Feeling More Natural

Until recently, spraying shots off into the bushes on a regular basis has made me long for the “good old days”. When I was an amateur, things seemed more natural, smooth and predictable. Now, I am back to that.

Part of the problem was that I just plain started to think too much. I realize now that it had a lot to do with not being in a coaching environment where I could get a lot of feedback----when I needed it and often.

My amateur days at Kent State and during the summers with RCGA were filled with lots of “tough love”. I lapped it up. But left on my own since---long gaps in seeing my coaches---I have tried to patch things up in my golf game. It’s been me talking to me too much!

Anyway, I am getting more frequent feedback now. It’s exactly what I need. I’m thinking less and feeling things more.

Purses Smaller, No Let Up in Competition

It’s weird how things are shaping up on the mini-tours. In Florida, about half as many players have signed up. In Arizona, the numbers have gone way up. Go figure.

The downside is purses that are really uneven. In Florida, we fight for a share of $65,000. In Arizona, it’s more like $155,000. Even though we have put in the same amount of money in both places.

The upside is being able to play near home, keep expenses down and still gain some really valuable experience.

With fewer players, we have to stay sharp. The cut line is short!

Food Poisoning Stops My Momentum

I’ve been working on “owning my swing” with a nearby coach. Five minutes down the road. Getting feedback weekly helps me correct fast. It’s great.

So, I’m all enthusiastic because I’m seeing some results. I really had something going last week. The greens were tough, scores were shooting up, but somehow I found some breaks. Placed well on the leaderboard.

Then, boom! I started throwing up, etc. Constantly for hours. Even when things were bad, my mind was telling me I’d be OK for the next day. I will get over this. It will stop soon.

Anyway, I got so weak and dehydrated I ended up in hospital over night. Need three liters of IV fluids.

Turns out another guy and me from the Gateway Tour had eaten the same food together near the golf course. He ended up in hospital too. You guessed it—we did not play golf the next day!

One week later, I’m still weak. Lost six pounds. Should have sold my spot instead of trying to play.

One silver lining. I learned what to eat and not eat when your gut is in bad shape. Also found out that probiotics (in tablets or yogourt) have friendly bacteria to help the gut heal. Ya learn something all the time!