All of the life lessons and golf learning discussed in the previous posts seem to be working and converging enough that my last few scores have been a marked improvement. At least for now, they are a far cry from the high 90′s and above that I’ve been suffering through over the last few months. I broke 90 again last Saturday, I think for the first time since early June (an 88 at Rooster Run). And, I shot a 93 at Stonetree yesterday (a net 70 with my current handicap) with three triples (I know these can be far less frequent), and got a birdie and damn near a hole-in-one on #8 with an 8-iron that landed five feet in front of the hole and rolled right by…

What is particularly satisfying is that I’m feeling more confident and generally hitting the ball more consistently.

What’s working? Well, I made up a new acronym to help me remember: PLAY

P: Play. I have fun with every thing I do.
L: Let it go lightly. Smooth it with Awareness & Ease.
A: Align & Aim. Visualize and focus my energy At the target.
Y: Yes, I can! I trust in who-I-really-am. Every moment is precious and I embrace it with an attitude of gratitude.

Also, Kris Moe‘s input and my experimentation with Aussie pro Gary Edwin’s “right-handed swing” has also helped. The right-handed swing with my left-side more anchored feels much more solid to me. And, thanks also to my local PGA professional, Doug Acton, especially for helping me find a more stable grip. That’s making a big difference too. Like I said, there’s a kind of convergence going on…

More to come.