Success and Failure Part Deux

In May I wrote about Success and Failure after competing in the Greater Milwaukee Open. There were positives and negatives at the time. I opted to see the basket as half full and set some modest goals for myself.

This past weekend I played in another of Terry Miller's events, Cold Turkey III. I guess Terry is my muse. Objectively, I played above my rating. Well above it the first round and a half stroke below it the second round. I wrote to a friend that I was disappointed with the first round and disgusted with the second. I still feel that way. I find no solace in the ratings. I know that I underachieved. My game improved this year. That improvement has brought increased expectations. Last year I would have been content with my play at Brown Deer this past weekend. Yet, improved play has brought me into the Winter of my discontent. My wife chides me for never being satisfied. "You are always complaining that you could have done better." I still find satisfaction in the good things I have done. I still have fun, boatloads of fun, every timm I play. I have fun regarless of how well or poorly I throw. However, I still yearn to do better. I am reasonably objective about what I can and cannot do. I feel my self assessment is realistic. Still. I can still visualize missing a 10 foot putt on my first hole after a good tee shot and a good upshot. I still see a 25 foot putt that took the tournament roll after hitting metal that gave me a 6. I still see bogies on two easy left holes.

I will continue to practice this Winter. I will continue to putt in the snow in the back yard. I will keep going to the gym and come to 2009 in better shape. I will take satisfaction in modest acheivements but never settle.

How did I do with my 2008 goals? I wanted to avoid sub 800 rounds and for the most part did so. I wanted a 900 round and did not get there. A couple 870's rounds but nothing higher. I increased my rating but only to a modest degree. I added some distance to my drives but still have a long way to go. I am a better putter but still have lots of room for improvement.

Is the basket half full? No. In fact the basket is empty. However, my tee shot is lying in good position and its up to me to make the next shot.