First, I wanted to personally congratulate all of your for the work you have been doing since being selected to be in The Legacy. As a former Morgan Cup participant, I know how much work and how much time goes into preparing for the event. It’s not easy and while there is a lot to be thankful for, I know all of it comes with some level of personal sacrifice.
Second, nothing you have done will prepare you for the emotionally exhausting journey you are about to undertake. You are in for a few days that will drain you physically, mentally, and most of all emotionally. You will have highs like you would not imagine. You will have some lows as well. Not that that is bad, but be prepared to figure out where you can grab just a few more bits of energy when need be.
Third, you are going to feel a level of pressure you have not had before playing as an amateur. Match Play golf is a different animal. I know you have likely practiced the format to prepare, but when that Saturday AM round comes, you are going to be overwhelmed with feelings you are not used to. Stepping onto that first tee box, knowing that now every shot I take will mean something; it adds a layer you were not expecting. When this happens, find something in yourself to accept and embrace those feelings. Every shot does count, but you are not playing 18 holes, you are playing that hole. Don’t let a single bad shot take you into a darker place. Challenge yourself to recover and know you have a chance to turn it around on every single shot. If you embrace this idea, you will find yourself more enthusiastic and exciting about how you can take a negative and turn it into a positive.
Fourth, don’t sleep on every chance you have to make personal friendships. If this is your first THP event, don’t hide in the corner or wait to initiate discussions. I made that mistake at my first event and since then I have made it a point to meet new people. Find common interests outside golf. Exchange phone numbers. You will find once you leave the event you have made lifelong friends that you can count on to be there to chat and have fun with.
Lastly, you are going to become an even larger presence on THP. Embrace this and become an advocate for the community. The more people we bring into our family, the bigger the events and the more exciting the entire game becomes.
You guys are lucky and are going to do great. Soak it all in and when all is said and done your entire view of golf will change.
Second, nothing you have done will prepare you for the emotionally exhausting journey you are about to undertake. You are in for a few days that will drain you physically, mentally, and most of all emotionally. You will have highs like you would not imagine. You will have some lows as well. Not that that is bad, but be prepared to figure out where you can grab just a few more bits of energy when need be.
Third, you are going to feel a level of pressure you have not had before playing as an amateur. Match Play golf is a different animal. I know you have likely practiced the format to prepare, but when that Saturday AM round comes, you are going to be overwhelmed with feelings you are not used to. Stepping onto that first tee box, knowing that now every shot I take will mean something; it adds a layer you were not expecting. When this happens, find something in yourself to accept and embrace those feelings. Every shot does count, but you are not playing 18 holes, you are playing that hole. Don’t let a single bad shot take you into a darker place. Challenge yourself to recover and know you have a chance to turn it around on every single shot. If you embrace this idea, you will find yourself more enthusiastic and exciting about how you can take a negative and turn it into a positive.
Fourth, don’t sleep on every chance you have to make personal friendships. If this is your first THP event, don’t hide in the corner or wait to initiate discussions. I made that mistake at my first event and since then I have made it a point to meet new people. Find common interests outside golf. Exchange phone numbers. You will find once you leave the event you have made lifelong friends that you can count on to be there to chat and have fun with.
Lastly, you are going to become an even larger presence on THP. Embrace this and become an advocate for the community. The more people we bring into our family, the bigger the events and the more exciting the entire game becomes.
You guys are lucky and are going to do great. Soak it all in and when all is said and done your entire view of golf will change.
