how some of the choices we have made were so atypical of our personality styles.
(Since she is getting married again in two weeks, her “choice” this time took more soul-searching”. As for me, who require plenty of freedom and fun, should keep that in mind when selecting partners, jobs, living arrangements, friends, clothes, cars- especially cars, etc. if “freedom and fun” lovers find themselves dating “station wagon” owners, there may be a choice-dilemma.(I wish I had all this information before I married my ex-husband- he drove a huge “gas guzzler” and I, of course drive a two-seater convertible that goes forever on a tank of gas-now that’s freedom and fun!…that “choice” inconsistency should have been a no-brainer!) the choices we make in life, if we want harmony, happiness, comfort, need to be compatible with our core personality. If our decisions are inconsistent with whom we are, the relationship, job, car, etc., may become like driving with a flat tire, or pushing that “gas guzzler” uphill.
The fairways are full of golfers that have made “choices”, too. Equipment, instruction, playing partners, practice plans, all need to be consistent with the player. If I see a student dragging her golf bag to her lesson, shoes untied, all out of breath, a couple minutes late, driving a mini van with four car seats in it, her lesson, practice plan, and equipment will not include putting “iron covers” on and off her golf clubs. In her case, I would be sure her lessons were more in-depth for less intervals of time. Practice time would be limited, so we would devise drills which could be done at home just swinging the club, working on the grip, and doing mirror work on her set-up. Most importantly, I would encourage a swing, a game, and equipment that had simplicity, ease and a “no nonsense” attitude. (actually, the very first thing I would do would be to lighten her bag- take out the 10,000 golf balls, the two or three putters, the driver that John Daly couldn’t get airborne, and talk her into a golf bag with a bag stand instead of the 50 lb. vinyl one grandpa gave her that he bought a at garage sale.)
On the flip-side, the student who does show up for a lesson with “iron covers” on his clubs, shoes shined, and a notepad, driving a Volvo, would possibly require more frequent lessons of shorter duration, with a definite practice plan of two or three days a week of a more technical nature.
So do the choices we make as golfers fit us? Be sure to hire a competent coach who reflects your best interests, fit the equipment you use to fit you and your lifestyle, choose playing partners that complement your golf game, and select a practice plan that flows with your schedule.
The “fairways” will surely offer more fun if we recognize who we are as people. Be sure of your “fit”, and make the choices to complete your game. Then drive that golf ball or that “Porsche Boxter”
down your “freedom road”.
As always…happy golfing!!!
Janie C. Farina
LPGA Teaching & Club Pro
LPGA -USGA Girls Golf Club of Pinehurst
