I couldn't control Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Tom Watson or Lee Trevino. The only person I could control was me. The only person I could prepare for events was me. And if I didn't play well, I didn't play well, and I wasn't going to compete.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of self-control and personal preparation over external factors.
In this quote, Jack Nicklaus reflects on the realization that while he could not control other professional golfers, his focus had to be on his own actions and preparation. He highlights the significance of self-discipline and taking responsibility for one's performance, indicating that success in competitive situations relies on one's own efforts rather than the influence of competitors.
In practice
This quote is perfect for motivating athletes during a sports team pep talk.
There's more to be learned here [St. Andrews] about course design than anywhere. Collection bunkers, false fronts, bump shots. The fundamentals of design became fundamental because of what's here. And it happened accidentally. Or maybe accidentally on purpose.
Confidence is the most important single factor in this game, and no matter how great your natural talent, there is only one way to obtain and sustain it: work.
I'm a firm believer that in the theory that people only do their best at things they truly enjoy. It is difficult to excel at something you don't enjoy.
A big part of managing a golf course is managing your swing on the course. A lot of guys can go out and hit a golf ball, but they have no idea how to manage what they do with the ball. I've won as many golf tournaments hitting the ball badly as I have hitting the ball well.
All I ever wanted to do was play competitive golf against the best players in the world.
I don't think about winning the Masters as part of the slam. You want to win the Masters because of what it means to the game.
People think I'm disciplined. It is not discipline. It is devotion. There is a great difference.
Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.
...we need to stop plotting the course and instead just land the plane on our plans to make a difference by getting to the "do" part of faith.
You have to show up in the World Cup, and in the World Cup anything can happen.
You have to come up in the world before it's worthwhile for those worth less to put you down.
Don't worry, be crappy. Revolutionary means you ship and then test... Lots of things made the first Mac in 1984 a piece of crap - but it was a revolutionary piece of crap.
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