Play like a champion
I had a useful thought the other day while playing a difficult course that was way over my head. I had just had a 7 and an 8 on two previous holes, but as I stood on the next tee, I thought: “Play this hole like a champion.”
I proceeded to hit a good drive, then a 5-wood to 12 feet. I missed the putt but still felt like it was a championship hole, particularly compared with how I had just been playing.
The Fighting Irish
As many of you have seen o, the last thing Notre Dame football players see as they leave the locker room is a sign that reads, “Play Like a Champion Today.”
That is, whatever the sport, give it your all in the game today, on the next hole you are about to navigate or on the next play or shot you will soon execute.
Never mind the past game, past hole, past play or shot, nor the next game, hole, play or shot. The focus is on the moment directly in front of you: one more intense opportunity to “play like a champion.”
How specifically does one play like a champion?
Be fully prepared rather than just hoping for the best. Even if the foe seems invincible, be as prepared as you can be.
Stick to a game plan, in contrast to letting momentary setbacks throw you into undisciplined chaos.
Execute each play in classic form, with full expectation of success, rather than in some tentative, cautious, survival fashion.
Execute the next play like it is the only play of the day. That is, nothing is more important than this play! If you are at the end of the game, approach it like it’s the first play of the next game.
Hang in there, even if defeat seems certain. Consider this: If every player or team in sports history that happened to be way behind in the score had given up, then none of the amazing, unforgettable comebacks we have witnessed over the years would have ever occurred.
Take responsibility; no blaming or complaining. Champions do their best and move on, knowing they will be back to play another day.
If you can’t win on this given day, at least lose with class, style and distinction. Show the world that you know how it is supposed to be done, even if you haven’t done it perfectly today.
Back to “The Irish”: A champion’s prayer
Originally written by Berton Braley and called “The Prayer of the Sportsman,” this verse was quoted often enough by Knute Rockne that it also became known as “Rockne’s Prayer.”
Dear Lord, in the battle that goes through life,
I ask but a field that is fair;
A chance that is equal with all in the strife
A courage to strive and to dare.
And if I should win, let it be by the code,
With my faith and my honor held high;
And if I should lose, let me stand by the road
And cheer as the winners go by.
Dr. Tom Dorsel is a clinical/sport psychologist practicing on Hilton Head. His best selling book is “GOLF: The Mental Game,” and he can be reached on Facebook or through his website, Dorsel.com.
