Headed over to Steven Golf Course last Tuesday, figuring I’d finally tackle my usual frustrations. Sun was barely up when I pulled into the parking lot – lesson one learned: show up stupid early. Beat the crowds, zero stress finding a spot. Grabbed my clubs from the trunk, already feeling less rushed.
Pre-Round Moves
Walked straight to the clubhouse, skipped the line at the main counter. Remembered they’ve that self-check-in kiosk tucked near the restrooms. Scanned my membership card, tee time confirmed in 20 seconds. Quicker than waiting behind three dudes arguing about their handicap indexes. Next stop: the practice green. Didn’t even glance at the range. Focused purely on chipping and 5-foot putts. Felt the speed of the greens immediately – way faster than my local muni.
On the Course Tweaks
First tee jitters? Tried this dumb trick: hummed some old classic rock tune. Honestly, “Sweet Home Alabama” in my head smoothed out my backswing. Weird, but worked. Also packed smarter snacks this time:
- Peanut butter protein bars (no melting, no mess)
- Frozen water bottle (thawed slowly, stayed cold till the 14th)
- Salt packets (for sweat loss – life saver on hole 7)
Hooked my drive on hole 4 – classic. Instead of chasing it blind, used the GPS watch app to pin the location. Walked straight to it, saved 5 minutes stomping through bushes. On par 3s, ignored the “suggested” club. Wind was up, so I clubbed down twice. Stuck two greens I usually overshoot.
Post-Round Stuff
Finished 18 sweaty and grinning. Went straight to the outdoor hose station before returning the cart. Sprayed my shoes, clubheads, even wiped down the grips. Cart guy nodded like I finally got it. Didn’t linger at the 19th hole. Ordered a to-go burger, ate it in the AC of my car while rehydrating. Way better than paying $12 for a warm beer.
Biggest Wins
- Early check-in = saved 15 minutes
- Frozen water = no $5 Gatorade
- Smarter snacks = zero energy crashes
- Cleaning gear post-round = clubs feel new
Whole thing felt smoother. Shot 4 strokes better just from not rushing and ignoring dumb traditions like buying overpriced drinks. Honestly, half this stuff’s common sense – but sometimes you gotta force yourself to actually do it.
