No worries... All of us have suffered from “frustrated golfer syndrome” (FGS)

Whether you have played 10 rounds of golf in your life or 1,000 rounds, if you are truly honest with yourself, the chances that you have suffered from some form of FGS is probably 99.9%. In other words, you can “bet the kitchen sink,” as my father used to say, that you have already had it. It’s one of those conditions that all of us can relate to immediately, whether we truly understand what it means or not... it just sounds right.

You know what’s coming... I did some extensive research to find out if anyone in the world understands what “causes” FGS and if there are any “cures” for CNY golfers when it happens to them. I found someone. His name is Michael Bader, D.M.H., a practicing therapist for over 30 years who wrote an article about FGS in 2009 for Psychology Today. The reason I selected Dr. Bader’s article is because he is also a “practicing golfer,” and I believe that is a necessary pre-existing condition in order to clearly relate to golfers’ experiences on the course.

Dr. Bader believes that golf is an “emotional roller coaster” for most who play the game, and that this is especially true for men. I have no idea how he arrived at that conclusion, but I strongly believe he hates men who continue to suffer from FGS and who refuse therapy because they are too proud to admit they have it. And further, that they choose to suffer—day after day after day during the golf season... including himself.

He describes one example of FGS this way: “I have treated hundreds of people who punish themselves for all sorts of imaginary crimes and faults, but rarely have I seen the type of ‘raw self-hatred and despair’ that can consume the average golfer whose crime may be no more grievous than missing a 3ft putt.” There you have it—“raw self-hatred and despair.” The good Doctor has nailed it!

He believes, “Golfers intolerant of imperfection drive themselves and others crazy,” and even quotes sports writer Jim Murray who once said, “Golf is not a game, it is bondage. It was obviously devised by a man torn with guilt eager to atone for his sins.” Bingo! Doc and Jim get the concept perfectly—and I believe both of them are nuts and suffer from the incurable form of FGS.

Oh, I’m sure there are a few of you who are going to poo-poo this article and will also refuse therapy, but thankfully, 99.9% of CNY golfers recognize the symptoms of FGS and get their dose of weekly therapy from my radio show on Saturday mornings from 7–8 AM. Yes, you can “bet the kitchen sink,” I will be talking about FGS this Saturday and hopefully will have Dr. Bader as a guest to talk about the cures for this very serious mental disorder that continues to be a big “pain in the butt” for most CNY golfers.

Better listen… NEWS RADIO 570 WSYR or 106.9 FM.

Written by Perry Noun