Dave Chase has been golfing with Stan all summer.But it wasn't until today that Dave started quoting from his new favorite book, Bob Rotella's "Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect." As Dave extolled the virtues of the book, and explained its theses, --- (Set realistic goals; negative thinking is 100 percent effective; it is more important to be decisive about a putt than correct; No matter what happens with a shot accept it. Acceptance is the last step in becoming a better player. etc. etc.) --- Stan's game began improving immediately. He carded three consecutive pars, then a tap-in bogey, then a par, before Dave even got to Chapter Three.
Dave had changed the subject by the time they got to No. 8 (below), and Stan subsequently missed his par putt by an inch -- apparently due to performance anxiety creeping back into his psyche and resulting in a loss of confidence.
It was chilly today, but beautiful. Leaves are starting to turn, light frost is possible tonight. That's enough to send Dave, his wife, and his book on the long drive to their winter home in Phoenix this week.
For his part, Stan will be driving to Barnes and Noble.
Par 4, No. 8 at Stonebrooke in Shakopee. 180 yard carry, dogleg right. You can make it, but you must believe you can.