How to Laugh More in Golf
Day 4 from “The Golf Hall of Shame” by Bruce Nash and Allan Zullo
The Golf Book Club: Every day, we share a mental game lesson inspired by great golf books—stories and strategies to help you think better so you can play better.
Most of us share a common problem on the golf course: we take ourselves too seriously.
According to psychologists, laughing at ourselves is the best daily vitamin against negative self-talk. That’s called “self-directed laughter.” It builds you up.
But laughing at ourselves can also be unhealthy. That’s called “self-defeating laughter” and it breaks you down.
The secret to happiness, and lower scores, is choosing to laugh up, not down.
Charity is one thing. Dignity is another.
At the 1988 Leukemia Classic, pro golfers gathered for a good cause. Payne Stewart was paired with Cindy Figg-Currier and two other LPGA champions.
Stewart offered to take them all on. He said, “I’ll play against your best ball. What would you ladies like to bet?”
He was joking, but Cindy called his bluff.
She said, “You’re on. I’ll bet my pants against your pants. Whoever loses has to take their pants off on 18 and give them to the winner.”
This isn’t the kind of bet any pro wants to make. TV cameras and reporters were on-site. Fans would be gathered around the 18th green.
Charity is one thing. Dignity is another.
Stewart accepted the bet. But you better believe he played to win. They were all tied on 18 when Cindy made a clutch putt to close the match.
Stewart smiled like a kid, shook his head, walked to the middle of the green, unbuckled his pants and, as fans whooped and whistled, he stripped down to his underwear and handed his pants to Cindy. Laughing, they posed for photos.
Laughter is also a choice.
Studies show that self-directed laughter releases dopamine, reduces tension, and strengthens resilience. It builds you up.
On the other hand, self-defeating laughter releases cortisol, increases tension, and weakens resilience. It breaks you down.
We think of laughter as involuntary. Something funny happens and we just laugh. But according to psychologists, laughter is also a choice—and that choice can change your game and your life.
The writer William Ward said, “A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.”
How do we laugh more on the golf course? Psychologist Paul McGhee says it’s all about cultivating awareness.
He recommends writing a note that asks one question: “What’s funny?”
Put that note on the refrigerator, bathroom mirror or your golf bag. By keeping your sense of humor in your line of sight, you’ll encourage a more playful attitude.
It sounds too simple to be true, but it works. You’ll laugh more and relax more, which are two ingredients for better golf. As Payne Stewart said, “It’s not healthy to take yourself too seriously.”
That’s all for now. Tomorrow, we’ll learn how to turn bad luck into good scores. Until then, keep imagining what’s possible.
Today’s Photo
Denarau Golf & Racquet Club in Fiji
