Golf Diary – June 6, 2023

Smoke from the Quebec and Northern Ontario wildfires blanketed the GTA today. Thankfully it was fairly breezy when we started our league night 9 tonight at Royal Woodbine. It was hazy but the smell of smoke dissipated from earlier in the day so we played.

I should have known how the golf gods work. I had high expectations for my game because of how happy I was last week. So, you know what happened. I struggled.

It is amazing how much of the game of golf is in one’s head and it really doesn’t matter what level you play at. I just finished Episode 2 of Full Swing on Netflix featuring Brooks Koepka dealing with a slump and Scottie Scheffler rising to the top of his game. The episode is designed to show the contrast in the attitude, mindset and expectations of the players at the professional level.

I really felt for Brooks, not because he didn’t defend his title. Not because he was booed by the crowd for his poor performance on that crazy 16th hole at the Pheonix Open. Not because he didn’t make the cut at Augusta National win. It was the way he left the course in Augusta – embarassed and dejected.

Brooks! Golf is fun! No one should feel that way after a round of golf. You are always welcome to join us if you need a reminder of how amazing you actually are and to see how we manage to play like we do and still have fun on the course. The, “win or go home” mindset just sets you up for disaster because, my friends, expectations…

Back to my game… my main issue in this round seems to be ANY approach shot. My irons are going sideways and I had trouble making solid contact with any of my woods on the fairway.

The good news is I had lots of practice with my trusty pitching wedge (hint – not really good news). Unfortunately, that practice was because I went back and forth, back and forth, and sometimes back and forth again over the green at several holes. I had real issues controlling the distance when chipping close to the green. Ironically, I practiced a few chips before starting my round.

I definitely have to prioritize practicing the middle chuck of my game. I’m thinking my set up is off. I have a lesson booked with Matteo Nobile at The Deerhurst Golf Academy in Huntsville in a few weeks and this is what I plan to focus on. Poor guy doesn’t know what he is getting himself into.

My drives were okay and putting was pretty good. I think I managed to keep the putts mostly to two when I actually made it on the green. Makes sense since the ball saw the green several times as she flew over from side to side.

Royal Woodbine is always great for watching the wildlife and air traffic. We always see rabbits but they are pretty quick.

Of course, I was playing with some of my favourite people so don’t worry, I had fun.

Brooks, if you are listening, come and PLAY!