July 4, in the USA, is pretty much a fair representation of my pursuit into the world of tournament golf. Passion combined with the pursuit of a hearts desire. There is no possible way I can compare the grand and incredible sacrifices those men, women and children made to create a new nation, but the concepts are the same. A burden, living under obligation that brings you to a point of no return followed by the pursuit, with all it's ups and downs leading to the fulfillment of that hearts desire.
So today I celebrate our nations independence day with the understanding and the joy that tomorrow I will be back out there fighting for the opportunity to play on a major tour.
NOTE #1: June 19, I played my US Senior Open qualifier at Soule Parke Golf Club in Ojai, CA. I came away having 5 birdie's on the day but hit a patch of poor golf and ended up at +6 for the day.
NOTE#2: July is a rest and practice month that sends me head long into the fall schedule. My updated schedule will be available soon.
I hope and pray your summer golf is marvelous.
Happy Independence Day!
Byron
byron golfs
GOLF SMART - FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
I'm Going To Rant Now (you may not wish to read)
Golf is a game, played on a big field with sticks and a ball. Generally with friends or competitors, where the lowest score wins. It's silly. A silly game played by grown ups for the purpose of enjoying themselves.
I play for two main reasons, other than the fact that I love the game. I play for the exercise. I like walking and carrying my clubs. I get several miles in everyday. Except when I'm forced to ride and I tend to stay away from those days. I'd rather play golf alone than ride in a silly cart. For the joy of golf for me is to take a walk in this manicured park.
Maybe this is because I grew up near a golf course and spent many hours there. I found solace not only playing the game, but late in the evenings contemplating life on that course. My family played golf together and that was a great memory. My dad and mom spent hours out there on the course with me, just walking and playing.
I will ride on occasion, but it's never the same for me. It takes away that feeling of walking up the fairway and seeing the whole course as it was designed to be seen (reason #2). It's a picture, a landscape designed for our pleasure. So riding in a cart takes all that away. You don't see those views while jumping in and out of a cart.
Remember, I'm here to rant today. I don't really care about the argument that riding takes less time to play. Well, if that was true then how come there is this on-going discussion about players taking to much time? Kind of stabs a hole in the argument for riding, doesn't it?
I guess what I'm really saying, I hope you don't miss out on two things that have made this game enjoyable to me; the beauty of the course, and the exercise.
In the mean time, hit'em hard and look up!
Byron
I play for two main reasons, other than the fact that I love the game. I play for the exercise. I like walking and carrying my clubs. I get several miles in everyday. Except when I'm forced to ride and I tend to stay away from those days. I'd rather play golf alone than ride in a silly cart. For the joy of golf for me is to take a walk in this manicured park.
Maybe this is because I grew up near a golf course and spent many hours there. I found solace not only playing the game, but late in the evenings contemplating life on that course. My family played golf together and that was a great memory. My dad and mom spent hours out there on the course with me, just walking and playing.
I will ride on occasion, but it's never the same for me. It takes away that feeling of walking up the fairway and seeing the whole course as it was designed to be seen (reason #2). It's a picture, a landscape designed for our pleasure. So riding in a cart takes all that away. You don't see those views while jumping in and out of a cart.
Remember, I'm here to rant today. I don't really care about the argument that riding takes less time to play. Well, if that was true then how come there is this on-going discussion about players taking to much time? Kind of stabs a hole in the argument for riding, doesn't it?
I guess what I'm really saying, I hope you don't miss out on two things that have made this game enjoyable to me; the beauty of the course, and the exercise.
In the mean time, hit'em hard and look up!
Byron
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Ah, That Feels Better
How powerful is positive thinking? How much does it help in creating champions? This is not a report with figures to back my facts but I have personal experience and learned knowledge. Upon completing the Principal Charity Classic pre-qualifier in Iowa (which btw a great job to Bob Niger for making it through both qualifiers into the tournament), I had a long drive back to Kansas City where my plane awaited me. No not personal jet but as I've mentioned, I'm glad to use anyone's extra NetJet hours. The drive was a simple straight line from DesMoines to Kansas City so I had ample opportunity to think back through the round. Interesting that my thoughts lead me down a different path.
