Playing Golf

A couple of posts ago, I mentioned a couple of guys who played with loose/happy rules and gave putts and moved the ball when the lie was bad; and generally had a comfortable enjoyable round of something.  Maybe we can't call it golf, but let's call it entertainment on a golf course.

Then I ran across some youtube vids that talked about playing without thinking about any technical stuff.  As in, don't hit a ball until you've decided how to do it, then think no more about what and just do it.

I've also thought about this before it all came up via these other sources.  What if I just played golf and let the ball go where the today's swing let it?

I've played a round today where I did mostly that.  It's tough to do when the driver does its usual thing (it is getting better!  A bit...).

I found that I can putt very well with the lack of thoughts in my head.  I'm not thinking about line much, nor setup nor the speed of my swing.

I found I was taking the putter back further and probably swinging through the ball a touch slower.  My distance control was very good.  There were no three putts.  I lagged nicely.  I had a bunch of up and downs - mostly due to the chipping, but hey those putts dropped, and two birdies.

Playing in this manner was very relaxing mentally.  I was not having to think about much, just line up and go. 

Now if only the driver would come around...  The 18th hole is a 500 yard par 5 and for some reason the drive on this hole is seldom a problem.  I take a long back swing and rip at it.  Yes, the fairway is wide, but there are trees and water and sand out there, but they rarely come into play.

Ah, the eternal mystery of the game.   Every shot is unique as is every situation.  Lovely, as I think it would become boring rather quickly.

We're having a hot spell this week.  I played Thursday and Friday,  Off the course by 11:30 or so, with temps in the 90s.  It reached 112 by 3 or so.  I was home with a cold Old Milwaukee to keep me hydrated.  Ok, ok, there were some Popsicles too.