I’m Going Backwards

I am actually managing to go backwards. I wasn’t sure that was possible after starting with a 96. It appears it is more than just a possibility it is now a reality.

At the beautiful Sirocco golf course (great greens) I walked off with a scintillating 97.

Front: 42

Wait for it…

Back: 55

The summary:

• Decent front 9 that included 6 pars, 1 birdie, and two ‘others’ for a reasonable 42
• Horrible back 9 that started poorly and got worse
• Multiple provisionals on multiple holes, I hit it all over the yard off the tee on the back side

Why the collapse on the back side? Could it have been that after shooting 42 on the front with a couple of ‘others’ and knowing full well I should have easily shot in the 30’s that I got a bit ahead of myself? Could it have been that I was banking on shooting at least a 42 on the back and recording an 84 that would better my last round by 12 shots? Could it have been that I was thinking that at this rate of improvement I would be shooting in the 70’s in no time? Would I actually get too good too fast and not have enough material for my book?

It’s okay, I’m laughing too. Apparently the explosive and linear trajectory to the world of professional golf that I momentarily envisioned may play out just a little differently. Surprised?

The best:

A cart path assisted 370 yard drive that left me 160 yards in to a difficult (#1 handicapped) par five that is guarded by water. I carved a hard seven iron out of the first cut of rough and floated it into about 18 feet for eagle. I hit a great eagle putt that burned the edge of the high side before finishing inches behind the hole. Tap in two putt birdie. Sweet.

The worst:

So difficult to come up with just one here! Probably the par 5 13th. In my frustration and effort to turn my fortunes around after a very slow start to the back nine I lashed wildly at the ball on the 13th tee with the intention of trying to get it home in two. Actually, I lashed at it 3 times going five off the tee and ultimately recording…again…wait for it…a ten (10). Yes indeed, the ‘Angry Moose’. I can say no more.

Most poignant moment:

This one is difficult as I was highly engaged with my own inner turmoil as my world collapsed around me and I felt like a black star imploding in on myself. If I dig deep though this moment was once again provided by my wonderful playing partner Marni. After nearly quitting on the front nine she brought the learning’s of the book she is currently reading ‘The Peaceful Warrior’ to the golf course. With her new positive attitude she was actually drinking Coors light on the back nine and laughing as she shanked one hard right into the cabbage. I love her.

This made me contemplate changing the name of this blog to ‘Golf Warrior’ as this round was definitely a battle. There will be countless more to come.

Charge!

Why I Have a Chance

Some of you may be wondering why I think I have any chance in hell of playing professional golf considering my current situation, age and ability.

This is a very good question! I will get to this after a brief explanation of why I am doing this in the first place.

I was looking for a ‘stretch’ goal that I was extremely passionate about. A goal that would be extremely difficult (perhaps impossible) to achieve. A goal that would entirely change my life, in many ways, if it was successfully accomplished.

I am pursuing this goal for three reasons:

1. To re-define for myself what is possible in life
2. To challenge myself to follow my dreams and do what I love
3. To contribute to the success of others by providing an example of what is possible

Now…why do I have any chance at all?

I have always been and believe I still am (even at 43) a talented athlete. Although I have never even sniffed a career as a professional athlete I have played several sports at a high level and received awards such a ‘Top Senior Athlete’ during my amateur sports career. One drawback here is that golf was not one of my sports, although I did pick it up to a degree later in life, I am starting from scratch here. That’s probably not the right terminology given my current 25 handicap but you know what I mean.

I am in very good physical condition and expect to be in as good or better shape at the age of 50. My body type (6’1″, 180lbs) and strength is well suited to golf and I can leverage my ability to play a power game (300+ driving distance). Obviously, control, and my ability to put a great short game together will be fundamental to my success.

I have an enormous capacity for learning and hard work. These elements more than any others will ultimately decide whether I succeed or not. This, and a deep belief in myself. Is the ability to learn, work hard, basic athletic talent and belief enough? I believe it gives me a chance, an outside chance, but a chance nonetheless.

What do you think dear readers?

See the Poll at the top of this blog to cast your vote.

As always, all comments (positive and negative) are welcome.

I’m off to listen to my audio book ‘Zen Golf’ I feel the need for…peace.

Peace Out.

Back on Track

After a brief hiatus to explore my inner game (a week well spent) and confirming that I do indeed want to pursue my goal of playing professional golf (and write about the journey). I am back on track in terms of practice at least.

I have hit over four hundred balls at the practice range in the last three days and hope to ratchet that up to my target of 1000 balls a week by the end of July.

My most recent practice session was fairly promising and I am looking forward to taking it to the course tomorrow. I will be looking to break 90 for the first time this year. This will be six shots lower than my last posted round.

I will be posting the details of this round by the end of the week.