The PGA Tour was in Philadelphia playing the IVB Classic at the White Marsh CC. It was a fun course and not terribly hard. It was the third round. I had made the cut and was ready to make a move. I dont remember exactly where I stood but I was looking forward to a good tournament.

I got to the course an hour ahead of my tee time, changes shoes and went to the practice tee to warm up both my muscles. In those days we had our own bag of practice balls. My caddie, just like all the players caddies, would head out on the range and hope to not get hit while I hit balls in his direction. As I warmed up my shots got better and better. Every shot was hit on the button and straight as an arrow right at the caddie. The more shots I hit the more excited I got. I couldnt wait to get to the course. This was going to be great round and a low score.

After the range work, I hit some chips and several putts. Then it was on to the first tee. I was ready and excited. That was one of the most disappointing rounds of golf I have ever played. The first drive was not quite as good as the range shots. The next iron wasnt as solid. I spent the whole 18 holes trying to find what I had on the range. Scoring was never really the main event for me that day. Very immature.

I ended up shooting 75, very unhappy and a bit frustrated. Today I understand. A bit late but at least I can pass on the wisdom to you. The emphasis was all wrong. It was on that great ball striking I was enjoying on the range and that I wanted to continue forever. That was and is not the important thing. Scoring is period. Great ball striking can be satisfying but it is never the whole game or even a big part of the game. Scoring is period.

The moral the focus is ALWAYS on making pars and birdies NEVER on the swing or ball striking. Thats your only job on the course.