Mental Game

by Jason Strains

The Wisdom of Age

Every time I played golf with my Dad, he always seemed to beat me and I never understood why. Early on of course, the explanation was easy: he was better.

But, by the time I entered high school, I could hit the ball farther, chip more accurately, and hit more one putts in a round than he could.

So, why did I keep losing?

My dad played a very casual and careful game. He never hit the ball very far, but usually straight and spent the whole round talking up my game praising my every shot.

By the last two holes, my confidence was high.

Then, before teeing off on these last two holes, he would remind me of all the great shots I'd hit and how unbelievable they were.

Now, he was in my head.

How did I hit all those great shots?

He somehow forced me to think too much about my swing.

I learned more about the game from him than anyone else.