Recently, I visited my family who I have not seen in quite some time.  During our visit, I was caught up on all the news, entertained by the young and potential golfers (well everyone is a potential golfer in my eyes) and realized how much I miss visiting these fantastic people.  During many of the interesting conversations, I thought how refreshed I felt and how energized I was when we had to say good-bye.

This fantastic visit had a positive impact on my attitude and energy level.  As always, I wondered how my experience could be applied to golf.  After much contemplation, I think I have it:  a change is a good as a rest in golf?  I would say a change is absolutely good for your golf game.

I and many golf advocates talk about consistency, repetition, and staying focused.  Of course this is very important.  But what do we do when we hit the wall and all our efforts do not result in any tangible improvement in our game.  I suggest making a change.  Specifically, play a different course!

Playing a different course will help change your mental thought processes towards your game.  I know, many are saying no way, but how many of us are choosing the same club on the same hole even before we get to the tee.  On our home course, we know which club we want to use (whether it is the right club or not), when, and where.  After ten rounds in two weeks, this approach may become stale and actually have a negative affect on our score.

Many websites provide information on vacations, rating and walking of golf courses.  Sites like: Golf Vacation Insider,  World Golf, The Walking Golfer, Golf Association of Ontario, Dallas Divot Report, and Gorilla Golf.  All are valuable resources when choosing local or destination golf excursions.

Regardless, the benefits of periodically playing different courses throughout the golf season will only improve your game.  It will keep you mentally strong, focused and provides many new experiences.  I like to play about 10 different courses throughout the year.  An added bonus is that playing different courses helps check if my handicap is real or not!  Additionally, It is fun, challenging and as the Mindful Golfer says: Golf is a Contact Sport.  Meeting new people is always a grateful experience.

How many courses do you try to play during the year?

I am a grateful golfer.  See you on the links.