Making the
Grade
What does it take to become a
successful student of the game of golf? At a time of year
when
report cards are coming due I decided to grade the students of
this
fine game.
A successful student is
organized
and prepared. They schedule their lessons before the season
begins,
recognizing that lessons are a part of maintaining their golf
swing
and not used as a band-aid for when the wheels come off.
A successful student
commits to a
program to become a better player. This includes regular play
and
practice time. It may also include joining a league
registering for a
local tournament, or playing matches with players that are
better than
yourself. You need to challenge yourself form time to time to
get to
the next level.
A successful student is
open to
change and is not afraid to try new things. “I can’t” is not
in their
vocabulary. A positive attitude is their ticket to learning.
Try a new
shot, play a hole that is difficult for you another way, go
over the
water instead of around! We need to take chances when we’re
out
playing for fun.
A successful student
realizes that
a lesson provides the awareness and understanding. It is the
student’s
responsibility to commit it to muscle memory through
repetition.
A successful student is not
afraid
to ask questions. Teaching and learning is a two way street, a
give
and take on both sides, and most important, a sharing of
ideas.
A successful student does
not seek
advice from just anyone. They realize that “sensory overload”
can
occur from too much of the mechanics. They are able to filter
information publications, television and well meaning friends
and
neighbors keeping just what they need and discarding the rest.
A successful student in
conclusion
recognizes just what it takes for him/her to be successful
play to
your strengths, acknowledge your weaknesses, and never take
yourself
too seriously! It is with this acceptance that you will be
able to
make the grade!
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