Oh, I get it…!

I may be getting carried away here, but, having spent the past few days feeling dangerously smug (see previous posts), I think I’ve at last got it!

That is, I’ve defined the point that’s been on the tip of my tantalised tongue. The idea that’s been slipping through my fingers like a wet bath soap, the notion evading my grasp like a thief in a fog-bound night.

I think I truly understand why hitting a golf ball well is such a wonderful thing. And there’s more to it than I imagined.

Previously, as a range junkie, I’d presumed it was just the impact sensation I liked. I feel such elation when I compress a ball perfectly – so perfectly that people comment on the sound rather than the result of your shots. I love watching the ball fly straight and high. And, of course, that all comes with – usually – a better score.

But there’s more. Hitting straight gives you post-shot joy. But expecting to hit straight also delivers pre-shot joy while taking all anxiety and stress out of the game.

Let’s put it another way. On Saturday, coming down the long par-4 18^th, I was 1-up in my club competition final. Armed with my Dave-Steve swing, I was striking beautifully.

Tim pulled his drive left but still appeared to have a shot to the green. I hit a good drive but down the left side of the fairway. That left a screen of high trees and a water hazard blocking out the flag. No chance of going over the trees without over-flying the green. Too far for me, in any case. I’d have to hit a 5-iron from the left side of the fairway to the right, laying up short of the green, then rely on a  pitch and putt.

And guess what? For the first time in my life, no stress. Before, with my slightly slappy fade-slice, this would have been a daunting shot, especially with the match result hanging on it. I mean, where should I aim?

At the hazard, expecting the ball to fade the right amount? But what about the odd (1/10) shot I hit straight – it might end up in the water. So aim just to the right of the hazard? But what if my fade was more of a slice this time (3/10)? I’d end up in the bushes and thick wet rough to the right of the fairway. Equally horrible prospect.

But there I was on Saturday, fully – and I mean fully - expecting for the first time in my life to hit it straight. There was growing evidence, after all, that I would. Just two right-sliding slaps in the entire round up until then.

So – even if it’s still very obviously possible to hit a bad shot – there’s no anxiety to the decision.

And so I aimed to the right, hit the 5 iron dead straight 30yards short of the green, pitched to 8ft and… missed the putt. Only Tim’s approach landed short and he also took a five. So I’d won.

And I’d won without worrying over each and every decision. Two new experiences for me – winning and not worrying. All down to a technically better swing.

Secret of golfing happiness – sort out your swing, and expect to hit straight.