FORE the DUFFER Golf Blog

On the eve of the US Open it’s important for all of us to remember those words of wisdom that are often heard on the links – ” … It’s not the US Open … “.  By that I mean that we Duffers should not take the game too seriously and enjoy ourselves out there, take in the whole experience, and share a few laughs with our playings mates.  Nothing worse than playing with someone who is so serious that they forget that after all, it’s only a game.  We’ve all seen them – swearing, getting down on themselves, slamming their clubs in the ground, throwing their clubs, etc.  What’s the difference if you shoot 104 or 96 or 80?  It’s nothing but an ego trip most of the time.  Sure, I like to play a low round as much as the next guy but to what end?  At the level that most of us Duffers play, it’s not that bad if you bump the ball a little or more it away from an obstacle.  The idea is to go out there and enjoy playing a round and maybe having a few shots or that one shot that will bring you back next time.  Don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating that we all go out there and cheat while playing.  There’s a lot to be said for tradition and rules and regulations and we must all follow them.

Always play by the rules and let your conscience be your guide since you’re only cheating yourself.  Cheating to achieve a lower index only hurts you and it will catch up to you cause you’ll never be able to play to your index.  There’s nothing wrong with just playing for the love of the game.  You don’t have to post every score.  If you’re out there having a few cold ones with the boys/girls and taking in the experience then don’t ruin it.  Remember those words of wisdom … “I’ts not the US Open” …  Leave that to the pros.

How did I become so wise over the years?  I did a lot of the above for years until I convinced myself to remember that it’s only a game.  Why pay good money, play on a beautiful environment, and then ruin it with bad behavior and a lousy attitude?