I hope you enjoyed last month’s column. Nancy explained to me that it was “a bit too technical.” I think it was a compliment when she said, “at least it had a small amount of humor.” I am going to assume that means perhaps a few good lines, rather than not very humorous.

Well, it's that time of year with Thanksgiving just past and Christmas near. The beautiful weather will not last forever, and the days are getting shorter. So much for the good news. Now let’s discuss what we can do during this time of the golf season.

I know what you are thinking. “Here we go…he's going to sell us new grips, new shafts, lessons and time on the launch monitor. Practice my swing into the net indoors where it is warm.” Not so. Actually, I want to discuss how we can better prepare our minds for the spring.

Let’s begin by thinking back over our last season and pinpoint a few areas to work on.

1. Did we get to play regularly all year?

2. Did we improve from previous year?

3. Did we do anything to make improvements?

4. Did we enjoy the time we did get to play?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” why? The first thing is, we just don't always have the time to play as much as we would like to. That is why numbers 2, 3 and 4 are so important.

No matter how much we get to play, is it ever enough? NO! That’s why they call it “play” and what we need to remember. You can make your game so important, it is no longer play; it becomes work.

Now, if golf is how you earn your living, I have two things to say to you. Work at it hard and, boy, are you blessed. For the rest, of us let's keep it fun. If we set our standards of being a good golfer by Tiger Woods, we are doomed to failure. Look at the figures. There are over six million golfers in the world and only one Tiger. So play as often as you can, and enjoy the blessing.

If we didn't improve, why? No practice, no instruction on what we are doing or wrong, wrong equipment. Hitting the ball with an improper swing just grooves the improper swing mechanics. Get with someone who can help. Swinging clubs that are too lightweight or too heavy, the wrong length, too stiff or too soft can make a major difference. Sometimes it is the loose nut at the end of the shaft -- not the equipment! Get in the right frame of mind. Set your goals with your ability in mind. Know that you can improve. Play hard and smart. As my lovely wife tells me, “you aren't good enough to get mad about a bad shot. Move on.”

Well this has gone on long enough to almost get us through winter. So go PLAY. Enjoy the day, the fellowship and the wonderful surroundings GOD has given us.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Steve Silvey

Malachi Golf

1465 Dahlonega Hwy.

Cumming, Georgia

(770) 889-9161