Ben Hogan has narrated it well: “The most important shot in golf is the next one.”
Yes, the most important move in life is the next move. Those who don’t tread on and remain entangled to what is already done, never prosper but decay. Management at the golf course and in life are both special skills. Defeat or triumph depends very much on the Golfers' determination to make a comeback through the next shot. This is why in golf, such shots are referred to as recovery shots.
“Mistakes are part of the game. It’s how well you recover from them, that’s the mark of a good player.” - Alice Cooper.
It’s not that easy to just walk to the ball and hit the next shot. It requires excellent decision making, farsightedness, calculation, knowledge, commitment, planning and precision. It takes practice, courage, willingness, determination, conviction and course management skills to make the next moves.
The intensity of the next shot sometimes requires aggression and strength, otherwise patience and softening. It is the job of the player to evaluate, analyze and prepare the punctilious move at the present lie.
The essence of the addictive game of golf is a union between diversity and similarity. Playing variety shots is a prerequisite of the game which is why we carry so many sticks in our bags. The beauty of the game is that we vigorously hit the tee shot with optimum strength to achieve maximum distance. Most golfers play the next ball trying to make it a regulation shot to the determined desired direction. Regulation shots are not easy to strike and golfers usually end up relying on chipping to approach the green. In all tee, regulation, and chipping shots we amalgamate strength and delicacy creating a beautiful combination for a smooth impact.
In other words, the game of golf teaches us when to use aggression, where to be soft and why to be patient. It trains us to shift modes of the play in accordance with the given conditions. It seasons us to utilize the changes in circumstances favorably.
Golf swings are closely tied to mood swings and mood swings are tied to mode swings. Swing is a ritual and golf is a garland of swings. I hope we all make the best swings to complete the round of life and golf admirably. Remember we have plenty of golf rounds but only one in life. Swing on friends, swing on.
Ahsan Jamil
Golfer, Author, Poet, Blogger, Entrepreneur, Wanderer.
Email: golfaij@gmail.com
Web: aijgolf.com
Credits:
- Pinterest.
- Google Images.