It's in the bag

About a million years ago, I often watched this show called "This Old House". There was also another show (the name escapes me), where this guy "Norm" would renovate old, old houses. Norm was this amazing master carpenter guy who could fix and build anything... seriously.. ANYTHING. I remember having conversations about this guy and often mentioned that while he was obviously an amazing craftsman, he also had every tricked out power tool known to mankind. Skill is important, of course, but so are tools. I am a fairly decent domestic goddess and while I possess a good amount of skill in the kitchen, without my tools of the trade, things would be a lot more challenging... As with most things in life, this translates to golf.

When I started on my little journey to become a golf chick, I began with a set of inexpensive, hand-me-down clubs. Once my sweetie saw that I was "all in" and not only committed, but obsessed, we drove straight to Sport's Authority and looked at "all the pink golf stuff"! That day was like Christmas morning for a 4 year old! We found a full set of clubs (omg they are pink!) and they came with bag. We actually left the store and drove right back to the range so I could take them for a spin. I was glowing... I know I was!

Now then... a full set of nice (yet not horribly expensive) starter clubs are perfectly fine for the freshly baked golfer. But, what's a girl to do once she's moving into toddler-hood?

Well, I don't know yet. Although I am the most instant gratification person on the planet, I know that patience will pay off here. I do know that the driver in the bag of rentals I used in Hilton Head made a big difference for me. So, save the pennies and then, get fitted for a driver that maximizes the positive aspects of my swing (there's got to be something that isn't horrible about it right?), whilst minimizes the flaws (those I know for a fact exist). I sort of equate clubs to shoes (OK I may equate many things to shoes).. for example, that pair of hot pink, satin, peep toe, Christian Louboutin pumps I tried on at Barneys made me look like a movie star. No seriously, I was wearing jeans and had been walking around the city all day (and perhaps sipped a cocktail or two, but who's counting), and the minute I slipped my pups into those shoes, it was like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz with the ruby slippers. Sigh... those shoes are a work of art, but my feet were killing me within about 2 minutes (they also happen to carry a price tag of just under a grand so there's that). The point is, they are FABULOUS... but they just didn't fit me or my feet (however should I ever come up with $1k to blow on a pair of shoes, I'll order them in a different width etc). My point is, just because they are fab doesn't mean they are a good fit... like clubs. So, if I threw down a mortgage payment on a top of the line set of clubs, would my game be better? Maybe... maybe not.

A month or so ago my course was hosting "demo days". All the big names were there, Callaway, Taylor Made, Ping, etc. After we played our round my sweetie and I checked out the sellers wares (by the way, if anyone is on the fence about deciding whether or not to start playing golf, keep in mind that it offers fab shopping opportunities... that should sway you over to the green side). Anyway, I decided to check out some Callaway hybrids. I have a 21 degree hybrid in my bag, but I don't love it. When I was in Hilton Head, I used a 27 degree and was like BOOYAH, that is my club! So I swung a few hybrids, thankfully hit some kickin' shots (the reps are standing right there, I mean the pressure was on!). Anyway, we left for a quick trip to the 19th hole and I had dreams of hybrids swinging in my head. At one point my sweetie briefly disappeared (I assumed to nip into the loo), and we left shortly thereafter. Guess who's bag was just a little bit heavier on the way out? Yep! My sweetie went to the pro shop and bought the 24 degree Callaway! omg.. I have no words! I LOVE THAT CLUB (not as much as the hot pink peep toe pumps, but close).
Every time I pull the head cover off of that club, I get a little thrill and often hit a great shot with it. And yes, I intend to buy a full set of hybrid irons because unlike my sweetie, I do not possess a perfect natural swing. Hybrids are very forgiving and a really good call for a casual golf chick. They don't catch the grass like irons can and I use that club for pretty much every approach shot. Sigh... I love it. Haven't named it yet, must work on that.

It is not necessary to go into financial ruin to start playing golf. In fact, it's better to wait until you've found your swing. Just like fingerprints, we all have our very own swing... and we should embrace it for exactly what it is.. good bad or ugly. :)

Swing battah, battah... swing!

Try Easy

Since I am in sales, I have a lot of pressure to get results. Sales results equate to bills paid (and golf of course), which is the point of it all. I was having a conversation with a friend of mine who does the same thing I do, for the same company. We were discussing the frustrations of being commission only and how difficult it is to work your heiny off, and perhaps have an entire week (or longer) without closing a deal. My friend mentioned that it just shouldn’t be this difficult… sigh.

Although we may joke about wishing to be ladies (or gentlemen) of leisure, few of us truly want to lie around the house eating bon-bons all day. I can certainly speak for myself when I say that I like hard work, because the reward is so much sweeter when you know you’ve earned it. This frame of mind is exactly why we casual golfers have a hard time “letting go”. In terms of hard work, golf can prove the most challenging because one practice on the range does not a pro make. However, our golf games are constantly evolving, and eventually we improve. No instant gratification to be found here… and we have to learn to be ok with that.

Take the golf swing for example. The harder you try to hit the ball, the worse your shot will be. The backswing should be nice and smooth, and after you’ve engaged your lower body, centrifugal force will kick in and give you a nice club head speed. But the club has to do the work… the smoother the swing the better the connection and in turn the shot. We all know the feeling of that great shot, perfectly timed, perfectly connecting the ball and the sweet spot, and that is what keeps us coming back time after time. That shot really isn’t that difficult, yet it can often be the most elusive thing to find for 18 holes... or 36.. or... or.. or..

Why can’t we just chill out? Why can’t we just relax? Why do we strive for perfect results within every aspect of our lives? Isn’t the journey supposed to be the good part?

Shades on. Windows down. Wind in your hair.

Get on your bad motor scooter and ride...