A notoriously short hitter, Corey Pavin, a 14-time PGA tour winner and once the leading money winner struggled with his game after the pinnacle championship of his career, the 1995 U.S. Open. He once stated that he used the 3P’s for effectively handling his downward spiral of play: Patience, Perspective, and Perseverance. What a triumph it would be if we could employ these strategies with our own game, work, and life. Again, playing well is the easy part, it’s when you’re not playing well that determines what type of player you are.
Patience
Developing a golf game takes time. Keep this in mind after a tough round or if it seems your not getting any better. Patience is indeed a virtue with golf and anything worth pursuing takes time. Golf can be frustrating at times, but if you stay with it, you will see improvement.
Perspective
One of the strongest skills anyone can use is the ability to take on someone else’s perspective of your situation. No matter how bad your situation is, it is only an inconvenience. For instance, death, cancer, or serious injuries in the family are sobering events and give those around insight into what is really important in life. Try to keep this in mind when you can’t execute a putt. Adopt the viewpoint that “it’s only an inconvenience,” and know that others have severe problems in life can help keep your game in the proper perspective.
Perseverance
“Never give up, never ever give up” is a glorious quote from the late Jim Valvano. If you are able to employ the first 2 P’s, then this one will take care of itself. I believe that nothing can take the place of hard work and if you stay with it, you will eventually reach your goals.
To order your golf mental rehearsal CD, contact Rob Bell at (865) 591-7730 or e-mail at rbell2@utk.edu, or send $20: 168 Dalton Place, Knoxville, Tn 37912
Rob Bell, Ed.M is a doctoral candidate at the University of Tennessee.
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