The Triangle to Better Golf

On Course Practice
The third in a series of three articles

The diagram illustrates the basic components that I believe are needed in order for someone to make significant and lasting improvements in their golf game.

Although the equal length of each side of the triangle would seem to indicate an equal importance to each component, that is not necessarily the case. Just as there are triangles with different length sides, each individual needs to determine the importance of each component at any given point in time. Early in the season the mix may start out being weighted towards instruction and practice with only a small amount of play on the course, while later in the season it may shift to being weighted towards practice and playing with a "maintenance" lesson thrown in for good measure, to keep the swing flowing smoothly. No matter what weight you give to each component it is important to understand that each one has a roll to play if your going to be successful in improving your game.

There are three different mindset available when you play a round of golf and, in my opinion, it's important to determine which mindset you will have BEFORE you tee it up.

First, there is COMPETITIVE GOLF. To me, this is your mindset any time it is important to you that you shoot the best possible score. I know, I know, you are always trying to shoot the best score possible, but I'm talking about when it is the overriding goal of the round. Although we usually think of this scenario as being when we play in a tournament, that does not necessarily have to be the case. It could be as simple as you've made a bet with your buddies for who buys lunch or the post-round beverages. Basically, any time your primary focus in on the outcome at the end of the round, that is playing competitive golf.

Most golfers have a difficult time when playing competitively. Usually, because they have the misconception that playing competitive golf requires having a good swing and hitting perfect golf shots. This is hardly the case. Competitive golf is more a state of mind. It requires a lot of mental energy. It requires you know your strengths and weaknesses so you can negotiate the best route around the course. It requires having patience and perseverance, so you can stay focused and not give up when things are not going well. And finally, it requires good course management skills, matching up your set of skills with the course your playing.

Everyone has a competitive level they are comfortable playing at, and they tend not to get out of that comfort zone. However, if you want to improve at playing competitive golf you need to practice playing in a competitive environment that will expose your weaknesses, both mentally and physically. Then you can critically assess those weaknesses, make a plan for improvement, go practice and try it again.

Second, there is SOCIAL GOLF. This is by far the most common mindset. Just as it sounds, this is where you are just playing the game for fun and exercise. You are there to enjoy the scenery and the company of who you are with. It may be family or friends, or you may have been paired up with someone you just meant for the first time. The round should be about social interaction. There should be no emphasis on the score you are shooting. In fact, for this type of golf it is best if you don't even keep score.

CAUTION: Don't make the mistake of bringing a competitive mindset into a social atmosphere. You will only be viewed by the others as being un-enjoyable to play with, at best, and you are not likely to enjoy the round either. That is not to say there isn't room for friendly wagering when playing social golf However, if you find yourself getting serious about whether you win or lose, you've crossed the line.

The final mindset is PRACTICE ON THE COURSE. Not many people are successful at attaining this frame of mind. Most golfers think they are in this frame of mind, when actually they are in the competitive frame of mind (thinking about score). Practice on the course however, is not about score. In fact, you should not be keeping score at all as you will probably be hitting more than one ball and you may not necessarily even complete each hole. This type of golf is all about trying to take a few specific things you have been working on in practice and attempting to make them work on the golf course in specific situations. For this type golf, you will want to inquire with your local course when is a quiet time where you might be able to play alone, that way you have the opportunity to hit more than one ball, if needed.

Depending on what your trying to accomplish, your playing session may be as few as 3 or 4 holes. Your just trying to get a feel for your level of improvement and whether you can trust being able to pull off a specific shot when it is needed.

This mindset requires considerable patience (take a chill pill before playing), perseverance (don't give up - remember, this is a practice session) and realistic expectations (your expectations for success of a specific shot have to be in line with how successfully you have hit that shot on the range - if you haven't reasonably mastered the skill in practice, don't be expecting great success with it on the golf course). Once you begin having success with a shot in practice rounds then is the time to begin incorporating it into your regular play.

Practicing on the course can be mixed with social golf as long as you observe good golf courtesy and etiquette. If you try to practice while playing with other people (even ones you know well), DO NOT hit more than one ball and DON'T practice chipping and putting around the greens while others in your group are still trying to hole out. Even if you are observing good courtesy and etiquette, be very aware and sensitive to the other players in your group. Be prepared to abandon your practice on the course BEFORE you have gotten on everyone's nerves.

Follow the links below to the other articles in this series

Quality Instruction - the first in the series of three articles

Quality Practice - the second in the series of three articles

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