It is challenging to play great golf! Some times it is extremely challenging to play anything resembling your game. Golf is the type of game that empowers or crushes a players dreams of being a consistent golfer. It is an amazing journey that requires attention to come to fruition.

I have talked about being a scratch golfer for years. I have diligently worked towards my goal and have shared my thoughts along the way. I am not detracted from my quest and will continue to strife forward. With this in mind, I was thinking about something someone said (sorry I cannot remember who it was) about being able to hit specific shots. 

The mindset is that if we make the shot once, it is in our bag and we should be able to duplicate it. At the time, I quickly agreed. After thinking about this hypothesis further, I am not so sure.

Keeping it Real!

I have made some amazing shots in over the years. Holes in one, chip ins, 300+ yard drives, reaching the green in 2 from 250 yards and so on. Additionally, I have hit some brutally horrible shots to include missing the ball completely, skying my drive and scuffing the top of my driver, shanking the ball several times in a row and probably my worse shot of all time – hitting a car in the parking lot (yes I owned up to it and fortunately it all worked out ok).

I think everyone can relate to my situation. We have all lived through euphoria and dread while playing golf. Although these emotions are critical to my game (2016 Ryder Cup is a great example of how emotion affects our golf game), it might be time to keep it real on the course.

Keeping it real means to play the shots that suit your game. The amazing one of shots are not really in our bag. I likely could not replicate the shot 5 times out of 10 so, in fact, I really do not have the shot. The same with the poor shots, they happen once in a while, but are not really part of my game.

To keep it real when playing, I need to focus on the shots I know I can execute 7 times out of 10. Play to my strengths and minimize the weaknesses in my game. Having said that, I still need to try that amazing shot now and then, but only because I put myself in a poor position. It should not be my default approach to shooting low scores.

Keeping it real on the golf course is important. It will help us minimize our mistakes and capitalize on our strengths. What do you think? Do you keep it real when playing?

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