Written on 3-22-03.
I am flying on my way to go see Guy. It’s my spring break, and I will have three days to spend with him. We plan on playing golf, lots of golf! I look forward to this like I used to look forward to my birthdays and Christmas when I was a kid. Actually, I still look forward to those. Now I look forward to my birthdays due to my dream. I want to play on the Champions Tour. So, every birthday gets me closer to my dream. I look forward to Christmas because of James and Danielle. Christmas is excellent family time and watching my children at Christmas makes me feel young and happy. James, Danielle, and my wife Belinda continue to be the pride and love of my life.
I continue to read and enjoy Bob Rotella’s book Golf is Not a Game of Perfect. His books are the best of all the golf books I have read so far. His books help me maintain my focus and re-invigorate my desire.
Last summer, I was able to get my handicap down to 16.3. I plan on getting it down to 10 before the end of this summer. Last summer, I played in my first two “individual” tournaments. I placed third in my first tournament, and well… learned a lot in the second. This summer, I plan on playing in at least three. Last summer/year, I earned thirty birdies and my first eagle. This summer, I want forty and my first “ace” would be nice, too. Last summer, I played my best nine holes ever, shooting a 37, just two over par. This summer, I want my first even with par round or better.
Only one thing will keep me from my goals…me! If it is to be, it is up to me. I am going to practice every morning. I am going to work out every morning early, and then head to the course. My biggest focus will be on the short game.
Here’s my dream; here’s what excites me.
I am going to play on the Champions Tour (It switched its name from the Senior Tour to Champions Tour this year). I am going to qualify on the PGA Tour just before turning fifty. Or I might win a Champions Tour Qualifier when I turn fifty. I will be sponsored by Lands’ End, who will provide all of my clothes.Then I will win more tournaments and more money than any other player on the Senior/Champions Tour, and I will give the largest percentage of my earnings to charity.
I want to give more than any other professional golfer. I am 36 now. I have ten plus years to become an exceptional golfer. I will set goals for each year.
I started getting more “serious about having fun” playing golf in 1999. That was four years ago. I was terrible when I started. I shanked, whiffed, and chunked. I used to regularly lose golf balls during a round. I hooked, pushed, pulled, and sliced. I’m better now, and I will continue to improve. Playing golf when I started was spent looking in weeds, rocks, or tall grass. Now, I am more focused and more committed. I spend more time concentrating on each shot, and therefore less time looking for my golf ball. Golf is like volleyball in that way. The better you control the ball, the less time you spend chasing it!
I was good at basketball. I got even better at volleyball, and my best sport will be golf!
What would I recommend to players who want to improve at golf like I am striving to improve now? Here are my tips…
Keep a journal of your success stories like this one.
Take lessons with a professional.
Get clubs fitted to you. Let the pro help you do this.
Set goals.
Play in tournaments.
Play with someone better than you. Compete with them.
Be patient.
This trip, I would like to work on a more consistent routine. I’m thinking of starting each routine by thinking to myself, “Time to focus.” I will end each routine with “Time to relax.” Sounds corny, but Bob Rotella says the difference between mediocre golf and great golf is a loss of focus on four or five shots per round.
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