Tiger! Yes, the most prolific golfer still playing tournament level golf today. During his slump when he actually missed a couple cuts and only played average golf for him I began listening, recording and playing back his after round comments. Known to have one of the toughest, strongest and most disciplined mental games I figured that during his slump he would be lamenting his scores or his new swing.
Let me make it perfectly clear. I DON'T KNOW TIGER PERSONALLY! Therefore this has nothing to do with his personal life. If you want to know more about that, ask him. As I said, I don't know him. We have that clear now, okay. This is not a "Let's slam Tigers personal moral life." I care about his personal moral life but I don't know anything about it. That means I have nothing to say. Ahhhh...that feels better.
Where was I...Tigers slump. During his slump and after his rounds he was often interviewed. Never once did I hear him lament, whine, down grade or make negative comments about his play. NEVER. That is amazing. He always found a positive take on some aspect of his game to comment on. The commentators were pushing him to speak the TRUTH. They pushed him to talk about missing the cut or how he missed a shot. Nope, Tiger remained focused on the positive. It might have been as simple as how he released the club that day, or a shot that he made. But always positive.
Back to me now.
If you read my Facebook comments about my discovery in Atlanta, I believed I had found THE issue. The breakthrough moment in my golf career that would send me spiraling to the top of the leader boards. One week later, in Iowa, I had the opportunity to apply this breakthrough method for a second time, with little positive results. It was a band-aid. I believed it to be the all consuming answer to any problem I was to face on the course, but my struggles continued. And there in lies the difference between an aspiring professional golfer and an accomplished champion. Attitude. Negative verses positive. I have been talking about my slump for these past months and Tiger focused on a positive aspect of his game.
On my return trip to Kansas City I was relieved to discover that I had a horrible mental approach to the game. I was stepping onto the first tee with a negative look at the day. My first thoughts were about getting off the tee, and if I would place the ball where I needed to. I was thinking how my game was and would I score low. I have been standing over putts wishing them in, not believing I have the skill and ability to put them in.
Why was I relieved to discover this? I was happy, even elated. I found myself doing a little car dance, which I'm sure the lady passing me in the Lexus 350 was a little amused. Why? Because negative attitudes can be changed. Positive attitude in life is a discipline. It's not something you just walk out and own. It is a place that must be nourished daily. Much like a muscle, with out exercise it atrophies. This makes me happy. I can change my attitude. I can look forward to thinking positive on the course. So, I have been. I have been practicing the Art of Brilliant Thinking. The act of turning a negative thought into a positive thought.
How important is positive thinking? Tiger has already won four times this year. He didn't get there by focusing on the negatives during his slump. Champions, in every walk of life focus on the can do's. They turn the 'unable to' into the 'most definitely.' If you see me on the course, I'm practicing the first steps of being a brilliant thinker.
Here's to excellent thinking,
Byron
Tiger! Yes, the most prolific golfer still playing tournament level golf today. During his slump when he actually missed a couple cuts and only played average golf for him I began listening, recording and playing back his after round comments. Known to have one of the toughest, strongest and most disciplined mental games I figured that during his slump he would be lamenting his scores or his new swing.
Let me make it perfectly clear. I DON'T KNOW TIGER PERSONALLY! Therefore this has nothing to do with his personal life. If you want to know more about that, ask him. As I said, I don't know him. We have that clear now, okay. This is not a "Let's slam Tigers personal moral life." I care about his personal moral life but I don't know anything about it. That means I have nothing to say. Ahhhh...that feels better.
Where was I...Tigers slump. During his slump and after his rounds he was often interviewed. Never once did I hear him lament, whine, down grade or make negative comments about his play. NEVER. That is amazing. He always found a positive take on some aspect of his game to comment on. The commentators were pushing him to speak the TRUTH. They pushed him to talk about missing the cut or how he missed a shot. Nope, Tiger remained focused on the positive. It might have been as simple as how he released the club that day, or a shot that he made. But always positive.
Back to me now.
