22. The good players learn the script and identify the characteristics associated to a good player and ultimately express the part as if it is an act

The other evening I was discussing with my son what he was doing in expressive arts at school and it seems the teacher had been explaining the procedure how actors get into whatever part they are playing.

My lad is into the game and several times over the years, I have mentioned that the playing of the game is very much an act. The good players learn the script and identify the characteristics associated to a good player and ultimately express the part as if it is an act. From these preparations comes good golf. (Take note those of you who blast golf balls relentlessly down the range night after night thinking that’s all you need to do.)

Anyway, the teacher of expressive arts told the class that the actor uses three stages to get into the role and they are situation, intention and action. When my lad told me this, it instantly reminded me of a routine that Jeff Hawkes, the South African tour pro, used. He had a routine worked out with his caddy that whenever he felt he was losing his concentration (felt he was libel to fluff his lines) he would say to his caddy, “Who am I, what am I and what am I doing?”

The caddy would then tell him that “You are Jeff Hawkes, a European tour pro, stood on the 14th fairway in the third round of the French Open at Lyon, 3 shots off the lead. You are looking at hitting a low 4 iron into the green, working it left to right on the wind etc, etc.

His caddy was his auto cue or prompter in the wings bringing him back into the moment.. The dialogue ties in exactly with the actor’s routine. Situation as in “Who am I where am I?” Intention, as in the club and the shot he needs to hit, leaving him therefore focused to produce the Action. So there you are a warmer alternative to traditional practicing this winter. Just enroll with the local drama group and learn the character of a good golfer.