Not many golfers like to talk about that difficult period in their experiences once they get past it.  You know – those awkward practice sessions when you are first learning the game.  Especially if you take up golf as an adult it can be quite frustrating when you are learning.  Shank this way, pull that way, top the ball, hit the ball into the person next to you, hit the ball into your basket of balls, etc.  If you’ve been there then you know what I’m talking about.  In fact, even accomplished golfers have bad days – pros included.

I was at the practice range the other day and set up next to some folks taking a group lesson.  The woman closest to me just sort of looked up and said how damaging it was to the self esteem that she was hitting poorly.  I told her that we all go through it and she’ll see me hit some doozies while I’m there.  I hit my first few really well and I think it just made her more impatient with her own progress.  I really wanted to tell her that she should not base her performance on anyone else.  You know - take a deep breath and focus.  Thinking better of it, I kept to myself and just went on with what I was there for – to work on my own game.  I ended up having a great practice session.

Don’t get me wrong – I am in no way a professional or some golf phenom.  I am one of those who took the sport up later in life.  As a child I spent my time with surfing, skating, track, basketball, swimming, and even some football with the fellas.  My father golfed a bit but spent his time teaching me baseball, football, bowling, and even gymnastics before I grew too tall for it.  Fortunately, I started my golfing with lessons.  Now, a few years and more than a few dollars later I am a socially acceptable golfer on my way to a very respectable handicap.

So what is the point here?  I just want to tell those who are just starting out or going through a difficult time that it is normal.  Even being “naturally athletic” does not guarantee that you’ll automatically pick up on golf or be a superstar.  You’ve got to be committed and put the time in.  Think about it – Tiger Woods is the best because he’s logged more practice hours than anyone can even start to count.  If you can go to the practice range and just concentrate on what you are doing you are so much better off.  Don’t worry about what the person next to you is doing.  There will always be someone there much better and someone who is much worse than you are.  Move on.  Once you learn to concentrate on your own shots, you will get so much more out of your practice sessions.  Think about it, equipment and range balls add up.  Don’t waste your time and money worrying about others are doing or what they may think of you.  Who cares how your equipment stacks up?  Give yourself the permission to learn, take a deep breath, and enjoy yourself.  One day, you’ll be the one at the practice range and on the course that others envy.