The Perfect Conditions For Golfing In Philly Always Include Sirens Blaring And The Smell Of A Car Engulfed In Flames
How am I supposed to chip with that going on, Doug?
The best golfers in the world have found ways to stay laser focused on every shot. Finding ways to completely block out all other distractions, and just remain focused on the next shot. Maybe it's focusing on your breathing, or focusing on a singular dimple on the ball, or just finding a flow state in your brain where there is nothing else going on around you.
If you want to become the most mentally tough golfer on the planet, then spend a little time playing in Philadelphia.
Here we're at Bala Golf Club. It's a lovely little William Flynn designed course situated less than 10 miles away from Center City, Philadelphia. Right down the street from St Joe's University, it's the perfect club to join if you're living in the city and don't want to fight your way through the public crowds just to get a tee time. And turns out it's also a great spot to catch a car erupting into flames while you're getting ready to hit an approach shot.
As a fellow lefty, I have to admit that it pained me to see this fella unable to remain locked in to hit that green. If you hit a dart right there and stuck it anywhere within 10 feet, that's a shot you can talk about for the rest of your life. Car on fire, sirens blaring in the background, all hell is breaking loose, and you still found a way to hit a nice crispy wedge to set you up with a birdie putt. But he's a little too quick, and a little too wristy. Clearly the conditions got to him. But that's just Philly golf, baby.
That's what the big boys have to look forward to next year at the PGA Championship at Aronimink. That's what the big boys have to look forward to in 2030 when the US Open goes back to Merion. Granted, Aronimink and Merion are both in two of the most affluent areas in the Philadelphia area. But you don't have to live near the course in order to drive over there and have your car catch on fire.