Becoming Relaxed

Back to golf...

I played 4 times this week.  The weather has been a bit rainy and a bit cool, but there have been magical days and the sun has shown and even if the southern hills are dusted with snow, it's all been wonderful on the links.

I motored around the course today.  Playing shots with very good directional accuracy and reasonable distance control.  I'd like to blame the weather on the lack of distance.  I'm not sure that is valid.

When I'm talking directional accuracy, I'm talking a small number of degrees off line.  It's become very usual that I pick the line and the ball follows it.  Even from the driver! 

The golf then, becomes a languid march around the course.  Yes, there are puzzles to figure out, but being in the middle of fairway or on the proper side to come into a green sure makes it easy.

I am also swinging more than hitting and my effort level in hitting the ball is decreasing.  There is no physical effort to speak of.  My back is happier, the ball is straighter, and I'm working less.

Of course, then it comes down to putting!   If I play from the proper tees, id est, the short ones, then I can play a bit like the pros.  All the greens are easily reachable in regulation.  I don't miss them much.  The putting and occasional chip drives the scoring.

I guess I like this.  I enjoy placing my shots as I go along.  I like the lack of back pain (though to be honest, if I spin the shoulders properly my neck can get unhappy, sigh...) and effort.  Golf becomes more a delightful walk along with my golf buddies.

Conversation, enjoying the weather, the sun when it shines, the odd animal that wanders the course with us; it's all good.

What a delightful way to spend 4 hours.  Then off to Costco for a delicious and inexpensive lunch.