Know when to say when

Some days out there it’s hard to walk away.

By definition, deliberate practice is high-quality focussed practice.  So being even a little unengaged does not work.  But, the type of person that I am wants to push myself farther every day and it’s not always a good idea.

Take today, for example.  I had a great 3-hour practice session and then it started pouring out and I wanted to keep the ball rolling but between the rain and the sanded greens, you would never play in those conditions.  Begrudgingly, I left the course and headed for the gym.  I feel bad that I only got in three hours today, but I should feel great that I got in three quality hours..  Some times you have to know when to say when and learn to look on the bright side.

I played 27 holes, 9 from 50 yards, 9 from 75 and 9 from 100.  From 50 I shot even (all are par 3), from 75 I was 1-over and also 1-over from 100.  In all, that’s my best 27 holes yet.  I’ve shot better from each distance, but collectively it was a solid round.  There were a couple great holes, this one for example all three balls landed within 10 feet of the cup, something that I’d like to do every time:

I also had some not-so-good shots..  This one went long and left a tough approach shot over a bunker.  Luckily, I managed to chip it up and on 3-feet from the hole to get a par:

It was a great day of practice, despite the shorter time frame.

The main lesson learned today:  You have to commit to your shot.  No matter what you decide to do, just do it and don’t second guess yourself half way through.  It was the same in photography when that was my career, pick the shot and stick to it.  You’ll be much better off in the long run than if you start questioning yourself.

Off to the gym.