If you read my Facebook comments about my discovery in Atlanta, I believed I had found THE issue. The breakthrough moment in my golf career that would send me spiraling to the top of the leader boards. One week later, in Iowa, I had the opportunity to apply this breakthrough method for a second time, with little positive results. It was a band-aid. I believed it to be the all consuming answer to any problem I was to face on the course, but my struggles continued. And there in lies the difference between an aspiring professional golfer and an accomplished champion. Attitude. Negative verses positive. I have been talking about my slump for these past months and Tiger focused on a positive aspect of his game.
On my return trip to Kansas City I was relieved to discover that I had a horrible mental approach to the game. I was stepping onto the first tee with a negative look at the day. My first thoughts were about getting off the tee, and if I would place the ball where I needed to. I was thinking how my game was and would I score low. I have been standing over putts wishing them in, not believing I have the skill and ability to put them in.
Why was I relieved to discover this? I was happy, even elated. I found myself doing a little car dance, which I'm sure the lady passing me in the Lexus 350 was a little amused. Why? Because negative attitudes can be changed. Positive attitude in life is a discipline. It's not something you just walk out and own. It is a place that must be nourished daily. Much like a muscle, with out exercise it atrophies. This makes me happy. I can change my attitude. I can look forward to thinking positive on the course. So, I have been. I have been practicing the Art of Brilliant Thinking. The act of turning a negative thought into a positive thought.
How important is positive thinking? Tiger has already won four times this year. He didn't get there by focusing on the negatives during his slump. Champions, in every walk of life focus on the can do's. They turn the 'unable to' into the 'most definitely.' If you see me on the course, I'm practicing the first steps of being a brilliant thinker.
Here's to excellent thinking,
Byron
Friday, May 24, 2013
Surprised by the Power?
If you want more yards from your driver, or any club, I have one suggestion - widen your stance, take a much longer swing (wrap the club around your head) and swing so hard it lifts your feet off the ground. Don't expect it to go straight but do expect your foursome to scream like little girls in delight at watching this spectacle. Once you find your ball, and good luck at that, repeat the same.
To a degree I'm not joking. We the people, put so much energy and resources in hitting the golf ball as far as possible, why not just go for it. They do have contests specifically for this adventure. Golf, is a game where scoring the lowest is our pursuit, but it's a day to day thing, so swing away, don't worry, tomorrow brings another look at life on the course.
There are moments that I need to widen the stance, lengthen the swing and pray to God that I hit it relatively near the fairway, although the general purpose of the driver is to place the ball in a good location for your approach into the green (or fairway if a par five). This is called strategy, or smart golf. The best players know this and practice it regularly. Which brings a couple questions to mind: Which one are you? And which one do you want to be?
Is scoring lower your interest, or being the longest driver of the ball? Both you say? There are a few of those out there. Tiger, Bubba, JB and a few others but then they work at it everyday and have been blessed with some natural ability for distance. Unlike most of us, we should make a choice. If distance is your game then enjoy 'WOWING' your buds but don't be so upset with yourself if you don't hit every fairway and score the lowest.
If you want to score lower, than it would be my instruction to begin considering where to place the ball to prepare for your second shot. A little strategy, generally, goes a further than a long drive in scoring lower. As a final thought, stepping on the first tee with your friends what do you want them to remember;
A. He hits it so far...or
B. I hope I can beat him today?
Smart golf - for my mental health!
Byron
To a degree I'm not joking. We the people, put so much energy and resources in hitting the golf ball as far as possible, why not just go for it. They do have contests specifically for this adventure. Golf, is a game where scoring the lowest is our pursuit, but it's a day to day thing, so swing away, don't worry, tomorrow brings another look at life on the course.
There are moments that I need to widen the stance, lengthen the swing and pray to God that I hit it relatively near the fairway, although the general purpose of the driver is to place the ball in a good location for your approach into the green (or fairway if a par five). This is called strategy, or smart golf. The best players know this and practice it regularly. Which brings a couple questions to mind: Which one are you? And which one do you want to be?
Is scoring lower your interest, or being the longest driver of the ball? Both you say? There are a few of those out there. Tiger, Bubba, JB and a few others but then they work at it everyday and have been blessed with some natural ability for distance. Unlike most of us, we should make a choice. If distance is your game then enjoy 'WOWING' your buds but don't be so upset with yourself if you don't hit every fairway and score the lowest.
