Thoughts on Firsts and Philippine Open 1st Round

Today was the first round of the Philippine Open.  Like last year, this tournament is an Asian Tour sanctioned event.  In a nutshell, I shot a 74 which in the challenging Wack Wack East course, I'll take it. 5 shots off the lead and solid opening round.  I find 4 day events to be a marathon.  Still a long ways away and a lot of golf to be played.

I remember those nerves last year, stepping onto the first hole and having my name called on the microphone to hit the first tee shot.  The whole scenery at that moment felt different and out of the ordinary.  Commotion of players, spectators, volunteers, media in the near background.  Sign boards of sponsors out left and right.  Suffice to say, not your typical weekend round of golf with just you, your buddies, and the starter on the first tee.

In addition, last year was my first Asian Tour event.  Despite having played several local pro events prior to that, this wasn't the same.  To relate this to the non golfer, there's always a mix of beauty and disaster in firsts.  The first time driving a car, your first kiss, your first job interview, your first high school dance, your first time walking... Ok, maybe not the last but my point is, one thing is for sure: They're memorable. Yet at the same time, there's an element of disaster.  Sometimes, firsts go your way but more often than not, they don't.  Your state of mind is out of its comfort zone. You tremble.  You're raw.  You're exposed. You find grief in pondering why it didn't work out. But sooner or later, you're aching to tackle the challenge once again.  

At that point, you are more prepared.  You're more comfortable.  The once daunting task may still seem challenging but you manage it better.  You slowly shift your coordination from the conscious to the unconscious as it becomes more natural to you.  Your body and mind is in a familiar position so your heart rate settles.  Your true ability presents itself at the state of calm, when fear is out the door.

Playing for the second time in this event and bringing a mindset of finding fulfillment simply golfing and attempting to play great rather than finding fulfillment based solely on results has been the key for the week.  A stronger mind doesn't guarantee improved results but at least it gives you the best chance to be happy and play your best.  As a golf saying goes: You have to give up control to gain control.