Change governs all aspects of golf. Regardless of your skill level, being able to adapt to change is an important skill that most golfers overlook. Whether the change is random or self driven, change is something that many golfers have a hard time adjusting too in a short period of time. As variables shift during a round (weather, course conditions, swing challenges) trying to navigate through the various stressors can make or break a round of golf. Change is good sometimes, when self driven, but most of the time is a white knuckle ride trying to avoid disaster. Remember, change is constant!

Every round of golf demonstrates that requirement to adapt to changes. Even a poor lie will force us to alter our shot making in order to maximize the intent of the shot. It is not overly difficult to face challenges on the golf course, but it is a real challenge to do it well. So, what is the biggest factor that golfers need to adopt in order to meet change head on. What tips will allow them to keep high numbers off the score card. Well, I have given this a great deal of thought and I think I have a solution. It is simple and completely in your control!

Control our emotions. Yup, it is that simple. If we can keep our emotions in check, we are able to think clearer. We are able to work through challenging thoughts. We can accept that mistakes happen. Our ego stays under control. These and a plethora of other aspects of emotions are positively managed on the golf course.

I found this placard talking about emotional intelligence when golfing. It provides 5 skill solutions that golfers can use to face change on the golf course. These are not one and done skills, but something I think would benefit all amateurs as they strive to play their best golf.

It does take a bit of adjusting to apply these tips to our golf game. Number 3 is especially difficult, but I would suggest talking with your fellow golfing friends will help. I found a mentor and talk to them (in my early years) and now I am mentor for many players. If you think about what they are suggesting, it is about managing our emotions in order to perform at our peek. Seems simple to me…..or is it?

Everyone has poor rounds of golf. Everyone experiences constant change during each hole of golf. How we approach these challenges will go a long way to shooting a great golf score. To add a bit of context to the ‘shooting a great score’, it is all relative. Depending on your skill level, breaking 110 is more exciting to you as a player, than someone who consistently breaks 80. Shooting a great score depends on so many factors although there is on constant in the whole process: change.

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