This year I returned to my golf club after a three year absence.
To be honest with you I had very mixed emotions about my return. The Club is entering into an era that I am not really comfortable with. I used to have a voice, but now that voice is no longer heard. It could be because of the way I voiced my displeasure on several topics or it could be that people view me as being old, clinging to the past. After all I have been a member at a private club for 56 years, so I must have learned something along the way.
I was looking to find a place to fit in again( mistake on my part) and contribute because of the experience I have gained over the years. However, when that really didn’t materialised I became very frustrated. I saw errors being made and could not do anything to stop them. Maybe that’s why I spoke out. Then I asked myself a question, When shit happens how do you manage it? I am the type of person that is looking for feedback, listens to input, and constantly self assess. The people who run the Club are looking for reassurances and validations for the decisions they have made. I had to find a way to manage my shit better. My mistake was I made it personal and it was , but I failed to see the opportunity initially. Then I decided to go back do what I love doing. Playing, practising, and figuring out how to play the game. To be honest I believe that practice is therapeutic. The feeling of being by yourself, following a written practice plan and writing a summary after each session is a feeling that is very unique. Sitting on a bench making notes will certainly garner comments from the passer by’s and strange looks from others. Not many understand , but a few do and I can speak with them on a totally different level. We understand that practice does not have a maturity date and we are always in a state of struggle. Every period of my life that I felt overwhelmed, and confused eventually led to a breakthrough – usually more significant than I could have thought of. That is my take away.
There are circles of influence and circles of relationships that intersect. At that point of intersection is where the future gets decided at most clubs and once in there they not do build a developmental path become catalyst’s to success. Instead it just confirms there own biases.
First hand experience always trumps second hand knowledge, but not many understand that.
Until next time!
Follow on Twitter X @Betweentheears2
Between The Ears 