This whole “new year, new you” slogan that seems to be everywhere right now has had me thinking in terms of my golf game and I came to a powerful realization that I have been golfing all wrong. I’m pretty sure you have been too. Now… before you get all uppity about me calling the golfing community out for our wrongful ways, take a moment and read my 4 ways below because I’m certain we all fit into at least one of my points.
Number 1 – You’re competing against par. Why not go for equitable play. Why? Because. How’s that for an answer? Okay, so you play with your best buddy once a week and you’re a 15 handicap and he’s a 6. There is absolutely no point in feeling crummy after every round that you lose to him because you’re both playing the same tees and he kicks your butt by a good solid 10 strokes because he a.) hits the ball farther than you; b.) hits more fairways and greens; and c.) has a steadier hand and more precise distance and aim on the putting green. Start taking your handicap index seriously and learn how to create an equitable round with course indexes. It’s actually easier than you think. This way after your round you still may lose but you lost in a fair way. Hey, you may even win! Quit losing your money on fun side bets if you’re not setting a fair playing field. Equitable play… drum roll please… that’s what handicap indexes are for!
Number 2 – Hazards scare you. If you’re an amateur golfer, Roy McAvoy should be your role model for one simple reason… if you know in your gut you can make it across the water but your head is telling you to lay up, always go for the shot your gut tells you. If you’re not playing for a trophy or your not playing to get on tour then give yourself a fun challenge. So your ball may hit the drink, one or two or three times. My point is this… golf is supposed to be fun and also challenging. Make it that. Live on the edge a little. Quit being Mr. Safteypants and go for it!
Number 3 – You play the same course over and over and over. One course is never enough. Sure it may be cheaper to play your usual spot but it’s time to switch it up. Spread the love and go challenge yourself by playing courses not only in your backyard but all over your immediate region. You can master, or at least come close, to one course but what’s the fun in that? Don’t forget to still play your usual favorite, it’s always nice to be somewhere where everybody knows your name (cue Cheers theme song).
Number 4 – You’re not playing enough golf. Drop the “I don’t have time or money” and make it happen. I can’t stress this one enough. We all lead busy lives, we all have bills, we all have responsibilities and commitments. You want to play more golf? Then play more golf. Sounds simple to say out loud of course but you don’t lose weight by saying that you’ll start tomorrow. The tomorrows come and go. Make the decision that this is what you want to do. I can give you a thousand excuses why you SHOULD be playing more golf as well as a thousand more ways to create more money and time to make it happen. It all comes down to you. Do you want to play more golf? Find the time and the money.
How else do you think we as golfers are getting it wrong? Spout off below…