Obstacles



12th Hole, Mt. Hood, Melrose, MA

     Obstacles...When I decided to write about them, I turned to my coach's book for inspiration and realized immediately that there was no way to improve on Maria Nemeth's writings in her book, Mastering Life's Energies.  Here's what she had to say in a sub-chapter called, "The Elements of a Game Worth Playing:"  

     "Psychologists and sociologists have studied games for years, and most agree that they share the following fundamental qualities:

     - Structure:  a playing field with one or more players
     - Goals, and the object is to attain these goals
     - Obstacles to attaining these goals
     - Skills that must be developed to play the game competently and overcome obstacles
     - The possibility of losing or failing to attain the goal due to the obstacles
     - Rules of engagement
     - Feedback, which lets the player know how well he or she is playing
    
     We are shaped by the games we choose to play because playing requires clarity.  We ask:  How is this game structured, and what are the goals ?   How do I get around obstacles ?  What are the rules ?  By being clear about these things, we focus our attention and actions.  Clarity is about where to apply focus...and obstacles are at the heart of every interesting and worthwhile game." 

     Maria goes on to write about how meaningless any accomplishment would be had there been no obstacle to overcome.  When I've hit a ball to a less than desirable spot out on the golf course, I always think as I approach it, "another great opportunity to make an amazing shot."  We want extraordinary golf experiences, and obstacles are what provide us those opportunities.  It doesn't mean that we aren't happy when we have a great lie and make a good shot from that position, but isn't it the awesome shot from a crappy lie that stays with us after the round ?  

     Lastly, Maria writes about playing with ease, which seems to be in direct conflict with her position that a game worth playing must present obstacles.  But, having the ability to approach an obstacle with ease doesn't mean that it's easy to get through; it simply means that you have developed the skills to approach it with confidence.  You are clear about what you intend to do, and you have the ability to focus your energy for optimum results.   Then, when you are resilient and centered as you move from one obstacle to the next, you have found grace out on the golf course, and that's a great way to play golf...

     Happy Spring - We're so close to our first round of the season :)