Not for the lack of trying, I have not made it to the golf course in about five days. Normally, I would have played a couple of rounds in that time, however the rain and cold weather has stopped me from looping around Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort. Today, I have decided to layer up and play anyway. It will be cool, but I have to start playing or the first month of my golf season will be gone. When I hit the course today, I figure I will focus on a couple of things that will improve my swing and overall mental preparedness for when I challenge my friend Mike later this week. He and I have a friendly standing bet and over the past few times we played, he kick my butt. So, it is time to turn the tides and start playing like I know I can. To do this, I have to focus on two specific things and if I do, I will be off to the races.
My friend Mike and I play about three or four times a year. Mike travels for work, but when he is in our area, I do my best to free up my schedule so we can play. Being retire, this is generally and easy thing to do. Some time this week, we should hit a local course and let the challenge begin.
To prepare for our match, the first think I am going to do is focus on my pre-shot routine for all my shots. Many times early in the season, I am not mentally prepared to play and rush my process of success. It is something I fix as the season progresses, but this year I am going to focus on this important step in my golf game. My pre-shot routine is vital while around and on the green. I need to take a few more moments preparing to my short chip, find my landing area, and focus on hitting it. This will go a long way to improving my chances of shooting a lower golf score early in the season.
The next thing is to not over swing. It is a challenge sometimes as Mike can hit a long ball. He plays all year around (he is from the south) so his game is usually sharp. I sometimes find myself trying to hit the ball farther than normal because I normally can keep up on the distance front. However, early in the season it is not usually the case and I have to accept the fact that Mike will be out driving me. Also, I have to take the friendly ribbing we toss at each other as it is all part of our little challenge. 🙂 Focusing on my balance and making solid contact is key for improving my game early in the season.
As you can see, I preparing a plan to improve my golf game. It is important to have a plan in order to improve my game early in the season. Actually, anytime I have something big on the horizon (on and off the golf course) I plan an approach that will prepare me for success. My experience tells me that by using this approach, I have a better than not chance to be successful.
Golf is a fun sport that has many facets in order for players to enjoy all it has to offer. I like the planning approach because I enjoy playing golf well. It is something I works for my game and could work for yours. If you have not already, try setting a goal for the next time you play, who knows, it might transform your game.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on then links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Plans are great. Luck is more fun. But the thing is, sticking to the plan generally brings me the most luck. Today I played a 270 yard par 4 to plan. It’s fun to go for it sometimes when playing skins, but it’s a gamble with a very small window of fairway to work with. 30 yards tops. Less than the width of the green with OB and lost ball on the left and a ridgeline that will leave a terribly awkward lie in deep rough on the right. And I can’t fly that ridge to get the ball safely over the thick rough behind it so bailing right isn’t in the cards either.
So I hit 7 wood. It’s one of the easiest clubs to hit I’ve ever owned and I hit it around 190-200 off the deck pretty accurately most of the time. This time was no exception (I’m still working on the approach game and playing most of my tee shots off the deck to give me extra practice from fairway type lies). I left a nice, easy 80% gap wedge in (75 yards give or take). I hit a flighted shot from back in my stance a bit to keep the ball below the tree tops and it tracked straight for the flag took two small hops and pegged the flag loud enough I could hear it from where I stood on its way to the bottom of the cup.
One more hole out eagle. My third on that hole. The other two I’d hit 3 wood and chipped in from 30-40 yards. I played my game well today. Shot 5 under from hole 7 through 11. 7 under for the round and it would have been lower but the greens weren’t cut and I struggled to get read and speed matching need. Missed them high and low but most at least took a look. lol Plus my wedges weren’t sharp coming out. Got my first skin on hole 7 just before the eagle hole. The wedges got much better as the day progressed thankfully. I ended up tying for the win on the skins game and had the low round by a few. Took skins on 7,8, & 9 to lead by two at the turn and birdied the next two to tie the holes.
I kept to the game plan. Did my pre-shot routine. Went for the ones I had faith enough to commit to and played the safer shot for a good leave when I decided it was the option I could best get behind. I think it gives luck it’s best chance to come out and play.
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Kevin,
It sounds like you had an very productive and exciting round of golf. Thanks for sharing….I played well and it was a bit cool. Overall, it was a good round for so early in the season.
Cheers Jim
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Hey Jim sorry it’s taking so long to warm up in Mattawa. Hopefully it gets to a decent temp soon. My friends in TO have been able to play already for a while. And now they have more free time that the Leafs are out of the playoffs. Good luck and play well against Mike.
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Linley,
Thanks for the kind words. We are slowly getting to a point when temperatures is not an issue for golf. Next will be mosquito and black fly season….it never stops….haha.
Cheers Jim
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