So, I’ve been watching some golf lately, and this guy Joaquin Niemann keeps popping up. You see him play, and man, he makes it look easy sometimes, doesn’t he? That swing, it’s kinda unique, got that flow but serious power behind it. Watching him absolutely crush the ball got me thinking about my own attempts at getting decent at golf a while back.
My Golfing “Journey”
I remember getting this bug a few years ago. Thought, “Okay, I’m gonna really learn this game.” Went out, got myself a set of used clubs – nothing fancy, you know, just something to start with. I pictured myself hitting these pure shots, maybe not like Niemann, but at least respectable.
So, the practice started. Or maybe I should call it “the struggle”.
- First range session: Bought the biggest bucket of balls they had. Full of enthusiasm. Felt like this was the start of something.
- Reality check: Hit maybe, MAYBE, five balls kinda okay. The rest? Topped, shanked, whiffed completely. My hands were sore, my back started complaining.
- The comparison trap: Then you see guys like Niemann on TV, just smooth tempo, perfect contact, ball flying exactly where they want it. It’s like watching a different sport altogether.
The Grind is Real
I kept at it for a bit, maybe a couple of months, going to the range once or twice a week. Watched tons of videos, tried all sorts of tips. Get your elbow tucked, shift your weight, keep your head down – all that stuff. Sometimes I’d hit a good one, and think, “Aha! I’ve got it!” Then the next ten shots would be garbage again. It was maddening.
It really hit me then: the amount of work these pro guys put in is just insane. We see the flashy shots and the tournament wins, but the thousands and thousands of hours practicing, hitting ball after ball, refining every little movement… it’s on another level. It’s not just talent; it’s relentless dedication.
My own “serious” golf phase kinda fizzled out. I realized I just didn’t have that kind of time or, frankly, the patience for that level of grind. Nowadays, I still play sometimes, but it’s more about just walking the course, having a laugh with friends, and enjoying being outside. Hitting a good shot is a bonus, not the main goal anymore.
Seeing Niemann play is cool, definitely impressive. But it also serves as a good reminder for me – appreciate the skill, but also appreciate where my own limits and priorities are. Trying to be a weekend Niemann? Yeah, not happening for me. And that’s okay.
