After waiting and planning to start in 6 years, I have finally pickep up golf on last 17th June this year and since then, I discovered a new passion in this game that I almost totally forget about my bowling (but not family and trading of course). The number one reason to learn this game is due to its excitement, future business requirement as well as indirectly telling my boss and close colleagues that my project is already completed, meaning I have done my job.
By the way, the reason that I do not include a golf article so far in this blog is simply because this game is played by over 60 milions of world population, and there are simply abundant resources on this subject matter on the internet, Astro Golf Channel 815, and especially videos from youtube.com that I personally use to search for better tips from the pros.
But what am i about to share here are the similarities and the goodies that I personally discovered and thought about when I gained more and more experience when playing this game on the course.
As for the game itself, after 2 months playing this game under a local pro coaching sessions, I could say that I could swing the golf clubs pretty well for now especially for the irons. Have nothing to be proud in terms of distance (yet) but pretty much significant improvement on the swing and direction, though you need both indeed for this game.
In fact, I spent countless hours at the driving range, already entered the green more than 20 times in 8 weeks and participated in a mini company tournament on last 1st August and managed to get 12 points under the Stableford Game using System 36 with 24 handicap for the day. (ie golfers please correct me if there is any incorrect term used here... ;)).
I even got the "chicken" award for being first from behind... Haha, maybe I shouldn't tell this... but why not? At least I have the guts to fight and see where am I standing. For now I am still working hard on developing my swing fundamentals especially for the 1st two shots using Drivers, Woods and Hybrids.
Back to the subject above anyway... after being in the game for the third month now, I start seeing and thinking there are indeed many things that I can learn from golf that could improve my trading and vice versa. Let me share some of the things that I discovered throughout the course vs when I am sitting in front of my trading station.
1. Eagles, Birdies, Pars, Bogeys, Double Bogeys & Triple Bogeys...
You see when you are in the game, these are your targets on each hole, I mean the first three of course. So compared this to trading, it is the same indeed. If you can't make eagle or birdies (which seems impossible for the beginners), you should at least breakeven by making par (even this one is difficult for a novice like me) on each hole. See, when I compare this to my trading, that is why the experts always say that if you can breakeven your account in one year period, you are considered as highly talented trader already because even maintaining a small loss (ie bogeys) is already difficult for a beginner. Most traders lose big time, or double bogey or even double par on certain hole. Agreed golfers?
2. Various hazards - Bunker, Water, Out of Bound, Rough etc.
Just like golf, there are plenty of hazards in forex as well that includes of news, intervention talk, geopolitical sentiments, nasty brokers and many more. You got to know all these potential hazards upfront and decide on the game plan and risk management whether to go through with a big hit, wait, or stay out for certain time. If you know that you just couldn't get through certain type of hazards, perhaps the best way is to either play safe or stay out at least for a while as most of the time, the gamble is not worth it. It's all abut proper risk management somehow. Know your hazards and play it accordingly to plan.
3. Flight Members equal to your Trading Colleagues
I am not sure about others but I am affected with whom am I playng with. Perhaps people always say that this game is very individual hence there should be no effect. But come on, base on my bowling experiences, I did see pro's that suffered when they have to play their games together with beginners (during open games), one way or another no matter how strong their mental was. The point in trading here though, is that when you are trading together with your selected partners, make sure that he or she is someone that you are really comfortable with especially when changing or sharing views on the market movement. If you are partnering with someone that you hardly knew their skill levels, chances are you may start doing more ridiculous analysis base on these novices point of view which are mainly baseless. So be careful when chosing your flight members. Always play with either those who are at the same or higher level (if you can get one) than you and try to play better each time.
4. Driver, Fairway Woods, Hybrids, Irons, Wedges and Putter.
No doubt these are type of instruments that you have to have in order to play and atack the green appropriately. Compared these to trading, I am definitely referring to your trading station or facilities. The better it is the higher your chances to score provided that you knew how to utilise each of these intruments wisely. You see, for example if we talk about trading with a single notebook is just like playing golf with a single club in your bag, say Iron 7. Sure you can still play from the tee-off down to the putting green, but how efficient are you compared to those who have 14 good clubs in their bag playing at the same or higher level than you? Just think about it. So if you asked me whether we have to somehow invest a bit in setting up a good trading station... the answer will definitely be YES. Though there is no guarantee, but definitely you'd have better chances to make the cut.
5. Golf Courses = Currency Pairs
Undeniably different golf courses offer you wiith different setup and challenges. Some are more intriguing than the others in terms of challenges though the basic principle will still remain the same. Compared this to currency pairs, you just have to understand that different pairs do behave differently though the basic principle is similar from one pair to another. In order to trade certain pairs, you must at least undestand the underlying factors that trigger the movement of your selected pair. For instance, EUR/USD can be among the easiest pair to trade with low spread and high liquidity, but still you need to check, study and understand the pair accordingly prior to making any decision whether to go long or short. Just like when playing golf, there are courses that appear to be easy due to its layout and your experience, but still you can still end up in the bunker or waters just because you are not careful enough (or making silliy mistakes) with your shot.
6. Pro vs Amateurs vs Beginners
You see the level of skills and experience that you have will really differentiate your level of play. For a par 4 hole, normally a pro will hit the green (in regulation) in just 2 shots compared to amateurs and beginners where even 3 to 4 shots may seem to be very difficult. This is particularly comparable to your strength in trading where a well funded account that is run by an experience trader is very much advantegous to a a low funded account handled by an inexpereienced trader. A clear handicap is needed or otherwise you will sure not survive in the game play. Even with a maximum handicap, still the pros will normally (if not surely) make the final cut.
7. Psychology in Golf vs Psychology in Trading
Let's face it, in anything that you do, it does require certain level of mental strength and stability. If your mental is out for the day, say tired, lack of focus or worry about something else, chances you will fumble both in playing golf or trading. In order to build the mental or psychology strength in both of these, you should at least learn, understand as well as experiencing it yourself in order to improve your performance for your next game or trade. Hence, by playing golf, it can and it will build up your mental strength that will give you equal benefit to your trading career.
So, what are you waiting for? Go out and get a golf set now. At least you can trade the market during the weekdays and spend your Saturdays at the greens, since Sunday should be reserved for the family.
Have A Nice Day!
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