11. One reason we all struggle at golf is that we are told from the beginning how difficult the game is and not only do we listen, we believe it
The other day whilst on the 15th tee waiting to tee off, my gaze happened upon a Bumble Bee seemingly oblivious to everything around save the flower before him. He was, it seemed, totally immersed in his business to the point that only he and the flower in front of him was all that mattered, or all that existed come to that. He was a fantastic example of a creature at one with itself totally living in the moment. Then again, are not all creatures that walk and crawl the planet more or less the same with the exception, that is, of human beings when on the golf course. There I was observing and admiring in wildlife the very quality I ought to have been applying myself.
A further point struck me after I had teed off and was searching for my ball in the trees. I remembered once reading that some eminent scientist, after studying the humble Bumble Bee, declared that it was aerodynamically incapable of flight; in theory according to this boffin, the Bumble Bee should not be airborne at all. Thank goodness no one has told the bees this scientific revelation. Golfers meanwhile are told how impossible the game is and not only do we listen, we believe it.
But this has not always been the case. In a book I am reading, it referred to the introduction of golf to America over 100 years ago. One new course just outside New York, holding its official opening day, drew a sizeable gallery to watch the clubs first Captain hit the opening shot to the first hole measuring about 90 yards long. It was not the best struck shot but it was certainly accurate as it ran up the green and into the hole. No one in the gallery cheered, applauded or did even one "high five.” It seemed they were all lead to believe that this is what you were supposed to do.
Someone had forgotten to tell the unimpressed gallery how difficult this “new” game was but as we all know, this blissful state would soon be shattered.
