Drawn in once again.
I suppose there are people who can be happy by simply "acting as if" they are happy. There is some evidence to suggest this works. But isn't it a bit presumptuous to suggest that this works for everyone? Feigning happiness in lieu of the real thing seems a dishonest way to live. Life has emotions, some happy, some sad. I want it all.
Golf is a game that is best played. Think about how an animal plays, setting itself into the "play" position. The dog, ears erect, leaning forward with shoulders hunched, ready for its master to throw the ball. The cat, twitching its legs with its nose forward, whiskers splayed and ears down, ready to pounce.
Golf has limitations as a game, played alone with a stationary opponent, the golf course, so the opportunities for playful interaction are limited. Etiquette takes some of the fun away as well, transforming a game into formalized battle.
My dad was always in motion before a shot; at least one part of his body was in movement, a personal dance that took place before each shot. It's a nice way to play the game. I'm playful by trying different shots, and not concentrating on score every time. Golf will never be as fun as ones where you chase a ball, or play together with companions; it just doesn't offer that kind of excitement. Nevertheless, lay back your ears, crouch down to the ball in the play position, make your little dance and swing it.
John,
You enjoy nature a lot correct? And the beautiful landscape that a golf course can provide seemingly never breaking from the indigenous forests from around it? Even by yourself going playing golf, you wouldn't have fun out there, in THAT?
I would be prettttttty happy to be able to go out and hit different shots like you, not even worrying about score. I played in college, and I have played maybe 5 rounds in the last 3 years - you guys really dont know what you have untill its gone. Quit for awhile and stay away - then you can tell me its not fun. But for me, I've been having more fun off the golf course with golf, than I was having on the course with golf, at the time I began to hang up the sticks from competition. I like your dad's swinging motion before he hit. Sure seems like a great way to relax onesself before executing the shot
I totally totally agree about the animal quote. We are biologically progammed animals after all, and the instinct of "play" is too difficult for the human consciousness to grasp. I was reading a Max behr article on the site and this is the quote:
"The actual opponent in golf is nature, the human opponent being merely a psychological hazard" - I think this is very very true.
In Bobby Jones biography by Keeler - he frequently, frequently, mentions how Bobby, in match play, took awhile to learn that he was playing, still against old man par, and not his opponent.
I do not think it is presumption to say that we make ourselfs happy. How else are you happy? Because you have done this today, you own this car, live in this part of the country, are in this position in life, etc. When everything is stripped away, what is left? You, yourself, and the Self. Relying on external attachments to find happiness, willl not be long lasting. True happiness is found within. What do you think John?
Trav