Like all sports, understanding our strengths and weaknesses is vital to improving. Golf is probably that individual sport where you need know other support but your own in order to succeed. Yes, there are some outside influences (lessons is the biggest one) that will propel our game to the next level and then the next. However, without consistency in several areas, your game will remain stagnant for many golf seasons. Many of you know this already, however it think it is important to discuss this topic for the benefit of new or inexperienced athletes taking up golf.

The first and most important is consistency of effort. Like all things we are trying to master, small intentional steps towards goals is key to moving the yardsticks towards a better place. Golf surly fits into this category. By practicing specific skills on a regular basis is very important. I know of no golfer who plays only once a month or even once a week whose game is sharp and on an upward trend to improvement. Even when I put my clubs aside for a couple of weeks for a vacation I notice a considerable decline in my game. Yes, I can still hit the ball well, however my scoring touch needs a great deal of work. Imagine what a beginner feels like when they play sparingly.

Next is the consistency of intent. The actions of a golf swing, whether hitting the long ball or putting on the green, requires a great deal of muscle memory. As golfers, we practice enough so that we do not have to think about our golf swing, but can focus on the higher mental functions such as small aim points, how the ball will react to certain conditions or gleaning information from our playing partners golf shot. Without the basics of understanding how to swing a golf club, improvement is not likely to happen any time soon. Therefore, intentional consistent practice with the focus on improving our skills is a path to lower golf scores.

Lastly, the consistency of mental action is important. Developing knowledge without practical experience does not bode well for a golfer. Knowing things without the understanding on how to apply the knowledge is basically a step backwards for a golfer. We can always talk a good game, but when it comes to execution of those skills we faulter. Similar to consistency of effort, taking the first step towards our golf goals is important. There has to be mental and physical component to our golf game. Without both aspects working together, our game will never really reach its full potential.

Golf is a fun and exciting sport. It is one where you can play sparingly and still have fun. However, if you really want to improve it takes more and playing the odd time. Mental, physical and intent consistency are required in varying degrees. Without some action in these three categories, you may find that your golf game remains stagnant. The final choice of how much we want to improve is personal; there are no wrong answers and only you can decide.

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