What can I say? Once I start going I can’t shut up! I took a day off today so you can catch your breath.

Those blow-up holes are a real problem for players of all levels. I’m finally getting mine under control again.

It kind of reminds me of Paper Tiger. Thanks for the recommendation. (I just finished reading it and will post a review tomorrow or maybe Friday.)

Along the lines of your post, I’ve though a lot about what separates me, a 15 handicapper, from a single-digit handicapper. My friend Jeong is a good example, he’s maybe a 9. What was said about the driving range applies to me and Jeong as well. I doubt you could tell the difference. I can hit the shots he can hit, and physically I’m probably better off. When we both make good swings on the course, I’d say my shots are actually better than his. The difference then, is consistency.

I admitted to myself last year that “inconsistent” is simply what bad golf looks like. I played this morning and my good holes were textbook: fairway, green, two putt. If you saw those you’d think I was the man. But I didn’t break 80, and the reason is because my five worst shots were horrendous. I have a feeling that if you followed a mediocre tour player for his Thursday and Friday rounds, you’d see the same thing: thirty holes of excellent golf combined with six duds.

HR,

The other stuff you brought up definitely factors into the equation, especially the non-golf factors. My pro was on the PGA Tour in the 70′s and give it up to be closer to family.

I’m also intrigued with your point about how much is learned and how much is personality. The psychology of golf (and of sports in general) is very interesting, and I think I want to dig deeper into that subject.

Regarding what I’m doing to meet my own goals, I’m dieting and exercising to improve my physical health. I’m practicing to improve my physical game. That leaves my mental growth. And growth is exactly what I need. I think the biggest thing I’m doing is exposing all my flaws here. It’s not easy to tell a bunch of strangers that you don’t have discipline or whatever. That helps me see my weaknesses and helps me see where I need to improve. When I identify these weaknesses, I really give myself things to work on during rounds, at the range, at home, etc. It’s hard to lay out specifics here on the spot, but I think I’m going to hit some of these topics in upcoming posts. Time for a “Mental Game Week”.

Greg,

I agree with your assessment of many of the scratch golfers. Often times, they just don’t have the drive to do what it takes. Some might even have the drive, but may not actually know how to get the job done.

That Tiger Woods quote is one of my favorite golf quotes of all time. It says a lot. Both about the raw talent of John Daly (that he’s accomplished what he has without putting in a fraction of the work of his peers) as well as the fact that he could possibly be a much better player with a little more dedication. At the same time, I’m a huge fan of his and don’t fault him for the way he does things because in the end, we each have to do what makes us happy.

I think there are some scratch golfers that are just lazy (I know a couple, not scratch, but hcp 4 or less). These guys got to their skill level without really trying. They are comfortable being the best around without ever seriously working on their game. Seeking the next level carries way too much commitment and hard work. So, sometimes Mr. Scratch just does not have the desire.

That brings to mind the time when John Daily, as Tiger walked by on his way to the range, asked Tiger to take a break from all the practice and join him for a beer. Tiger responded that if he had John’s talent he wouldn’t have to practice.

-G

Also, How much of the mental game is learned, and how much is personality?

I would also offer that some non-golf factors might be involved too. Families, close relationships, money management, support, networking, public presence come to mind.

With your goal to be pro someday this article begs the question, what are you doing right now to address the areas that you think will be necessary for success?

Billy Bondurak discusses some of these qualities in his mental game series.

http://www.pga.com/improve/features/mentalgame/