What can we all learn from The 2012 Open Championship? Golf is a funny game and you never know what might happen? Good things happen when you stay positive? Even when you’re playing great you still have to finish? How many times have we all been playing beautifully and for some unknown reason our games fall apart at the very end? There were so many things to learn from those 4 days of golf, let me share a few of my thoughts.
Adam Scott was clearly the best player through 67 holes. He struck the ball well, executed his strategy, and managed his way around the course without any big mistakes and it looked like he was on his way to winning his first major title. But at the critical time he started making several errors and he couldn’t finish. Credit has to go out to Ernie for staying in touch, staying aggressive and playing a great final round slowly applying the pressure to Scott. But to me this weekend showed me a critical principle in sports; you never know what’s going to happen so never ever give up!
I also was reminded about another importance thing when hearing Ernie talk. He’s been a great player for many years, won majors and many tournaments around the world. But in the last 5 years or so he’s battled injuries, his game and personal issues. Many felt like he was passed his prime, unfocused and lacking determination to win again on the big stage. But I learnt from him and his caddy’s words that he never stopped wanting to put in the work and win again. There were doubts and struggles but Ernie maintained his love of the game, his desire to successes and his commitment to the process of improving.
Adam Scott was clearly the best player through 67 holes. He struck the ball well, executed his strategy, and managed his way around the course without any big mistakes and it looked like he was on his way to winning his first major title. But at the critical time he started making several errors and he couldn’t finish. Credit has to go out to Ernie for staying in touch, staying aggressive and playing a great final round slowly applying the pressure to Scott. But to me this weekend showed me a critical principle in sports; you never know what’s going to happen so never ever give up!
I also was reminded about another importance thing when hearing Ernie talk. He’s been a great player for many years, won majors and many tournaments around the world. But in the last 5 years or so he’s battled injuries, his game and personal issues. Many felt like he was passed his prime, unfocused and lacking determination to win again on the big stage. But I learnt from him and his caddy’s words that he never stopped wanting to put in the work and win again. There were doubts and struggles but Ernie maintained his love of the game, his desire to successes and his commitment to the process of improving.
Having watched the championship and hearing the interviews after, it made me reflect on what I could learn from this to try to improve my own game. And to send a message that would help us all understand better how to be successful, and here’s what I came up with.
1. Stay committed and focused on your goals.
Without clear goals in your mind the process toward improvement and the motivation needed for it becomes unclear.
2. Learn to love the pursuit of excellence and that will not only make winning sweeter but also more realistic.
Winning is only the end result of dedicated preparation. Love practice and craving improvement will make the path to winning inevitable.
3. Be optimistic and Never Ever Give Up!
Being positive doesn’t guarantee success but negative thinking is almost 100% effective. If you don’t want to do well deeply you probably won’t.
4. Think about the process you’re trying to follow and ignore the results.
Golf is full of highs and lows, stick to process of success and you’ll be better off in the end. Don’t get emotionally attached to success or failure. Instead just try your very best on every shot and let the result take care of themselves.
You know looking back on these words I realize that these principles not only apply to golf but to life as well. Strive to be a better person in all aspect of your life and everything will improve.
James
1. Stay committed and focused on your goals.
Without clear goals in your mind the process toward improvement and the motivation needed for it becomes unclear.
2. Learn to love the pursuit of excellence and that will not only make winning sweeter but also more realistic.
Winning is only the end result of dedicated preparation. Love practice and craving improvement will make the path to winning inevitable.
3. Be optimistic and Never Ever Give Up!
Being positive doesn’t guarantee success but negative thinking is almost 100% effective. If you don’t want to do well deeply you probably won’t.
4. Think about the process you’re trying to follow and ignore the results.
Golf is full of highs and lows, stick to process of success and you’ll be better off in the end. Don’t get emotionally attached to success or failure. Instead just try your very best on every shot and let the result take care of themselves.
You know looking back on these words I realize that these principles not only apply to golf but to life as well. Strive to be a better person in all aspect of your life and everything will improve.
James
