by Brian G. Schommer

It’s the beginning of August and this guy has yet to hit a tee shot at any of the numerous golf courses that grace our area. As a self-proclaimed duffer, even if did I have a few rounds under the belt, this column would not be boasting of any incredible tee shots, impressive fairway approaches or any crazy long putts. Like a blind squirrel, occasionally I _nd a nut and get a lucky drive or shot in here and there but, truth be told, I spend a lot of time in the rough, sand traps and praying that my tee shot extends past the women’s tee because… well, if you golf, you know why. One might ask, “If you suck that bad, why do you golf?” My answer is simple… Of all the ways to take in Vitamin D from the sun; gol_ng is one of the best. I

have to remind myself that it is even better if I do not to take the game too serious.

Anyone who has ever gripped a club knows that it can be more than frustrating trying to hit a ball that isn’t moving. Sounds easy enough but, like most activities that require coordination of several parts of the body moving in one _uid motion to generate a speci_c outcome, perfecting your mechanics and form takes a lot of time and

practice. Our bodies tend to get a lot more _uid

and a lot less coordinated as we get older and our hand/eye coordination is a totally different animal. Frustrations that stem from “aging” can be elevated when one puts too much pressure on themselves to perform at a level that is most likely higher than one’s ability, capability and physical attributes will allow. For example, maybe you used to hit the ball 250 yards off the tee and straight down the middle of the fairway. As you age, that 250 yards becomes closer to 175 and you realize you are not what you once were. To be fair and honest, you probably never really hit the ball 250 yards on a consistent basis. You maybe got one out there on occasion and, like Green Bay Packer fans, talk about the old one as much as possible. At least they can talk about the old ones… right fellow backers of the Purple & Gold?

Tee shots should be minimal when it comes to the frustrating aspects of gol_ng. Depending on how many holes you are playing, you should only have 9-18 of them, unless you use mulligans which may add another swing or two… or three. If you are lucky enough to spend any time on the fairways, lining up an approach to the green isn’t easy. Making sure to select the proper club and keeping your mechanics smooth is essential. Calculating for the wind and possible hazards that may lie between you and the green is another part of the gamethatmayaddtothefrustrationfactor. A tip that I was given by an older and much more avid golfer than myself is, whatever club you used in your 20’s-30’s, add one for each decade after. If you used a 5-iron back then and you are 50+… use a 3-iron now. The problem is, if you are a little bit like me, you are too stubborn to accept this because “We’re not getting older” and still use that 5-iron, only to land 30 yards short of where you hoped. Eventually, you will get to the green and… putt. Like most things in golf, it sure looks easy when the professionals knock in those 40-plus footers and judge the break in the green to perfection. It’s not. The point is, the game of golf, like life, might look easy but it can certainly become very frustrating if you let it.

Many agree that the worst day gol_ng is

still better than the best day working. Being outdoors, getting some exercise and possibly having a couple beverages with a couple friends on a sunny day. Some people even refer to those beverages as “Aiming juice” and even I have used that term on more than one occasion. The jury is out regarding if beverage consumption of any sort helps my game. Based on my scores, it is safe to say they most likely do not. It is just a part of the game for many and when you think of it; is somewhat unique to the game of golf. How many football players do you see tossing back a cold one during a game? Have you ever heard a commentator say, “That player has great skills; dribbling with their right hand and chugging a beer with their left.” Nope.

If you don’t take the game too serious, it does have some awesome plus sides. For those who do put extra effort, emotions and focus into the game… hats off to you!! Just remember, as someone who knows what it’s like to be on a cardiac _oor of a hospital, golf can be a great stress reliever – but can also go the other way. If we cross paths on the course and I witness you throwing a club towards the pond, stomping around like a 4-year old that had their candy taken away and/or swearing at yourself, I may send you a can of “Aiming juice” as a calming agent. If we cross paths and you’re just having a good time, I’ll see you on the 19th!!! Either way, there might be a beverage involved. Get out and enjoy the great outdoors!!