Sometimes the best lessons are learned when you aren’t holding the club

In celebration of my landmark birthday this year, my dear husband took me to the U. S. Open Golf Tournament at Oakmont Country Club. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed all the aspects of the experience, particularly as we went to the practice rounds. Since our retirement, we have decided that golf is a sport that we can enjoy, with a lower chance of injury, as opposed to some other sports. I love the fact that even with all the constantly improving technology of the game, like new putters and simulators, it all comes down to the skill of the golfers, even if they do have secondhand clubs, like us! It was encouraging to watch these golfers hit into the rough and miss putts, just like I do.

Oakmont was designed to be a challenging course, and it delivered with the only player, the winner having a score that was under par. The USGA predicted that this scenario would be the case, and the commentators speculated that the most patient and strategic player would win. To add insult to injury, monsoon season was that week and the course was very soggy, despite Oakmont’s attempt to clear the water off. It rained and rained and rained.

 We came to watch the winners of previous tournaments show their stuff and what we saw was that they were soon frustrated by the course, then fell behind and then off the leaderboard. We saw angry demonstrations and clubs thrown. J. J. Spaun was the exception. He was inspiring to watch because of his steady, quiet, determined approach to the game. No emotion. It seems that he has had some challenges in his life, including Type 1 diabetes and weight loss, which require a focused, day-to-day effort. While others were upset by the wet conditions and the challenging course, he was not deterred. The difficulties which proved to be the undoing of some of the golfers, were what motivated him to play his best game. For me, it was a masterclass in using problems to achieve victory. As some thought the hardships of the course ruined their game, Spaun used the problems to pivot himself to victory.

The lesson here is how will I use problems in the future? Will I complain and feel frustrated, or will I feel motivated to be a bit more disciplined and focused? This lesson was better than a double eagle!

#golf #learning #joy #achievement #USGA #Oakmont