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GOLF ESSAYS
explode the moment, the Stamford amateur, by Michael Ordway, Stamford high school, Stamford Connecticut. The Stamford Amateur Golf Tournament began promptly at 7:00. Despite anticipation, I step onto the tee at 7:10. Vegetation dominates the landscape of Hubbard Heights Golf Course. The sun illuminates an infinitely blue sky and reflects off dew covered grass.
“Everyone is present, so let’s have 7:20 on the tee. Here are some complimentary balls, if you’d like. Michael Ordway will tee off first. Good luck,” were the last words I heard before I plunged into a world of intensity and solitude. Hands clasping a 4-iron, with stress-filled tension, I ready myself to swing. I am filled with reluctance and nervousness, yet I remain eagerly anticipant. Lead by my hands, the small iron head travels back as my hips and shoulders turn. Cocked back, my body is ready to explode with a release of potential energy. Within milliseconds, neurons extend to my limbs, initiating their decent. However, stray thoughts disrupt this process. The consideration of an outcome elicits thoughts of fear. A single spark of nervousness ignites within me and expands into a raging fire of fear and doubt. My arms stiffen and my hips lock. I helplessly watch my ball crash into the ground and rebound forward and sideways. It stops abruptly, 35 yards ahead, in grass that shields the dirt beneath it from the powerful rays of the sun.
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Disappointment becomes anger, as an internal conflict ensues. I wish to progress with focus, but my mistake becomes a block in my stream of consciousness. An inward search for an answer only reveals further anxiety for a second chance. Harry Vardon’s voice, that of a once great golfer, suddenly speaks within my mind, “Never Despair.” These famous words temporarily ameliorate my tension. However, the two other players in the group smack shots down the left and right sides of the fairway. As their balls soar into the air, a belittling sensation overtakes me. Unable to assuage myself with Harry Vardon’s advice, my knowledge of the game becomes my last resource for assurance. In golf, one plays not against other players, but against himself and his obstacles. Head raised towards my next challenge, confidence re-enters my body with rejuvenating energy. Leading with my right foot, I make my first strides off the tee box. With my mind refocused, I approach my ball. My eyes locate the barely visible ball, embedded in the rough. Now a few feet behind the ball, its path to the fairway becomes clear. Anticipation quickens my heart rate. The ball beneath my feet begs me to discover my capabilities. The surrounding grass stands tall, yet I stand taller. I swing.
On the last hole, on the last green, I stand over the final putt.
Previously fretting over challenging shots, I now remain calm and
focused in the face of difficulty. With clarity of mind I envision my
goal. A path through the slopes of the green becomes apparent. Extreme
focus narrows my vision as I pin-point an infinitesimal target. My hands
sweep the putter back and through the ball. Following it with my eyes, I
travel the journey across the green towards the hole. Over bumps and
slopes, through grass and dirt, I reach my destination and plunge into a
round white cup. |
Overcoming those fifteen feet of green has taught me memorable lessons. Although golf may elicit frustration, the triumph over its mental and physical obstacles builds character. On the course, one is his or her own team. One becomes a self-supporting, goal-oriented individual, always aspiring for improvement. On the course, producing results is all that matters. Golf has taught me to overcome physical and mental obstacles in any aspect of life. The mental struggles experienced on the golf course taught me to focus and take ambition to the next level by producing results.
The lessons of golf are pertinent to my activities outside of the fairways and the greens. Since the qualifying round of the 2008 amateur tournament, I continue to embrace challenges with confidence off the course in various organizations and leadership roles. These lessons will remain with me as I move closer to my long-term ambitions. In applying my experiences from on and off the course, as I seek to become a leader in my university and career experiences, I realize that every shot is an opportunity and a risk; when that risk is taken without fear, it can yield great rewards.
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