With the goal to be a scratch golfer, I am always asking myself what I can do get to the next level. I am currently holding a 3.8 handicap index and to get it to zero will take (I suspect) more than I am probably willing to commit. But, I am not willing to give up on my goals just yet. If nothing else, it will keep my driving towards something that will continue to improve my golf game.

There always comes a time when every (serious) golfer has to ask the question about whether they have the skill and commitment to make it to the next lever. In my case, I have have hovered around my current handicap index for years. Just when it is time to commit to making changes, something in my life derails my goals.

I bet this sounds like a poor me scenario, but in actual fact it has nothing to do with that. Mostly, I am not sure that I have the drive to accomplish a zero handicap index, but now is not the time to for the faint of heart. I mean is it time to ask questions about where my game is going or is time to change my approach to my golf game.

Okay, enough of the self doubt and more about playing golf. Every time I hit the links I pick something I want to work on. Sometimes it is as simple as aim small, miss small; other times it is about hitting the ball consistently without losing distance. The topics I choose vary and are very wide ranging. The challenge is to keep moving forward without loosing my desire to improve.

Obviously COVID is not helping, but that would just be another excuse not to move forward. Golf is difficult. It will not allow us mere mortal amateur golfers just be great players without some challenges and down right anguish. To conquer golf, players need to commit to playing better within their capabilities. And as such, we need to keep asking ourselves the following questions:

• What is needed to lower my index my .5 points?
• Are my challenges physical or mental?
• Do I have the proper equipment to excel?
• Is it possible that I need to elicit outside help?
• Is there specifically one area that needs my attention?

Golf is not a game that willingly allows any player to be great. It is a sport that requires effort to succeed. In my case I continue to ask myself the difficult questions and continually work to towards playing better each time I hit the links. My process is generally successful, but it is a slow and methodical.

On a side note, if you want to speed up your learning curve, go see your local professional. It is a bit challenging right in my local area, but when the time comes, I will seek out my local pro for lessons.

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