The Artful Golfer

Playing the Game of Golf as Art

Approaching the age of 50, I took up the game of golf. Improvement came quickly, breaking 80 within 6 months, then breaking par one year later. I lowered my handicap to 8 my first year, 4 in my second year, then 2 after two more years. I eventually reached a low index of 0.8 with multiple low rounds of 68. And I recently celebrated my 7th Ace!

I accomplished this without taking lessons or focusing on technology or technique. Instead, I approached the game creatively, learning to improve my inner game and embrace my natural swing. I pursued the game of golf as art, inspired by dozens of other artful golfers.

Fred Shoemaker • extraordinarygolf.com

Six months after picking up the game, I met a local yoga instructor who is a friend of Fred Shoemaker. He recommended that I read Fred's book, Extraordinary Golf. I did. The very next day I shot a round of 76! His book transformed how I approached the game and who I am on the course. He taught me how to become aware of my swing, to be free of fear and swing freely, and to remain open to the possibility that this shot and this round could be extraordinary. I often drift back to my old self, but a quick re-read always gets me back on track. I later had the privilege of playing golf with Fred at Bandon Dunes. He's as extraordinary a person as he is a golfer.

Steve Cohen • shivas.org

While reading Golf in the Kingdom by Michael Murphy, a novel in which the game is revealed by Shivas Irons as a doorway to the mysteries of life and a path to self-discovery, I discovered the Shivas Irons Society. I learned that an upcoming event was scheduled nearby and signed up. I found myself paired with the society's founder, Steve Cohen. Steve started the society in 1992 in response to the tremendous popularity of the novel. I've since attended additional SIS events to meet others drawn to golf for its opportunities for community, discovery and transformation and who share a love of the game and a respect for golf's deeper dimensions.

4th ACE, I Called It! • November 23, 2013

As I stood on the teebox on the 176-yard par 3 13th at San Luis Rey Downs, I turned to Matthew, the 13-year-old son of a golfer in our weekly foursome. Without any prior thought, I asked him, "have you ever seen a hole-in-one?" When he answered no, I replied, "okay, watch this." I then teed up my ball and hit an easy 6-iron. The ball began to draw right towards the flag. I knew the ball had landed close to the hole, but a front-side bunker hid the hole from sight. I'd likely have a tap-in birdie, but I just I had this feeling! As we approached the green, we didn't see my ball. Matthew ran ahead and looked in the hole. I'll never forget the look on his face when he found the ball sitting right there at the bottom!

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