We all know the story of Scrooge who was visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. After examining his life, Scrooge realized it was not too late to change and have a positive impact on the lives of the people around him. Ultimately, improving his 3 foot space.

To improve my golf game, I need to follow the same general process. Take account of how my game from the past, the current state of my game, and what my future looks like if I do not change. Of course, I do this every year in one form or another in the hopes of being a scratch golfer and this year is not different.

In the past, I focused my efforts in areas that I thought would improve my game. After reading Stop Guessing, I now understand that my fixes were not necessarily fact based. So, I started to wonder what exactly is holding me back to get to the next level in my game. As a result I compiled the following facts:

• I average 240 yards off the tee
• My 3-wood averages 225 yards
• My hybrid averages 210 yards
• I missed more greens from 100 yards than from 125 yards last year
• I putted on average 30 times per round
• I incurred an average of 1 penalty stroke per round
• I shot my best scores in the morning or late afternoon
• I my best scoring average was in competition
• I practiced once a week – that was truncated most of the time
• My ball striking was intermittent

Of the above facts, at least I feel they are facts, there are a couple that are very disturbing. The fact that I was more accurate from 125 yards than 100 with my wedges; I incurred 1 penalty stroke per round; and that I only practiced once a week. These three things are intertwined and by using Pareto’s formula I can see making great gains in my game this year.

Now that my life has settled down after my semi-retirement and move, I can devote more time to practicing. I will take the time to focus on real changes in my game and to work on areas that can help lower my score. In the past, I was determined to gain more distance; however after seeing my facts, I realize I need to work on my wedge play and course management. 2017 is a new season, now that I have a general plan to improve my game, I am excited to start hitting the links. Fortunately, the courses are just starting to open and I am ready for my new challenge.

Do you have a fact based plan to improve your golf game? If so, what is your primary focus?

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