Many shots are spoiled at the last instant by efforts to add a few more yards.
Bobby JonesRead
As I see it, the thing that hurt my putting most when it was bad, was thinking too much about how I was making the stroke and not enough about getting the ball in the hole.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Overthinking can hinder performance; focus on the goal instead.
Bobby Jones reflects on the tendency for over-analysis to negatively impact performance in golf. He suggests that the pressure of focusing too much on technique and mechanics can prevent one from achieving the fundamental goal, which in this case is getting the ball in the hole. The quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear vision on the objective rather than getting lost in the details.
Themes
FocusPerformanceOverthinkingSuccessGoal
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about sports performance.
More from Bobby Jones
All quotes →There isn't a hole out there [Augusta] that can't be birdied if you just think. But there isn't one that can't be double-bogeyed if you stop thinking.
Bobby JonesRead
The real way to enjoy playing golf is to take pleasure not in the score, but in the execution of strokes.
Bobby JonesRead
The 'enemy' in golf is tension.
Bobby JonesRead
Golf is a game that is played on a five-inch course
Bobby JonesRead
He [the golfer] must have the courage to keep trying in the face of ill luck or disappointment, and timidity to appreciate and appraise the dangers of each stroke, and to curb the desire to take chances beyond reasonable hope of success.
Bobby JonesRead
Similar quotes
Organizations that destroy the status quo win. Whatever the status quo is, changing it gives you the opportunity to be remarkable.
Seth GodinRead
The two most important requirements for major success are: first, being in the right place at the right time, and second, doing something about it.
Ray KrocRead
There are a lot of guys who are successful, they make a lot of big money, I mean millions overnight with a contract, and they don't understand the evaporation. It evaporates. You're always back to square one. I found that out, so integrity is how I do business. That's my main asset.
George ForemanRead
I didn't even start playing the piano until I was about 13 or 14. I guess I must have had a little talent or whatever-you-call-it, but I practised regularly, and that's what counts.
George GershwinRead
If we surround ourselves with people who are successful, who are forward-moving, who are positive, who are focused on producing results, who support us, it will challenge us to be more and do more and share more. If you can surround yourself with people who will never let you settle for less than you can be, you have the greatest gift that anyone can hope for.
Tony RobbinsRead
Congratulations. I knew the record would stand until it was broken.
Yogi BerraRead