Almost all golfers at the beginning of a match have latent in their minds the thought that, with eighteen holes to play, the first few holes are of little account, and the fact that many a golfer is honestly indifferent to winning the first hole is not without its significance; for, to such a player, it means that the quickest way for him to concentrate his mind on the game is to see his opponent playing away from him. Not until he has lost a hole does he realize that he is engaged in serious business and begin to apply himself in earnest. If, therefore, his opponent has started out in the same thoughtless frame of mind, it follows that not until they begin to play the third hole will both players settle down to the game. To play the game, then, for all that is in it, one should start at the first tee with a determination to be perfect in every detail and to handicap his opponent with the first drive.

Suggestions

Remember that attention to business does not mean painful study but honest work from the first swing on the teeing ground to the last stroke on the putting green.

Remember that the silent, quiet fellow who gives his whole attention to the work before him is the one to look out for and that the genial, free and easy golfer finds it hard to make business of a pastime.

Remember that more games are lost from carelessness at the beginning of the match than in any other way.

Remember that by being ahead there is always a temptation to play carelessly and a fight to keep steady.

Remember that in nine games out of ten there is

(1) A few holes of loose play.

(2) A ding dong battle.

(3) A crisis on one side.

(4) A walk-over on the other.