Taking-for-Granted Syndrome
from "The Education of a Golfer" by Sam Snead
Day 5 in our 7-part series on The Education of a Golfer by Sam Snead.
Last time, Sam talked about the Big Quit. After a run of bad shots, we consciously or subconsciously lose hope and play with a little less focus and self-belief.
There’s an opposite mindset that’s just as damaging. Sam calls it “falling asleep on the golf course.”
He writes, “It happens every weekend when a high-handicapper who’s bearing down on every shot wipes out a low handicapper who’s so sure he’ll win that he falls asleep.”
To drive the point home, Sam shares one of the most painful memories in his career.
“In my mind, I was ordering a nice steak for dinner.”
At the 1952 Ryder Cup, Sam played against a British golfer named Harry Weetman. Harry had never won on the PGA Tour. His Ryder Cup record was 2 wins, 11 losses, and 2 ties.
Sam writes, “After 12 holes, I had him four down. My record of never having lost a Ryder Cup singles match was as safe as money in the bank.”
Taking his lead granted, Sam “fell asleep.” He played with less intensity and focus. “In my mind,” he admits, “I was ordering a nice steak for dinner.”
On 13, he drove into the heather and Harry won the hole. Three down. On 14, Harry chipped inside Sam’s ball. Two down. On 15, Sam sliced into the trees. One down. On 16, Sam got stuck in a bunker. All even. On 17, Harry’s birdie beat Sam’s par.
Harry was now one up.
Sam writes, “We halved the 18th hole to complete one of the worst flops in my life.”
Take nothing for granted.
So how do we stay awake and present during 18 holes of golf? Sam offers a simple solution: take nothing for granted.
On every shot, appreciate the conditions, risks and rewards. Between shots, appreciate the opportunity to play and the people you’re playing with. When you hit a bad shot, appreciate the challenge. When you hit a good shot, appreciate the moment.
As usual, Sam was ahead of his time. What he calls “falling asleep,” psychologist Steve Taylor calls “The Taking for Granted Syndrome.” And he offers the same solution: appreciation.
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” Willie Nelson
To help us stay awake, Dr. Taylor offers a useful tip. Create an appreciation list and connect each item to a location or situation. For example:
“I will appreciate the view from each tee box.”
“I will appreciate the walk down each fairway.”
“I will appreciate the details of each shot.”
“I will appreciate the challenge of getting out of trouble.”
With a little practice, those locations and situations will trigger your appreciation. You’ll play better, because instead of falling asleep or going on auto-pilot, you’ll stay awake and alert from the first drive to the last putt.
That’s all for now. Tomorrow, Sam teaches us how to swing with our feet. Until then, keep imagining what’s possible.