As simple as it sounds, however, the psychological impact, physical and mental challenge, obsessive control, and therapeutic value that golf has on mature and otherwise normal adults is one that defies science, logic or explanation. One wonders what causes a normal, intelligent, and sensible adult to revert to a child-like state of pure exhilaration and personal triumph at a well hit ball that comes to rest on the green just a few inches from the hole. Imagine the deep personal satisfaction and pride of seeing a difficult chip shot off the green that sends the ball rolling gently into the hole for a birdie or even a par. And what about that beautifully hit second shot that takes your ball from the rough and lofts it on the green only to end with a triple putt and a bogey. Talk about a deep sense of pride and satisfaction followed by the frustration and humiliation of an effort gone south.
Golf is a game that exposes heart and mind to unusual surprises.
It is not a secret that I indulge myself in this most illusive, frustrating, satisfying and exhilarating game of golf. I also know that golf can be very humbling to the ego. Having hit more practice range balls and played more golf courses and taken more lessons than I care to recall, I am well aware of how humbling it is to step up to the tee before an audience and miss the ball completely. I have experienced the whole range of emotional highs, lows, and every other sense and physical and mental state possible. Over the years, as with most golfers, I have practiced to improve my drives, chips, and putts and have amassed and retired a large number of clubs and putters of various shapes and makes trying to improve my game and lower my handicap.