Battling My Long Game

When my game comes together, I wish I knew why. It sure is a nice feeling.

In my most recent tournaments, it’s been a grind. That great feeling just isn’t there. So, I’m back to videotaping myself to see what’s going on.

My short game almost never lets me down. It’s been good for years. And, I’m thankful because it rescues me when my long game gets erratic. If only I could apply the “formula” to my long game!

Sometimes my long game is fine. Then, just when I think things are fine, I find myself in the rough too much. I’m sure my frustration doesn’t help.

This is my big challenge—to be more consistent in my long game. I am hoping to have some help from a sports psychologist to dig deeper on the mental toughness and agility side. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s part of what getting in my way.

Learning from Sonny

Luck was on my side with my visit to Toronto for the Bell Celebrity Classic fundraiser. I got to see my friend from Kent State, Andy Sonnanstine, debut as a pitcher for the Tampa Devil Rays against the Blue Jays. What a night!

I was surprised at how nervous I got watching him. I really wanted him to do well. Because I have to keep my emotions in control for golf, I don’t feel nervous much. I started to breath more easily as the game went on. By the time his coach pulled him at the end of the eighth inning, his team had an 11-6 lead.

Who would have guessed what the Blue Jays would do in the last inning? A comeback matching the biggest ninth-inning rebound in franchise history. A wild 12-11 victory! For Sonny, I thought “Oh, no”!

I learned something from him as I watched what he did over eight innings. When things looked like they weren’t going well, he breathed deeply and took a few moments to clear his mind. He didn’t allow himself to be rushed.

I don’t do that enough. Maybe it’s because in golf we’re always on a timer for the number of minutes allowed per hole. Then, when things don’t go as planned (like balls off-bounds or lost in the water…), I hurry even more.

I realize that a few seconds to pull my thoughts together won’t matter for the timing. But, they could matter a lot for my game.