Self-Improvement and Confidence

Characters constantly seek to improve their golf game through practice, study, and psychological tricks, highlighting the struggle between desire and performance and the importance of self-belief.

Mary secretly trains in Scotland to improve her golf game to win Mortimer's love, while Mortimer's own game suffers from heartbreak.

Millicent's attempt to reform Mitchell through a self-help book highlights the theme of personal improvement, albeit with ironic results.

Jopp's unshakeable self-confidence and ability to master golf through pure reason and memorization exemplify the theme of self-improvement, while his opponents are undone by nerves and distraction.

Wallace's newfound confidence from wearing the Plus Fours, despite their ridiculous appearance, explores the psychological link between attire and performance.