Golf and Providence
Golfers can't deny that golf has an element of luck. It's the hole-in-one shot. Or, sadly a bounce left into the water, rather than the perfect shot.
After Scott Verplank's victory at Byron Nelson's tournament on Sunday, I thought of Tiger at the Open after his father died and Ben Crenshaw after Harvey Penick died. Each of these golfers were mourning the recent passing of a very close friend, mentor, and in Tiger's case, his best friend and father.
I don't know what happens to one's mental state when they are in grief--yet trying to win in a competitive individual sport like golf. Do they become more relaxed and are able to be that hard-to-fine zone easier? Perhaps they carry the burden of sadness, while recalling fond memories of their friend that is no longer.
Or, is it like Ben Crenshaw said after his victory at Augusta in 1995, "It was like he had fifteen clubs in his bag," referring to his friend, Harvey Penick who died days before the Masters began?
Whether its being more relaxed, increased concentration, or providence, it's nice to see men (and women) who are touched by a person's loss persevere and end up victorious. I can only imagine how much sweeter that victory is!
Suzanne Woo, Esq. is a business golf speaker and author. She founded BizGolf Dynamics in 1996 to help business professionals, especially women, leverage the game of golf for their professional and personal success. She is the author of On Course for Business – Women and Golf (Wiley) and 72 Secrets for Successful Business Golf. Suzanne has been featured in USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Golf for Women, and a host of other national publications. Clients include corporations like Merrill Lynch, Bank of America, National Car Rental, Harris Nesbitt, and a host of trade associations.
To learn more about how BizGolf Dynamics can help you Drive Your Business Success with Golf,TM call Suzanne at 800.722.8909 or visit www.bizgolf.biz and sign up for BizGolf E-Tips, which is sent bi-monthly on Tuesdays.
