So, I spent a good chunk of my afternoon trying to really nail down what it feels like to be in a Jordan Spieth situation on a tough 15th hole. You know the kind, where everything’s on the line and you need precision. I set up my practice area, really tried to get in that zone.
My Approach Today
First, I visualized the shot. I’ve watched Spieth a hundred times. The way he analyzes, the little pre-shot routine. I tried to mimic that. I wasn’t so much focused on hitting a perfect shot every time, but more on the process he goes through.
- Checked the lie, the wind (imagined, of course, in my setup).
- Picked a very specific target.
- Tried to get that same level of focus he seems to have, that intense concentration.
It’s harder than it looks, folks. Way harder. You see them on TV, and it looks smooth. But replicating that mental game, that’s a whole other beast.
What It Reminded Me Of
You know what this whole experience got me thinking about? It’s a bit like this fancy espresso machine my son bought me last Christmas. Supposedly top-of-the-line. All the bells and whistles. The kind that’s meant to give you that perfect, pro-level coffee every single time.
My old drip coffee maker? Simple. Add coffee, add water, press button. Done. Good coffee, every morning. No fuss.
This new thing? Oh boy. First, the manual was like a textbook. Then you need special beans, ground just so. The tamping pressure has to be exact. The water temperature, the extraction time… it’s a whole science project before I even get a sip. And half the time? It comes out bitter, or watery, or the darn thing just gurgles at me and needs descaling again. I swear, I spend more time cleaning it and fiddling with settings than enjoying coffee.
Why am I bringing this up? Because sometimes, trying to get all “pro-level” and emulate every tiny detail of someone like Spieth, you can get lost in the weeds. You add so many layers of complexity that you forget the basics of just making a good, solid swing. You overthink.
I’ve had that espresso machine for months now. It sits there, looking fancy. And most mornings? I still find myself reaching for the old, simple drip machine that just works. It’s tucked away in the pantry, but it’s reliable. Maybe there’s a lesson in there somewhere. Sometimes, just good old reliable is better than complicated and fancy, whether it’s coffee or trying to play like a tour pro on the 15th.
Anyway, the practice on the “Spieth 15th” was… an experience. Still got a ways to go to make it feel natural, that’s for sure. Maybe tomorrow I’ll just focus on hitting it straight with my own swing.
