Last week I was at a friends house.  On our way out, I notice a pile of books.  Right on top is a copy of Golf For Dummies.  I know my friend doesn’t golf, but the roommate does.  So I jokingly announce they should stop reading that book, to which “Why?” is the reply.  I said, “if he’s reading that book, then he must stink at golf.  And the sooner he comes to grips with the fact that he, along with everyone else out on the course, stinks….the more fun he’ll have out there.”  Not being a golfer, that statement was a bit lost on my friend.

But seeing that For Dummies book makes me think about all of the golf self-help books out there…and there are plenty!  I guess until then, I never really realized how many people read these books.  But being that there are so many, I guess there must be a pretty decent sized market for them.  Being that I have never picked up any of these books for myself, I wonder what people are looking to gain from them.

I learned the game from my current golfing buddies.  We went to the range, I borrowed some of their clubs and they taught me the basics of the swing.  After a couple of trips and when they felt I was ready, they took me out to an inexpensive, local nine-hole course.  I’ve been enjoying the game ever since.  I’ve never taken a formal lesson and never picked up a self-help book.  And I honestly feel I enjoy the game more because of it.

I’ve seen many people spend countless dollars on lessons and absurd amounts on clubs and equipment that will supposedly improve their games.  However, I’ve seen very few that have turned any of this into significantly better play.  Many are not much better than me, if at all…and I stink!

But most importantly, I can’t help but notice that these very same people are simply not having as much fun out there as I am.  Once you start sinking too much money into the game, you start to expect something more from it.  Thus, you become more easily frustrated and begin to have less fun.  For me, on the other hand, it’s just plain fun from start to finish.

If you feel you need to buy books and get magazine subscriptions to help you become a better golfer, then go for it!  I only ask that you take all of these with a grain of salt.  The sooner you come to grips with the fact that you will never be on a pro tour, the sooner you will have more fun out on the course.

Swing ’til you’re happy!