Looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them... Lucy Maud Montgomery

 

This post will be the first in a "once on a lifetime event" series. The Mindful Superintendent is on the road this week in Chaska, Minnesota, volunteering with the world class turfgrass crew from Hazeltine National Golf Club. The 2016 Ryder Cup Matches take place here this week and to say I am looking forward to it would be a gross understatement.

 

While reflecting on our preparation for this exciting week, anticipation was the word that just wouldnt go away. My good friend and fellow TurfNetter, Mark Perry (Rustico Golf Course in PEI) and I are making the trip together. The lead-up for us involved lots of texting, checking details, and sheer excitement. We have been just like a couple of kids during the prelude to Christmas.

 

Chris Tritabaugh and his turf team at Hazeltine have to be on a completely different plane of anticipation. They have been preparing this course for everal years, and a few days out now I can only imagine the excitement they are feeling. All the early mornings, long hours and sacrifice come down to three days of Ryder Cup insanity no pressure.

 

Chris Tritabaugh and his turf team at Hazeltine have to be on a completely different plane of anticipation. They have been preparing this course for several years, and a few days out now...

 

When we approach major events in our lives with a positive outlook, anticipation becomes a valuable asset. Our focus sharpens, organization intensifies, and our "Spidey" senses begin to tingle. If we can stay on the mindful side of things, these tools can make our events memorable.

 

On the flip side, if anticipation becomes fuel for unnecessary worry, increased anxiety and scattered nerves, it can incapacitate us. It clouds our focus and leaves us scrambling to bring it all together. By feeding the wrong beast, we can only look back on major events with exhaustion and regret.

 

Everything that I have seen and heard from Chris thus far leads me to believe that he and his crew fall firmly in the positive camp. They appear to approaching the build up to the Ryder Cup with a great deal of excitement along with a healthy dose of fun. By keeping that focus on what is important, they can know that that the lasting legacy of this event will be one of fond memories.