Many avid golfers place unwavering trust in statistics. We believe that by tracking certain numbers, it will provide insight into our game. I am one of those players, but I also would add that it is important to track the data. Every year about this time I like to sit down and spell out my plan for the upcoming golf season. This year is no different, but I am not quite ready to write it down.

The reason for my reluctance stems from a poll I put on Twitter a couple of days ago. And it got me thinking, (sometimes not a good thing) that my way of thinking that there is a difference between a golfing plan and a golfing opportunity.

Here is what I asked:

My question was intended to point out that practice is the key to a great shot game. As you can see from the results, I collected some data but not the right data for my question.

Instead, as I looked at the results, I realized that may question can be applied to my process of writing a real golf plan! I drew my conclusion by breaking down the information if the follow manner:

• The 25% that practice before every round is a warm up to playing that day. I consider it preparation and not a focused practice with the intent to improve our short game. This  is a golfing opportunity.
• The 25% that practice once or twice a week are players with a plan. They set time aside to practice with intent. This is my goal and something I try to achieve every year. This is a golfing plan.
• The last 50% take golfing opportunities to practice their short game and I applaud their efforts to improve. However, without a consistent plan it is challenging to create any sustainable increase in our short game. This is a golfing opportunity.

After my analysis, I realized that I need to look closer at my way ahead when developing my golf plan for 2017. I need to ensure that I schedule practice time and keep to it as much as possible. In the past, I created plans for each training session that produced good results, but on an opportunity basis. So, I feel that my previous approach was not detailed or regimented enough to produce last results I want.

So, back to the drawing board, I will develop my plan with a slightly different focus about my time management. I am not sure exactly where I am going, but I am confident I have stumbled on to something. I will still have to think about it for a bit and see what I come up with. I want to thank everyone who took my poll and helped me out with my golf plan for 2017.

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