Here at The Daily Duffer, we believe golf is more than just a game; it’s a way of life. It’s about the fresh air, the camaraderie, the challenge, and most importantly, what we learn about ourselves and how those lessons translate into our everyday lives. This week, reflecting on the journeys of some of golf’s biggest names, I’ve been struck by a powerful common thread: resilience in the face of setbacks. As Dr. Bob Rotella wisely puts it, “Golf is a game played by human beings. Therefore, it is a game of mistakes. Successful golfers know how to respond to mistakes.”
I find this sentiment incredibly liberating. It’s not about being perfect, but about how we adapt and grow when things don’t go according to plan. This isn’t just true for the pros; it’s a mindset that can transform your weekend round, your fitness routine, or even how you approach challenges at work or home.
The Power of Poise: Scottie Scheffler’s Calm Comebacks
Take Scottie Scheffler, for instance. We’ve seen him battle slower starts in tournaments, moments where many of us would be teetering on the edge of frustration. Yet, he consistently pulls through, turning a challenging first round into a strong finish.
“I think these are some of the weeks when you look back,” Scheffler said Sunday, “I’m very proud of sticking with it, not giving up even when I felt like things were going against me this week. Just kept fighting, kept trying to hit shots, kept trying to execute.”
His secret? Calmness, and a refusal to panic. How many times have we, as everyday golfers, let a couple of bad holes unravel our entire round? We start trying to force shots, overthink, and suddenly, golf becomes a battle against ourselves. Scheffler’s approach reminds us that sometimes, the best response to adversity is simply to stay present, trust your process, and keep executing the next shot—one at a time. This isn’t just a golf lesson; it’s a life lesson in emotional regulation. When faced with a challenging situation, take a breath, regroup, and focus on the immediate next step, not the overwhelming mountain ahead.
Rediscovering the Joy: Collin Morikawa’s Back-to-Basics Win
Collin Morikawa’s journey of overcoming a multi-year winless drought speaks volumes about the human tendency to overcomplicate things. He describes a phase where he was “fishing, looking for new methods” – trying too hard to perfect every aspect of his game, perhaps losing the intuitive flow that makes golf so enjoyable.
Anthony Kim’s coach, and how an early-2000s swing set Sunday’s win in motion By:
Nick Piastowski
“I think looking back when I was 10, 12, 15 growing up on Chevy Chase, playing 10 holes, dropping three balls, like I played golf. And I’ve gone so far away from that, that creativity that I think the last two days, I went to go play golf.”
His realization that he just needed to “play golf, man” is profound. How often do we, in our pursuit of improvement—whether in golf, fitness, or a new hobby—get so caught up in the minutiae that we forget the pure joy that drew us to it in the first place? Morikawa’s story is a beautiful reminder to reconnect with the playful, intuitive spirit that ignited our passions. Sometimes, “just play” is the best advice, allowing your subconscious to take over and your natural talent to shine through.
The Return of a Legend: Anthony Kim’s Enduring Spirit
Anthony Kim’s return to professional golf after a 12-year absence is a testament to the enduring power of passion and the core essence of one’s game. His coach, Matt Killen, articulated a key lesson from their work together:
“You don’t even think about positions or complex swing thoughts when you need to hole it. … You’ve got to play golf.”
This “play golf” philosophy resonates deeply. In our quest for perfect form or technique, we can sometimes stifle our athletic instincts. For us everyday golfers, this means trusting the swing you have today, rather than trying to perfectly replicate a tip you saw online. It’s about leveraging your natural athleticism and letting go of overthinking on the course. This principle extends beyond golf; whether it’s finding flow state in a creative project or trusting your instincts in a quick decision, sometimes our best work comes when we get out of our own way.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Golf & Life
So, what can we, as lifestyle-minded golfers, take from these powerful stories?
- Embrace Imperfection: Don’t let a bad shot or a slow start derail your entire round. Adopt Scheffler’s calm demeanor. Take a deep breath, accept the mistake, and focus 100% on the next shot. This mentality can reduce stress and elevate your performance, both on and off the course.
- Revisit Your “Why”: If golf feels like a chore, remember Morikawa’s journey. Reconnect with the joy and passion that first attracted you to the game. Go out and “just play” – hit a few balls without a scorecard, try creative shots, or simply enjoy the walk. This can rekindle your love for the game and reduce overthinking.
- Trust Your Instincts: Like Anthony Kim and his coach demonstrated, sometimes less is more. Instead of getting bogged down with endless swing thoughts, practice letting your body react naturally. Develop a pre-shot routine that helps you get into a confident, athletic state, then trust your swing. This concept of allowing your “subconscious to take over” is powerful for any skill-based activity.
- Equipment That Supports You: While Scheffler’s putter change might seem specific, it highlights an important point: equipment should support your natural tendencies, not fight them. He found that a mallet putter, by removing the need to precisely line up, freed him up because “less is more typically.” Are there small adjustments to your gear—or even your routine—that could simplify your approach and boost your confidence?
Golf, at its heart, is a metaphor for life. We face challenges, make mistakes, and have opportunities to learn and grow. By embracing resilience, rediscovering joy, and trusting our instincts, we can not only improve our game but also cultivate a more fulfilling and satisfying lifestyle. Here’s to many more rounds of “just playing golf”!
