Every round of golf has the potential to result in a fantastic score. Regardless of the course, every player can visualize shooting a score they can be proud of while kibitzing at the 19th hole. It is a matter of developing a strategy, focusing on each swing, reacting the results and remaining positive when the round falls off the rails. This process is normal, universal, and subject to failure when we start poking holes in our agreed upon strategy. Everything is going great until a fatal shot and then we re-strategize and throw everything out the window. Truly a recipe for disaster!

My experience demonstrates that I, similar to most golfers, have a tendency to panic too early when playing golf. We hit a poor shot or two (which is inevitable) we feel our golfing world is crumbling around us. We start poking holes in our strategy by changing our club choices that results in more failure. For example, I hit my 7 iron very well most often than not. If I happen to hit a poor shot, I do not panic to much. If a second shot is not to my expectations, I start to think about sending this club into the penalty box. Of course, this would be a great mistake because this club has saved my rounds more often than I can count.

Also, I hit my driver better than any club in my bag. Hitting it poorly is rare, but sometimes I walk up to a hole and think that I need to play safe and chose a different club. Most of the time, the results are less than optimal and chastise myself for make a poor decision. I have a great strategy, I for some reason I poke holes in what I know what works. I really is frustrating when I look back at each round when I decide not to stick to the plan.

Having said all this, there are times when our strategy needs refining. During a competition for example, it is important stay focused on the field and depending on how the tournament unfolds I might have to adjust my strategy. I might be time to take chances. Those instances take a great deal mental effort because we have to manage our abilities with the flexible strategy that will gain strokes on the leader. This approach to a competitive situation is something that I developed over years of playing golf and is not the same as panicking. I did not throw my strategy out the window, but adjusted to more stressors than an normal round of golf.

Staying the course is important when playing golf. We know our strengths and understand that developing a strategy to fit those strengths is key to a great round. When playing and our round starts to go awry, not panicking is important. I try not to poke holes in my strategy and remained focused on my plan. This approach is mentally challenging and requires development. Until I gained the experience of playing poor rounds, I poked holes in my strategy all the time. Now, not so much. I stay my course and let the chips fall where they may. I recommend you do the same because there is a better chance than not, your will shoot a lower score more often than not.

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