If you want to score lower, than it would be my instruction to begin considering where to place the ball to prepare for your second shot. A little strategy, generally, goes a further than a long drive in scoring lower. As a final thought, stepping on the first tee with your friends what do you want them to remember;
A. He hits it so far...or
B. I hope I can beat him today?
Smart golf - for my mental health!
Byron
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Out of the Woods?
I'm in the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport, it's 5:40AM, yes it's a stupid O'clock flight on my way to Kansas City. Yesterday I finished the Bridgemill tournament north of Atlanta with the Sunbelt Senior Tour. I went with one singular thought in mind. Would my professional golf career continue as is or would it begin to move toward a change?
This month is the beginning of my fifth year in playing tournaments full time. In 2007 I spent the year working out, practicing and I played three events. One of these events was in Minnesota where I injured myself and spent the next four months on the injured list.
2008, was my transitional year. I played more tournaments and was traveling with our non profit more than I expected, but the work was going strong so it was a good year. The next year, 2009, began my first full season of tournament play. I played 16 events that year, which is a big step up.
ENOUGH HISTORY BYRON!!! Yes, I agree. Let's move on to something that could possibly be more interesting. The tournament at Bridgemill Athletic Club.
I have mentioned before that for the past 8, now 10, months have been a fight, struggle, frustration, mind numbing, tongue biting season of great ball striking and poor scoring. "How does that happen, Byron," you ask with that quizzical look.
About four months into this season I called a friend who has been playing tournaments for many years. A professional with a tour win. I presented my 'situation' to him in hopes of receiving some sage advice that would pull me from the pit of despair and onto the clouds of glory. Nope! Nothing. Well, he did give me something, "Byron, everyone goes through it. Keep pushing ahead and don't give up."
Really! That's it. That's your stinking sage advice? I want out of this mess. Now six months after hanging up the phone with the wise counselor I was ready to call it quits. I came to Georgia with a decision having to be made. Will I continue in this present state or move on? Moving on sounded really good. I was tired. I have had two injuries since 2008 that set me back, I've had endless leg and back pain that I would gladly live without and almost any golfer understands and now this extended slump.
84. Yes that was my first days score at Bridgemill Athletic Club. Driving back to my hotel that afternoon I figured I had received my answer and that pursuing a professional golf career was over. At least pursuing a more prestigious tour. I was going to give in and realize that maybe I'm not cut out for the 'Big Game.'
The evening meal came and went, I was lamenting and sulking about like a wounded puppy. I called Crystal --- poor woman having to put up with that attitude. Thanks Babes. The night passed uneventful, which is good in hotel living, and off to the course I drove at 6;30AM. I had a little conversation with myself and God. Not a test or an ultimatum but a question. Is there something I can do today that will actually help me score and get out of this horrible slump?
I decided that this day was going to be different. It couldn't hurt, right? I couldn't score much worse and as I've been scoring poorly I figured this may be my last good competitive round for a while. So, what should I do. Definitely something completely different. What could that be...think...think... What would be a completely different approach to may game.
I walked up to the first tee and decided for every shot I would pick a target to hit to. Then my goal was to hit my ball to that target, to the best of my abilities. Forget my swing thoughts, forget who I was playing with, forget the need to win or loose. Choose a target - hit the target.
Let's finish this blog. I scored great. Not my best but so much better and...
1. after completing my round the head of the tour approached me, having watched my tee shot on #1 says to me, "That was the smoothest swing." I had no thought but my target.
2. The Wise Counselor, who was present, ask me what changed. Upon telling him my approach he says, "Oh, that's what the pros do." REALLY...you couldn't have told me that six months ago?
3. One time doesn't make a breakthrough, so Crystal and I decided that instead of coming home I should travel on to Iowa next week for the Principal Charity Classic qualifiers and give this new found approach a second chance.
I'm not sure that two times makes a good trial run but if this pulls me out of the slump and moves me on up, then wonderful. It's a start. One time felt like a breakthrough. It was wonderful to feel comfortable out there again and see my score head downwards (this is a good thing for you non golfers).
