The Steps to a ' Golfer'

Was reading this as part of my mental training...so just want to share around.

So, after reading, which phase are you?

For me. I am in Phase 3

Quote :

The first step of becoming a golfer is a phase of denial. You weren’t really going to play that silly game, you made fun of it in high school but you were just going to try it once because your were pressured into it or just wanted to see what the fuss was all about. At this point you can tolerate being terrible because you weren’t really trying. Although it was frustrating when that little old lady beside you on the driving range was knocking it 50 yards past you. This is where the game works at your mind. You’re confused as to why you’re so bad when you are so good at everything else. You see people with a 10th of your athletic ability making it look so easy. You’re confused when you see regular Joe’s out on the course not just doctor’s and lawyers. Everyone around you seems to have a tip and you still don’t know what all that “square, “open”, “over the top”, mess is about. At this point you don’t know what to think of the game, then you hit “THE SHOT”.

The second step is a phase of confusion usually ushered in by “THE SHOT”. You know that first shot - where you barely swung at all that felt so solid that it created a sensation that you’ve never felt before. It went high and straight and landed what had to be 400 yards away. You’re amazed at how good it feels accomplishing something you now know to be so hard. At this time you’ve reasoned that if you’re buddies are going to keep asking you that you need to buy a set of clubs so you do. At this point a lot of us are still in a bit of the denial phase so we don’t spend a lot of money on our first set because we’re still unsure of how long we’ll keep this up. Remember the Bowflex that you hang extension cords on in the garage?

The third step is a phase of frustration. This is when you get tired of being the worst golfer in your group. All of a sudden you find yourself watching The Golf Channel, taking golf tips from complete strangers at the doctor office waiting room, and you’ve broken two lamps and cracked the coffee table by taking swings in the house. Golf isn’t quiet the center of your leisure time but you think about it when your with other pastimes. You figured out that your fishing pole has a graphite shaft made by the same company as your golf clubs. When you were on a picnic you noticed that the grass in the park would be perfect to hit shots off of and consider bringing your wedge next time. You now notice every golf course you pass while driving and catch yourself watching swings instead of the road. My friend - by now you are straddling the fence to the fourth step. Golf is beautifully irritating and you’ve vowed to get better.

The fourth step is determination. Your now showing some promise but to get to the next level you have to make your biggest commitment yet. It’s time to get a real set of golf clubs. You’ve watched enough infomercials and seen your 120lb accountant buddy knock it by you long enough to figure out that the reason you’re not a better golfer has to be that crappy set of clubs you have. I mean you hit it 300 (or so) that one time and the only reason you’re not doing it every time is because you don’t have the new Super Duper Raging Titanium 460 Banger Stick 2010. So you go to the golf store to find the weapons that will have the golf course crying mercy. Then, after you call your significant other for permission explaining to them that you’re not spending $1500 on toys but on sophisticated equipment that will make you a better partner, parent, and humanitarian, you’ve blown through step four and are into the last step of becoming a golfer.

Phase 3. As I'm writing in I'm on the launch on my way to
my rig and I'm thinking of the bad shots I made in occ and keppel for past two days and reading the golf digest magazine to correct them. Oh boy oh boy don't I miss the smell of fresh green grass and the stink of my perspiration...

I love this awfully beautiful and cruel game

Nice read...

I think there is fifth phase....
This phase consists of people who are already satisfied of where they are and just play golf for enjoyment. They stop going to driving range but only play at the course. These people are usually good player. From time to time they will awaken their real skill when challenged or join tournament but most of the time they just play for laughter, exercise and drinking session afterwards.

I know two people in this category... I play with one of them on Marina Bay on 5 July, another one is my big boss...

"When you were on a picnic you noticed that the grass in the park would be perfect to hit shots off of and consider bringing your wedge next time."

We proud ourselves as a green island and there are still quite a lot of open grass. Was joking with a mate that we each stand on one end and hit some balls across.

Anyone done hitting some balls on a public gov. land before? Does it constitue to a fine? We are a green and fine city after all.

I used to laugh and sarcastically talk that those golfers are crazy... they played in the hot sun, wake very early... compared to work, no way near. I realised after I pick up golf,its really addicting... nowadays i played at least once a week...its a wonderful game...and I give up badminton ever since 4 years ago..still trying to improved, but look like stagnant oredi.. haha..

taskie wrote:

Nice read...

I think there is fifth phase....
This phase consists of people who are already satisfied of where they are and just play golf for enjoyment. They stop going to driving range but only play at the course. These people are usually good player. From time to time they will awaken their real skill when challenged or join tournament but most of the time they just play for laughter, exercise and drinking session afterwards.

I know two people in this category... I play with one of them on Marina Bay on 5 July, another one is my big boss...

ONE only? there was seebayho, golfchow n jr, already 3. I encountered 2 more yesterday morning, and 2 more in the afternoon... all play zen golf, will par for coconut one

I think I may never progress from step 4. (Maybe others too)

Although I might be getting there soon.

Happy with my irons, wedges and putter, new fairway wood on the way, and still craving the latest drivers.