The Round Where I Finally Got Out of My Own Head
Settle in. Let’s talk golf.
We had a Friday holiday coming up, so naturally I did what any golf addict would do – I played Thursday night.
Partly to avoid the crowds.
Partly to try a twilight round.
But mostly because I finally stepped onto my first full 18-hole course after only playing 9-hole executive courses.
And guess what?
It was amazing.
And honestly… it ended up being one of those rounds you don’t forget.
The Setup
Everything lined up for a great round.
I was playing with a family member and a friend, the weather was perfect with a cool breeze, the course wasn’t crowded, and the overall vibe just felt right.
But more importantly, I came in with a decision.
After a miserable round the week before, I told myself:
Get out of your head. Period.
Because if I’m being honest… I can be my own worst enemy.
The Shift
This was also the smallest group I’ve played with so far, which helped more than I expected.
Less pressure.
Less worrying about what others think.
More focus on just playing.
And throughout the round, I kept reminding myself to trust my swing, take a full backswing, commit to the hinge, and most importantly – stop trying to guide the ball.
Just swing.
The Shot I Won’t Forget
One moment stood out.
Par 3. About 147 yards. Pond between the tee and the green, with a pretty small landing area and fast greens.
Took a look at the pin. Took a breath.
I grabbed my 9-iron – my go-to club – and committed.
Full backswing.
Good hinge.
Smooth swing.
I lost the ball in the air, but then I heard my buddy behind me go, “Whoa.”
That got my attention — and then I saw it.
The ball came down about 15 feet from the hole… and just stopped.
No roll.
I didn’t cry… but it was close.
Hands up, little celebration – it felt like I had just won something.
And in that moment, it hit me:
This is what I’ve been needing.
Proof that I can hit a really great shot.
And Then It Happened Again
Later in the round, I stepped up on a 298-yard par 4.
Same mindset. Same approach.
I committed to the swing again – and absolutely crushed it.
The ball carried about 290 yards, landed on the green, and rolled out another 20.
I just stood there for a second.
Stunned.
That wasn’t luck.
That was commitment.
That was getting out of my head.
And it happened more than once.
The Real Lesson
It wasn’t about the distance or even the shots themselves.
It was this:
When I got out of my head…
Trusted my swing…
And committed fully…
Everything changed.
Not every shot was perfect.
But the good ones?
They were really good.
Real Talk
The mental game is hard.
It might actually be the hardest part of golf.
But this round showed me something important:
The swing is there.
The problem isn’t always the swing.
It’s the noise we bring into it.
The Next Shot
Your best shots aren’t hiding in a new swing.
They’re on the other side of commitment… and getting out of your own way.
Get out of your head.
Trust what you’ve built.
And let it go.
Real Talk. Play Better.
Effort builds results
