It would be difficult to find a person who does not feel increased stress and anxiety in these difficult times in the world. Both nationally and internationally, news reports continually speak to societies around the world that show signs of increased degrees of uncertainty and instability. In large-scale protests and one-on-one conversations, there are many who would like to “turn back the clock” to the way things were just a few years ago. Interestingly, it is especially during these stressful times that we in America have historically turned to sports and recreation for entertainment. Whether as a spectator or a participant, for many there is something therapeutic about the environment these activities can create to “help us get away from it all.” For some, connecting with golf right now allows for a unique, “in the moment” experience that releases that part of the mind that has been under stress. For others, simply the physical release of pent up energy can have calming benefits.
Like many things in life, it regularly takes a major event to snap us out of our comfortable world we take for granted and help us see things more accurately. Ask a person who can no longer walk how much they appreciate being ambulatory. Ask a person who can no longer see how much he appreciated the sight of her.
My point in all of this is to suggest to senior golfers that they deeply appreciate the opportunities they have, and put into perspective some of those things in golf that they normally allow to bother them. Missing a short putt, hitting an OB drive, and hitting an “easy” shot at a hazard are much easier to deal with when put in the context of how lucky we are to be able to play. The level of frustration, anger and anxiety that I regularly see in golf stems in part from a person’s difficulty putting their experience into context. While it is recognized that many golfers have trained or practiced a lot, there is sometimes an “overreaction” regarding the bigger picture of life. I am not suggesting that anger, frustration or worry are inappropriate emotions in golf, I am simply proposing that these emotions be managed in such a way that the encounter with the game is not tainted. How sad to be dissatisfied and/or dissatisfied doing something that seemingly has the potential to bring so much joy. For many of you veteran golfers, this is what you’ve worked hard for all your life: finally being able to enjoy this great game.
The next time you find yourself upset when you’re on the golf course, pull yourself together and reflect on how important what you’re managing really is in the scheme of life. My suspicion is that you’ll enjoy it more if you incorporate a “big picture” perspective into your reactions.
