The majority of amateur players hit the ball, walk to the ball, hit the ball, walk to the ball….ect without much thought as to how changing this pattern could lower their golf scores. The ‘whack a mole’ process of playing golf causes challenges for some players because they never really know what shot they will have next. Sometimes that is a fun approach to golf, but during tournaments it usually costs unnecessary strokes added to our final tally. How can we break this trend in order to be the best version of ourselves on the golf course?

My process for playing my best golf is to think of one or two shots ahead of where I am playing. I want to hit my ball to the ensure my next one is a preferred shot, vice a ‘let’s see what happens’ type of shot. Focusing on course management is very important and does help lower our golf scores, hence the reason I focus on future shots before making the shot on hand.

The next step is for me to visualize the shot I want to make in order to achieve the preferred next shot. There are many things involved in this step of my game and it happens very quickly as to not be arduous. Visualization of the current shot I want to make is part of my pre-shot routine (which I use 98% of the time)

Using course management to play a round of golf is an important step in any golfers development. The mental side of golf is as important as the physical. Knowing where to leave our next shot to improve the percentages of success does take practice. It is not that difficult, however choosing a lesser club sometimes is the smarter play in order to shoot lower golf scores. Of course, we still have to execute each, but setting the conditions for success is very important.

I always like to hit a preferred shot in golf. Especially on approach shots as it will give me the opportunity to play my best golf. Knowing what you want to hit next will improve your visualization focus by laying the foundation for success. It all sounds so simple and it is…..sometimes. 😉

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