A short summer is a great reason to play golf and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. With a bit of self-discipline and practice, we might even be able to enjoy the game itself.
1. Learn the Rules – Knowing the rules and etiquette will make for more enjoyable golf games and, often, better scores.
2. Arrive Early – Mid-week practice at the driving range is ideal but even fifteen minutes at the course before you hit the fairways will dramatically improve your game. If time or space doesn’t allow even this, doing some golf-specific stretches will help remind your spine what it needs to do for the next few hours.
3. Change Bad Habits – Check in regularly with a golf pro to tighten sloppy habits in stance, swing and putting. Learning new habits takes time and your game may suffer in the short term, but be patient. Improving your golf game requires re-programming for both mind and body.
4. Watch Others and Forgive Yourself – If watching too much Tiger Woods is depressing, be reminded that many people out there struggle with their games. Watching others take their drives off the first tee proves this point; it's also a good way to take the focus off your own game before you start and often makes for a more relaxing round.
5. Learn from Your Mistakes – If a chip shot to the green goes awry, stay in position and take a practice swing again to try to understand what went wrong. When you’re on the next hole in a similar position, correct what you did wrong earlier.
6. Play with Pleasant Partners – A frustrated, angry or over-competitive partner can ruin a good round of golf. Equally, a lollygagger who doesn’t keep a score card may dishearten serious player. To find compatible partner, join a weekly golf league or post a notice at a local course with a description of the kind of golf partner desired.
7. Accessorize – golf can be a ridiculous game of gadgets but the essential elements of golf should not be overlooked. A towel for wiping off clubs, an umbrella for sudden showers and a divot repair kit will make for more respectable and enjoyable play.
8. Dress for Success – Running shoes and baggy shorts and shirt may pass the dress code at many courses but they won’t improve your game.
Investing in a fitted golf shirt and a pair of cleated shoes will reap rewards. Dressing like a proper golfer goes a long way in making a player feel and golf better.
9. Don’t Rush – Think positively about the pending shot and follow the same routine every time. One of the worst habits in golf is feeling panicked about an encroaching foursome on your heels. Etiquette demands you keep up with the foursome ahead, so let that be the only concern. If a round of 18 holes will feel rushed, play only nine.
10. Enjoy the Game – The yips is a condition thought to be a result of both physical and mental anxiety. There are many opinions of definition, causes, and cures for yips, but the point is how over-analysis can ruin an enjoyable pastime. Keep in mind, golf is a game played for fun. At it’s worst, it’s a nice excuse for a walk in the sunshine.
These tips for better golf offer a broad overview of simple ways to enjoy the game. For more detailed instruction on any of these points, invest in a good book or golf magazines and try to keep the game stress-free and enjoyable.
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