Quote:
Originally Posted by PA PLAYA
I'd be lying if I said that having to wait on every shot doesn't affect me.
However, I'm trying to improve my coping techniques. When you're accustomed to playing 4-hr rounds, and you've grown to enjoy that pace, obviously it's not quite that easy to readjust to a different playing momentum. Easier said than done.
So I can either learn to deal with it positively and try to not allow it to determine how I play, or I can stew on it and allow it to make the game miserable. Doesn't mean that I endorse slow play, but I know that it's a product of the game and likewise part of the many challenges that face us occasionally.
It is indeed a game of patience.
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This is why I abhor "either/or" situations or attitudes. I'm not suggesting that you, PLAYA, fall into any particular category, but many people do and that becomes problematic when a situation is not to their liking.
I have played very fast rounds and I've enjoyed them and done quite well from a scoring point of view. But I can say the same for slow rounds as well and that's my point; it isn't about slow rounds or fast rounds, but rather it's about
adaptability.
I think that to be a consistent player, one needs the ability to adjust not only their game to changing conditions, but their mind as well. I have seen far too many people who firmly believe in the "Four Hour Round", come completely unglued and unable to play even a decent game when the play slows to a more typical (at least around here) "weekend" pace. The really good players are the ones who are able to adapt their psyches to such situations and play well in spite of them.
This is what I thought that Alan was referring to in his post; that being able to occupy one's time constructively while being forced to wait will do far more good than the usual whining and complaining so often heard in such situations. When I see that there are two groups backed up on a tee, I begin planning how I'll spend my wait time. I'll decide to practice 8-iron chips, or perhaps I'll decide to clean the grooves of my wedges, or any number of things. If I get caught up in the usual,
"For cryin' out loud, what's takin' them so long?" nonsense, all I'll end up doing is creating tension and tension has no place in a good round of golf.
Patience may indeed be a virtue, but it can also be a rather effective strategy as well.
-JP