Ask any photographer or videographer about perspective and they will usually say that “it’s all about the moment.”
If it’s a magnificent scene of a dramatic mountain range, then the corresponding lens must match the scale of the setting. If instead they find themselves in an intimate setting and taking footage of say, a person walking, then the lens will be simpler and more practical. If the setting calls for the ability to scale the perspective down to the smallest detail, then a lens that can show us the minutiae of life is required. In essence, the perspective matches the moment.
Within the world of turf, these same principles apply.
On a day-to-day level, having a simple and practical outlook on things is very important. Much of what we do can be a tad repetitive, so being able to stay on task and produce the conditions required is a very important quality for course managers. But we probably all know a brother/sister in turf that is permanently stuck in this perspective. They are the meat-and-potatoes style of superintendent and all they ever deal with is the practical stuff. Their work is predictable and easily repeated but never moves beyond the daily routine.
Then there are those moments in life where we need to realize that it’s time to step back and take a broader perspective. We use our intuition to step out of the practical and into the wider vision of any given situation.
As with the view of the mountain range, within our sphere there is also the ability to zoom out and see the bigger picture. We look at the property as a whole and can envision possibilities that go far beyond the conventional. This ability is particularly important when you place it against the backdrop of a golf course that is continually changing and evolving. But much like the Super that is stuck in the mundane, if one is stuck always thinking big and beyond the realm of reality, then the practical stuff can fall by the wayside. It’s good to be able to envision something grander, but not at the expense of trimming around a tree.
And finally, there are the finely tuned details. There are many in our industry that feel that the courses that are zoned in on the most minute of details are the ones that stand out. A crisp edge on a bunker or cart path, scissors after the cup change or the perfectly executed flower bed makes the difference between the good and the great.
While I would tend to agree with this sentiment to some degree, there are also superintendents who can get completely bogged down in the finer details. The to-do list never ends and instead of producing the desired results, it can leave a constant feeling of overwhelm. The anxiety and stress created by always want to do that “one more thing” instead becomes crippling.
Perfectionism becomes a constant companion, and one is stuck chasing an illusion that is always out of reach.
But what if, like the afore-mentioned photographer, we practiced the ability to move effortlessly between all three perspectives and also in the cracks in between? What if, instead of our perspective being something hardwired and constant, we were able to let the moment reveal the best view?
Within both turf and life, there is a fundamental element required for fostering this ability to flow between perspectives. It’s presence. When we are connected and “in the moment” then we can create the necessary space to choose the proper perspective. There are definitely times in our lives where focusing on the day-to-day stuff is the best course of action. We need to stay grounded and simply put one foot in front of the other. Simplicity matters most, and these moments are best held with a sense of practicality and straightforwardness.
There are other times in our lives where presence can offer us a glimpse into the smaller details. Pausing to notice the delicate emergence of a bloom on a flower or the smile of a small child. Or maybe we need to use our awareness to tune into the nuance of an important conversation. This felt sense not only shows us what is being said, but also how it’s being conveyed. Body language, tone and emotional connections are only revealed through focusing our attention and being completely present with ourselves and the other person.
Perfectionism becomes a constant companion, and one is stuck chasing an illusion that is always out of reach.
Then there are those moments in life where we need to realize that it’s time to step back and take a broader perspective. We use our intuition to step out of the practical and into the wider vision of any given situation.
These moments are sometimes foisted upon us as a result of major life events. Tragedy, loss or major change have the uncanny ability to take us out of our normal routines and see the world through a bigger lens. When we choose to open up to this panoramic viewpoint, the things that matter become clearer and can allow us to recalibrate.
These moments are constantly occurring both in our lives and in our jobs as golf course Superintendents. It’s up to us whether we zoom in, stay put or step back. Being able to move seamlessly between perspectives gives us a deeper understanding of how the world is operating both inside and outside our experience. When we choose this path of flexibility, problems can become easier to find answers to, and maybe, just maybe, life becomes a little bit easier.
Thanks for reading.
