You're Correct!

Bobby Jones once said: “Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots - but you have to play the ball where it lies.”

Golf is like life in many ways and is best experienced when enjoying the experience. Many people judge their golf and enjoyment simply by the score they shoot. These people often fail to recognise the privileged position they hold striding through nature, out in the fresh air playing a game millions love. No matter how important the match, no matter how crucial the putt, players need to take a moment to look around, breathe deeply and smile at their surroundings.

Although a golfers skill level and ability will be judged and recorded by scores and handicap, no one wants to play with a grumpy unsociable character, even if they do bomb the driver. Golf is as much about the people you meet as it is the character building process instigated within. Winston Churchill remarked that golf was a good walk spoiled but golfers across the globe hacking the ball around the trees (weve all been there) need to flip this sentiment around and realise golf is a good walk, full stop!

Everyone wants to play well and win but golf is much more far reaching than that. Being a good golfer isnt just about the score, its about the way you treat others, the way you compete, the way you react to adversity, the pride you take in your technique and the acceptance that no matter how good you become youll never place golf under the thumb. No matter the result, play the game as you find it and enjoy the ride.

Dont become too engrossed in the results and play for the enjoyment the game brings.

Being competitive and fighting to win are important if you want to be a successful match player but golfers should never let that competitiveness spill over and cause friction with other golfers.

As Arnold Palmer said: “I never rooted against an opponent, but I never rooted for him either.”

Youll never hear anyone say they get board of winning! But players should remember that winning is not the only thing you can take from golf; its just one small part of the whole experience.

Sometimes the seclusion of the golf course on a summer evening on your own can be bliss but golfers should always try to play together. There is no telling who you might meet and competing against another player is always more fun.