First of all, I admit it. I’m frustrated that my scores don’t seem to be coming down right now. On the other hand, I’m trusting that I’m on track to real improvement and taking solace in the good shots that I’m hitting. Sometimes I still get too quick, but other times I’ve got a nice slow conscious take-away and a smooth yet powerful pace. Sometimes I relax and stay behind the ball until I come through with plenty of power, other times I practically lunge at the ball. So the scores go up and down throughout my rounds. I’m getting closer… and more and more my relaxed, easeful swing is coming into focus and becoming a familiar friend.

Interestingly, I started on the first hole yesterday with my new Callaway FT-5 driver (the first time I played with it… got a great deal on EBay) and I took a nice smooth swing and hit it long and straight with a nice small draw. Later, it was not so good… sometimes. But, by remembering those good swings I know that I’m getting closer to my goal of a game that will bring me down to a single-digit handicap. However, it is taking patience. I’m trusting that the good shots–from wonderful pitches to crisp irons to solid fairway woods–will become more common; and that the bad shots that get me into trouble will become less frequent.

Hang in there, Jon. (and hang in there readers) I am learning and finding my way to freedom… one stroke at a time.