Jay Cutler Could Have Taken Another Route

Mobile post sent by rudykalis using Utterli.  Replies.  mp3

What Golf Teaches Coaches of All Sports

Two weeks ago I went golfing twice in one week, which is a rarity for me and I was in a pretty good flow. Shot 81 and an 83 easily, and if it hadn’t been for a few bad double bogeys I’d have been in the 70’s.

I don’t play enough to be very good, so this was sweet. I was in the zone, able to concentrate, read the greens, and for the most part, hit shots where I wanted to. So when I went out to play this week I was pumped, expecting to build on what I’d started, but that dream came crashing down on the first hole.

I double bogeyed. “That’s OK,” I thought, “I’ll get back in the zone and hold steady from there.” It never happened. My mind played games with me. I kept thinking about the swing instead of where I was going. I couldn’t read the greens and never found the line.

When the struggle ended I’d shot a 90. The trouble with me is that I expect too much of myself and grind over myself when I don’t do it. I’ll bet a lot of you do the same.

A good coach teaches a young athlete that some days you got it and some days you don’t, so don’t beat yourself up over it. Plus on the coaches side, don’t expect them to be perfect all the time. If you need to be reminded about this, just go out and play a round of golf.