Inspiration, perspiration and mud

Despite a deep-seated and entirely pagan attachment to the festival of New Year (or Ne'er Day as it's known in Scotland) I rarely make resolutions as such, but that's not to say it isn't a good time to make a few plans and set a few targets (especially as the weather is too foul to play much actual golf). If, like me, you're in search of inspiration, look no further than the career of Richard Johnson, documented in today's Telegraph. At 35, Richard has finally got himself a tour card in the U.S. despite previous attempts getting him no further than a job in the fast-food restaurant outside August National. When David Duval, an old college friend, dropped in for a burger, Richard decided he was in the wrong job, and got 'back on the bike' for another go. Let's hope the season sees him established on the tour and not dropping out yet again.
Persistence and determination doesn't always pay, but as any aspiring golfer (or writer knows) you won't get far without it. Tim Henman has always been a hero of mine not just for his scholboy charm (?) but for the fact that as a teenager he wasn't regarded as the most talented player of his age-group. He simply wanted it more and worked harder as a result. On the days I lack inspiration of any kind, it actually comforts me to think persipration might get me there anyway!
Meanwhile, what music do you use to practise or play golf to? Golf Girl alerts me to Ian Poulter's favourite tunes, listed on the PGA website, and I have found that getting a tune fixed in your head can keep evil swing-thoughts and general mental melt-down at bay.
On Wednesday, on what I knew would be my only round of the week, I started out in an evil temper (not entirely golf-related, but it soon got that way). While trying to think of somethng other than my flunked approach shot on the fourth, Kirsty MacColl's version of the old Kinks hit 'Days', (heard on the radio the day before) drifted into my head and stayed there for quite some time. Things didn't improve straight away, but I gradually relaxed and eventually made some pars, and my final score was 90, well within my handicap. Not bad for a bad (and muddy) day.
Of course if music doesn't do it for you, Golf in London reports that swing -thoughts are best kept countered by 'naughty thoughts'. Golf in a state of (sexual) arousal is someting I admit I haven't tried. But then mud wrestling never really was my thing.
If anyone fancies a musical nostalgia trip, here's Ray Davies doing the original 'Days'.

Well done Tim!

Tim Henman backhand volley
Originally uploaded by David Wilmot

No apologies for going momentarily 'off topic' but have to comment on my long-time hero Tim Henman's retirement. Not only has Tim had the longest and most impressive career in British tennis but he also knows when to give up. He still has his life ahead of him - and that means he can now spend more time on the course! A wise man indeed.

Tim already plays off 3 and according to one writer 'could easily make scratch.'
I foresee many stints as a pro-am - or will he turn pro?
What a day that would be, when the nation could once more take up its favourite cry of

Come on Tim!

(Picture by David Wilmot on Flickr)