A Lesson Learned: Proper Perspective

This week we can learn a little bit about perspective and what is really important in life. One of the story lines all week at the McGladrey Classic in Sea Island Georgia was Ben Crane waiting for a possible phone call to head home for the birth of he and his wife's third child. Ben said early in the week that it did not matter where he stood in the tournament, if that call came in he was on the way home. I believe that perspective helped Ben relax and just let it happen as he won the McGladrey Classic. Many times we just try too hard and want it too much. This week Ben Crane was more focused on his growing family, as he should have been, than playing golf. The result was freedom in his game that allowed him to go low Sunday with 8 birdies in the last 11 holes.

To gain a little perspective about golf and your game ask yourself these two questions before your next round. First question, what is the worst thing that could happen? The honest answer is that you might be a little upset and embarrassed by your play. A few friends will ask you how you played today and you will have to own up to your poor play. But they will still be your friends and hope for the best for you. When you get home your spouse may ask how you played but they will still love you just as much as before. And then by the next day nobody will even remember or really care that you played poorly. So the worst is not really that bad. Then ask yourself what is the best thing that could happen? You would be happy and a little proud of your play. A few friends will ask how you played and then they will wish you would stop talking about it. When you get home your spouse will ask how you played and before you can finish recounting the round you will be asked to take out the trash and get the kids ready for bed. And while it will serve as a fond memory for you nobody will much remember how you played by the next day. So the best is not that great.

So if the best is not that great and the worst is not that bad then why do we play this game? It is a question whose answer will help you gain perspective and enjoy your time on the golf course better. Is it the time outdoors, time with friends, competition, the thrill of a well struck shot? There are many reasons to play golf. Learn to focus on what is important to you and like Ben Crane you may find your self getting out of your own way and playing great golf.