How to ACTUALLY Play Better Golf in 2018
It's a New Year and it’s time to set new goals for your golf game! In this case, I prefer to use the word “goals” rather than refer to setting New Year resolutions! Mainly because I don’t want you to quit thirty or sixty days in! To improve your golf game, it first requires a rock solid understanding of what the process will entail. Before we jump into that we must first understand and measure our ability to commit to the process and more importantly stick to a plan that works for you!
If you’ve ever been to a gym (let’s hope that’s a yes) you’ve either seen posters for personal trainers or you’ve seen the real deal themselves…cut offs and all. Well, one thing fitness trainers get right, at least the good ones, is the ability to outline a plan and for the most part hold their clients accountable to that plan. If your dishing out money for a personal trainer your saying, “alright, its time I commit and I’m ready to dedicate several hours a week to my fitness”. In most cases with golf, we just say, “okay…I want to play better golf. Maybe I’ll get a lesson or two, perhaps a new driver, and I think I’m going to practice more this year.” How generic is that!? If you’ve ever had a lesson with me, you’d recall my saying average preparation leads to average results! So…do you want to be average or do you want to actually be legit and play better golf?
I’ve outlined some starter questions for you answer and these answers will lead us to the next step…making a plan!
On a scale of 1-10, how much do I want to improve my game? (1=meh and 10=I want to kick A**)
On a scale of 1-10, how much effort am I willing to put in? (1=couch potato and 10=major priority)
Why do I want to get better? (To beat my friends, to enjoy the game, to compete etc)
How many hours a week can I commit to my game? Be Realistic.
Now, normally, this is where I’d ask you to come up with a target score you’d like to hit this year (Breaking 90, 80, 70 for example). Unfortunately for you, its not that easy. If you want to break 80 and you only have 30 minutes a week and your low round is 87…im not saying its not possible, but I will say that’s a poor goal for many reasons.
Before you set score related goals you MUST have a rock solid understanding of what level of commitment you have. The personal trainer in the gym isn’t going to just agree to you loosing 30lbs or getting a 6 pack. They are going to build a plan and the good ones hold you accountable to it! There is nothing wrong with setting lofty goals, but they need to be backed up with accountability and a plan!
A plan must entail;
A time line
A goal or end destination
A realistic breakdown of the time required to practice, play etc
Checkpoints along the way
An accountability partner or someone to push you, encourage you, and monitor progress.
If you want to play better golf and see results. Then you need a plan!
If you want a high level consultation to create a plan, then I’m your guy!
If you want to play the best golf of your life in 2018, then learn more about The TRIBE!
I believe in you and your ability to reach your potential! Let me know how I can help you along the way!
Leighton Smith, PGA
