In 1972, Michael Murphy wrote a book called, œGolf in the Kingdom. The book featured a legendary character named Shivas Irons. It has remained one of my all-time favorite books. On July 29th, a movie of the same name was released in New York and probably Los Angeles but I dont know that for sure.

Without any intent to analyze Mr. Murphys purpose or intent in writing the book, I have a few thoughts that were provoked by his words many years ago. They are definitely my own and, as with several different film-makers over the years, it is subject to interpretation. Thats why it has taken so long to come up with a movie.

I am a good athlete and a hacker on the golf course. Primarily because I have never spent the practice time necessary to be any better. However, I think I have grasped the essence of the game and what makes it wonderful and excruciating at the same time.

Golf is such a metaphor for life. The player is alone with his or her thoughts before each shot. There is the opportunity in every swing for creativity, vision, possibility, choice and execution to be a factor.

And, just as in life, there is the opportunity for expectations, past performance, doubts and fears to interfere at any moment. Bottom line”the player has to take responsibility for EVERYTHING that happens. You know how we all hate that.

It is a game that calls for us to allow our body to freely do what it knows to do without interference from our thinking. Oh, I am sorry. Did you think it is a thinking mans game?

I would like to propose something else. I propose that more than any other sport, it is a game of œbeing. Tomorrow when you tee it up, you will œbe as prepared, talented and effective as you are.

All there is to do is œhit it and go get it. Create whats next, choose it and repeat. Most importantly, enjoy the walk in-between. After all, golf is played in some of the most beautiful setting known to man. Plus, we are usually playing with people we enjoy.

What gets in the way of being ourselves, accessing our talent and enjoying the process are the same things that get in the way in every other area of our life. On the course it is more evident because there is no one else to blame for our performance.

We are too concerned with what other people think. We want to look good. We worry about the results which we will only know when it is œgame over. We get out of relationship with our environment and the people in that environment.
In anything you do, intend to make your best effort, accept what you get, create the next action and make your best effort, create ¦¦… I know, you got it!

Here is something that I think will make a big difference. Make a commitment to trust yourself. We keep trying to perform well enough to trust ourselves. What happens to trust when we shank one? Pretty much disappears no matter what we did before that.

Enjoy the experience, be yourself. Take what you get. It really is all there is in the action. Working on stuff is for the practice tee.

Go to lulu.com and pick up a copy of œBeyond Golf, Coach Todds guide to performance on and off the court.