Davis,+S.

Name:Sam Davis

Guiding Question:
 * //Would I like to pursue a future in athletics, specifically golf?//

(optional) Use this space to list possible activities, tasks, experiences. Remember everything you do should help you answer your Guiding Question.
 * //Play rounds of golf at Delcastle golf course, go to the driving range, watch golf tournaments on television, study the rules of golf, study the history of the sport, study the historic courses, learn how to keep an accurate score card, do golf related work outs (such as lifting).//

(Required) This plan is a “best guess” as to what you and your mentor think you will be doing. It is not meant to be a hard and fast schedule for your Exploration. The plan should illustrate how you intend to complete a minimum of 80 hours.

//* *With this schedule, we will meet required 80 hours.// Journal:
 * = Date ||= Location/Activity ||= Number of Hours ||
 * = April 28- May 1 ||= Watch Zurich Classic of New Orleans on CBS* ||= ~4 ||
 * = May 5-8 ||= Watch Wells Fargo Championship on CBS* ||= ~4 ||
 * = May 12-15 ||= Watch THE PLAYERS Championship on NBC* ||= ~4 ||
 * = May 19-22 ||= Watch Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial on CBS* ||= ~4 ||
 * = May 26-29 ||= Watch HP Byron Nelson Championship on CBS* ||= ~4 ||
 * = Mondays ||= Driving Range ||= ~1-2 ||
 * = Wednesdays ||= Driving Range ||= ~1-2 ||
 * = Fridays ||= Driving Range ||= ~1-2 ||
 * = Weekends ||= Round of Golf ||= ~4 ||
 * = Tuesdays ||= Studying/Golf related workouts ||= ~1-2 ||
 * = Thursdays ||= Studying/Golf related workouts ||= ~1-2 ||
 * =  ||= **Rest of schedule is work-in-progress** ||=   ||
 * =  ||= **as we must see when tee times are available,** ||=   ||
 * =  ||= **when our mentor is available,** ||=   ||
 * =  ||= **and when Rick and I have available time.** ||=   ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= **N/A*** * ||
 * //Possibly keep scorecard for one player.//
 * //Possibly keep scorecard for one player.//
 * My senior exploration has been extremely interesting so far. We, Rick and I, have had to improv the majority of our experience so far, due to testing, weather, and other scheduling conflicts. We have not yet been able to go out and golf with our mentor yet, but he has been extremely involved, sending us 6 quizzes, each with 10 questions on them. They have been extremely helpful in teaching us terms and rules, and have taken a fair amount of time and research. Our mentor has also recommended books to us, which will provide valuable resources to our learning process. Rick and I have taken advantage of poor weather by watching two golf tournaments on TV, as well as doing research to learn about the rules and history of the game. We have also done our fair share of golfing, as we have been frequently hitting balls at the driving range, as well as playing the front nine holes at the Delcastle Golf course. This experience has been very different, and has allowed me to gain respect for what pro golfers have to deal with, as the sport is both physically and mentally taxing. The smallest adjustment to your hand or body position can have drastic effects on your swing, and how far/accurately you hit the ball. To be honest, I am not very good, but I am better than I expected. Now that our finals are done, Rick and I will have more time to actually golf with our mentor, and hopefully the weather will hold out, and allow us to spend as much time on the courses as possible. My mentor and I have approached my golfing as realistically as possible, understanding that I am not going to be very good at first. This has allowed me to stay comfortable, and avoid frustration while golfing, which is key in this very demanding sport.


 * For my second entry, I wanted to talk about the improvement Rick and I have made, as well as the fun that we have had so far. We have played over 4 rounds of golf now, and we are one thousand times better than when we started. I could barely hit the ball, and Rick's main concern was to address his struggles with his short game. Now, Rick can hit the ball between 150 and 200 yards with his 9 iron, and he can consistently hit the ball 250 yards with his driver. I, unfortunately have not improved my driving game, but my short game has dramatically improved. I figured out my swing issues, and now I can hit the ball 200 yards, straight, with my 5 iron, as long as I keep my eye on the ball. Again, this goes back to what I said in my previous journal entry, this game is 99% mental, and probably about 1% luck. you just have to stay relaxed and enjoy your time on the golf course with your friends, and no matter how poorly you do, you will have had fun. I can guarantee that statement because golf is a fun sport as long as you do not take yourself too seriously.


 * And for my final entry, I wanted to discuss the improvements that I made as a player, and the relationships that can be formed playing this great sport. I have gained a lot of respect for the sport of golf, as it definitely is not as easy as it seems. One small change completely shifts how well you play, as well as your mental state while playing. I have improved hitting the ball with every club, but my most significant improvements have come in my iron play. I can aim the ball better, and solidly hit the ball. Finally, one can easily develop work relationships as well as improve relationships that you already have developed. Rick and I have become better friends in the month we have spent playing golf. Our mentor told us recently that the great part about golf is that it reveals a persons true colors. It shows how a person deals with success and failure. This game is truly the most mentally demanding and the most revealing sport I have ever had the pleasure of trying.