To Become Someone People Want to Play Golf and Work With Again

Courtesy builds more trust than ability

There are days when you hit well, and days when you don't.
Even so, I have been taught many times that on the golf course, there is something that communicates itself before your score does.

The first hole in the morning dew, a voice still a little nervous

A golf course in the morning is enough to make you straighten your posture a little.

There is still dew on the grass, and the soles of your shoes feel damp with every step.
You can hear birds in the distance, and the air is still cold and soft.

When you stand on the teeing ground of the first hole, the scenery is beautiful, but your heart feels a little busy.

Will I hit it properly?
Will it go to the right?
I don't want to show them anything strange.

I think those feelings are strongest when you are a beginner.
I was the same, and even now that I am in a position to teach, there are days when my breathing becomes a little shallow before that first shot.

That is precisely why I feel that the single phrase "I look forward to playing with you" exchanged in that place has more power than you might think.

The desire to look good narrows your perspective

When you first start playing golf, the feeling of "I don't want to be a burden" is very strong.

I have to hit quickly.
I have to hit it forward.
I don't want to be thought of as bad.

I understand that feeling very well.
It is proof of how serious you are, and because you want to enjoy it properly, impatience also arises.

But when that impatience becomes strong, it is strange how you stop seeing what is around you.
Your greeting becomes quiet, or you leave your footprints behind after leaving a bunker.

When I was young, I myself had a period where my focus was only on "hitting a good ball," and those things became sloppy.
I was thinking about technique, but I feel like I wasn't seeing what was important on the golf course.

What communicates first is not a nice shot, but the person's aura

When I am giving lessons, there is something I always think about.

Even for those whose shots are not yet stable, if they greet you pleasantly at the start, cheer for their playing partners' nice shots with a smile, and carefully rake the bunker before returning, the atmosphere of the place softens just by having them there.

"Oh, it's pleasant to play with this person."

That is what they get people to think.

People with good manners pay attention to others.
And those who can pay attention to others are also able to look at their own hearts with a bit more composure.

I believe that composure naturally seeps into both the rhythm of your swing and the way you choose your words.

Your true character shows in your back as you rake a bunker.

A student who was about to make their course debut said something like this.

I'm still not very good, so I'm worried about whether I'll be able to pay attention to etiquette as well.

That feeling is completely natural.
It feels like there is so much to do, and your mind is already full of thoughts about your swing.

So, I asked them to do just one thing.

When you go into a bunker, after you come out, try to smooth it over so the next person can hit their shot comfortably.

A few days later, that person told me, looking a little embarrassed.
There were holes where I didn't hit well, but after I raked the bunker, I felt like I didn't have to dislike myself.

Etiquette isn't just for the sake of others, is it?
It is also something that quietly supports you when you have done things properly.
And that will surely lead to confidence as well.

Today, decide on one thing and start walking.

I don't think this is just about golf.

In work, too, rather than someone who is a great talker, I prefer someone who keeps their promises.
Rather than someone who uses flashy words, I prefer someone whose greetings are pleasant.
There are times when you feel like you can entrust things to such people with peace of mind.

I think it's the same with golf.
If you try to do everything perfectly, your focus will actually become scattered.

So today, please decide on one thing to be conscious of.

At the first hole, greet people by looking them in the eye.
That is enough.

When you leave a bunker, take a breath and rake it clean before returning.
That is enough.

Once a direction is set, a person can feel a little more composed.
When you are composed, you can see your surroundings.
When you can see your surroundings, golf becomes a little easier.

A 'thank you' in the sunset on the 18th hole.

In the evening, after finishing 18 holes, by the time you leave the clubhouse, the tension from the morning has eased a little.

The setting sun softly illuminates the cart path, and even the sound of the wind feels gentler than it did this morning.

“Today was fun, wasn't it?”

When someone says that to me, the score seems to fade into the background.

Being able to greet others pleasantly.
Raking the bunker and quietly leaving it in good condition for the next person.

Such small things make me like golf just a little bit more.
Manners might not be about being stiff and formal, but rather a kind way of ensuring everyone has a pleasant time.

I feel that the reason I want to head out to the course again for my next round lies right there.

In what situations did you feel that someone was a great person to play a round with? If you'd like, please let me know in the comments.