But, How Did You Play?

      Something I recently ran across the other day caused me to stop and think.  I realize that can be a dangerous thing, but I do stop to contemplate something that is said or written or that I see quite often. I read it on FaceBook as part of the stories told about the late Manuel de la Torre and can't find the exact context of the statement, if he said it to his son or a player.  I'm not sure his father said it to him, but the quote is profound and something to stop and think about with some concepts that reach deeply into golf.
      After a competition a player came back excited about his low score in a match.  The player naturally shared the score with de la Torre. Supposedly, de la Torre's response was something to the effect of "That's what you scored, but how did you play?"  Think about that statement, and it may be a paraphrase or incorrect quote but the concept will make you think.
      I think that we have become too focused on scores. I will admit the object of the game is to play the number of holes in the least strokes possible but there is more to the game than that.  Score is a measurable and comparable quantity that doesn't say much other than how many.  It doesn't answer the question how.  It doesn't answer why, who, what or when either. There is more to it than just a number. In some cases, that number is not exactly accurate anyway.  Are you listening Mr.Helicopter Volcano? Yes, score is important but it is not the only thing that makes up the game of golf.
     You are on a golf course for on average four and a half hours. This is a time to enjoy what you are doing, not focusing on how many strokes it takes to put the ball in the hole.  There is so much more out there as far as how you play and not just how many.  What is happening out there to you? Is your swing working?  What changes should you make in your drives, second shots or short game?  Where are you hitting the ball off the tee. How are you putting?  These are all questions based on the technical aspect of the game.
     Did you honor and respect the traditions of the game while you were playing? Did you play at a good pace and not hold anyone up? Did you count all of your strokes? That probably didn't apply with the golfer in the de la Torre quote, but it is important to all of us.Were you a distraction to other golfers in your group? Did you take time to notice the surroundings? A golf course is a beautiful place. Were you courteous and friendly to your opponent and compete in the spirit of the game? I think the most important quest should be did you have fun?  We forget that one a lot, don't we?  
      There is more to this wonderful game we play than just a number. The number of strokes is just that, a number.  We use that number to compare and quantify.  Golf is an experience and a game.  It is not just a number.  Rest in peace Manuel de la Torre and you are very right.  We should not ask the question what did you shoot, but how did you play.

Golf is more than just a score.  Make sure to experience the fun and beauty.