Self-Improvement and Confidence

Where it surfaces

• Sundered Hearts

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

• Ordeal by Golf

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

• The Heel of Achilles

  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.

• The Magic Plus Fours

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

• The Awakening of Rollo Podmarsh

  Rollo takes up smoking to improve his golf game, inspired by Ted Ray, and his performance dramatically improves when motivated by love.

• The Purification of Rodney Spelvin

  Rodney Spelvin's transformation from a poet to a golfer, his determination to improve his handicap, and his humble acceptance of instruction highlight the theme of self-improvement.

• Those in Peril on the Tee

  The ironic confidence that arises from trying to play badly, as the subconscious mind overrides deliberate sabotage.