Most professional golfers agree that attitude is a major part of being good at and enjoying golf. But telling someone to have a good attitude is easy - doing it is hard.
A big part of attitude comes down to the enjoyment of the game which comes from a lack of distractions and frustrations above and beyond the challenge of hitting the ball well. Spending time rooting around a golf bag looking for a ball marker, applying sunscreen and cleaning off clubs from last week’s game are distractions that impair concentration. Focus instead on establishing good golfing habits that let you concentrate solely on the game and the rewards of fresh air and exercise.
Below are five areas of the game (on and off the course) where adopting a consistent routine can do wonders to improve attitude, focus and golf scores.
How to Organize a Golf Bag
At home, tend to your golf bag before and after games. Before a round of golf, ensure you have enough balls and tees, a ball marker, repair kit and glove. Keep water, money for refreshments and snacks and weather-related gear handy to that day’s game. Avoid letting any pockets become a junk drawer for odds and ends. Keep supplies in the same pocket of the golf bag every time. Take what you need and know where it is – the sense of calm will only improve your golf game and your enjoyment of it.
Establish A Pre-Golf Routine
Arrive early at the course for stretching, practice putts and time driving at the range. Since your bag should already be organized, buy what extra supplies you need and let the starter know when your party has arrived. Punctuality eliminates rushing and panic.
Consistent Golfing Habits
Approaching the tee blocks, accessing the bag of clubs, number of practise swings: these pre-swing rituals, an important part of focusing, should be consistent and deliberate. Don’t bother looking for excuses to explain bad shots. Birds, noises, airplanes and talking can all be distracting but will be less so when focus is applied. On the fairway, approach the ball from a similar angle and keep your bag back and to the right or left of play. Whether you putt with glove on or off, be consistent and prepared. All changes to routine create distractions and haste - both of which invite mistakes.
Golf Tutorials
There’s an endless supply of books, magazines and videos about golf but in small doses they all can help process information and problems until the next tee time. Finding a magazine or book that speaks to a personal level or goal may well bring surprising results at the driving range and on the course. Golf basics don't change, so consider refreshing skills and knowledge with something like Golf for Dummies
Specifically for women, Vivien’s Saunders’ Women’s Golf Handbook is fabulous for addressing a woman's approach to playing the game.
More than most sports, golf has a vocabulary of its own – new players often don’t even know a compliment when they hear one. It’s a good idea for novices to learn the language of golf; trying to understand golfing vernacular on the course can be overwhelming during play.
Take Comfort in Good Golf Habits
Golf is so challenging because a good golf game comes from a combination of physics, mechanics and psychology. The game is as mental as it is physical and every course presents new challenges. How the ball is lying, where the wind is blowing, how much water is present…the things to think about when taking a shot are endless. Having a consistent routine allows every golfer to rely on solid foundations that have served well in previous games – a big advantage amidst all those unknowns.
So, if nothing else, a golf routine brings reassurance and confidence. Establishing and sticking to a pre- and post-game routine will make for more enjoyable playing and may even improve golf scores.
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