I'm on my way to Kansas City for the next 6 days where I will have ample opportunity to practice and put this new found approach into play.
Thanks for sending your kind words of encouragement and prayers during this season. They have been such a great blessing to me. I'm not out of the woods yet but it's very feasible that I've at least found a marked path that can lead me out.
Hit'em hard and look up,
Byron
This month is the beginning of my fifth year in playing tournaments full time. In 2007 I spent the year working out, practicing and I played three events. One of these events was in Minnesota where I injured myself and spent the next four months on the injured list.
2008, was my transitional year. I played more tournaments and was traveling with our non profit more than I expected, but the work was going strong so it was a good year. The next year, 2009, began my first full season of tournament play. I played 16 events that year, which is a big step up.
ENOUGH HISTORY BYRON!!! Yes, I agree. Let's move on to something that could possibly be more interesting. The tournament at Bridgemill Athletic Club.
I have mentioned before that for the past 8, now 10, months have been a fight, struggle, frustration, mind numbing, tongue biting season of great ball striking and poor scoring. "How does that happen, Byron," you ask with that quizzical look.
About four months into this season I called a friend who has been playing tournaments for many years. A professional with a tour win. I presented my 'situation' to him in hopes of receiving some sage advice that would pull me from the pit of despair and onto the clouds of glory. Nope! Nothing. Well, he did give me something, "Byron, everyone goes through it. Keep pushing ahead and don't give up."
Really! That's it. That's your stinking sage advice? I want out of this mess. Now six months after hanging up the phone with the wise counselor I was ready to call it quits. I came to Georgia with a decision having to be made. Will I continue in this present state or move on? Moving on sounded really good. I was tired. I have had two injuries since 2008 that set me back, I've had endless leg and back pain that I would gladly live without and almost any golfer understands and now this extended slump.
84. Yes that was my first days score at Bridgemill Athletic Club. Driving back to my hotel that afternoon I figured I had received my answer and that pursuing a professional golf career was over. At least pursuing a more prestigious tour. I was going to give in and realize that maybe I'm not cut out for the 'Big Game.'
The evening meal came and went, I was lamenting and sulking about like a wounded puppy. I called Crystal --- poor woman having to put up with that attitude. Thanks Babes. The night passed uneventful, which is good in hotel living, and off to the course I drove at 6;30AM. I had a little conversation with myself and God. Not a test or an ultimatum but a question. Is there something I can do today that will actually help me score and get out of this horrible slump?
I decided that this day was going to be different. It couldn't hurt, right? I couldn't score much worse and as I've been scoring poorly I figured this may be my last good competitive round for a while. So, what should I do. Definitely something completely different. What could that be...think...think... What would be a completely different approach to may game.
I walked up to the first tee and decided for every shot I would pick a target to hit to. Then my goal was to hit my ball to that target, to the best of my abilities. Forget my swing thoughts, forget who I was playing with, forget the need to win or loose. Choose a target - hit the target.
Let's finish this blog. I scored great. Not my best but so much better and...
1. after completing my round the head of the tour approached me, having watched my tee shot on #1 says to me, "That was the smoothest swing." I had no thought but my target.
2. The Wise Counselor, who was present, ask me what changed. Upon telling him my approach he says, "Oh, that's what the pros do." REALLY...you couldn't have told me that six months ago?
3. One time doesn't make a breakthrough, so Crystal and I decided that instead of coming home I should travel on to Iowa next week for the Principal Charity Classic qualifiers and give this new found approach a second chance.
I'm not sure that two times makes a good trial run but if this pulls me out of the slump and moves me on up, then wonderful. It's a start. One time felt like a breakthrough. It was wonderful to feel comfortable out there again and see my score head downwards (this is a good thing for you non golfers).
I'm on my way to Kansas City for the next 6 days where I will have ample opportunity to practice and put this new found approach into play.
Thanks for sending your kind words of encouragement and prayers during this season. They have been such a great blessing to me. I'm not out of the woods yet but it's very feasible that I've at least found a marked path that can lead me out.
Hit'em hard and look up,
Byron
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