The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result. This quote by Writer Rita Mae Brown is constantly used by athletes, coaches, scholars and of course golfers to portray the hamster wheel cycle of mediocrity. As golfers we have a tendency to play the exact same way using the same club over and over again hoping we score lower by the end of the round. From time to time, this happens, but more often than not we score worse than expectations. It is a crazy way to play golf and most golfers fall into that category. How do change the results, well the quick answer is to break the golf cycle of routine and step out of our comfort zone.

Routine can be good in golf as it does set the parameters for a successful shot. For example a solid pre-shot routine is a must for my game and I recommend it for every golfer. (A great explanation of a simple pre-shot routine can be found in a previous article called https://thegratefulgolfer.com/2022/06/17/my-simple-pre-shot-routine-explained/) However, when routine prevents you from actually playing golf to the best of your ability, then it is something to be avoided.

Examples of routine would be always selecting your driver off of every par 4 and par 5. Or always chipping with the same club regardless of the situation. These are just a couple of the more obvious routine actions amateur golfers make because they feel confident in making those choices. I understand this process, however my game did not take any leaps forward until I broke the mold of routine. I chose to do something different and boy was it frustrating sometimes. Fortunately, the frustration did not last long and I was able to improve my game.

The following golf actions indicate that you are stuck a routine and something might have to change to improve your overall game:

• Always hitting driver off the tee regardless of the length of the hole;
• Regardless of hazards on the hole, hitting the same club for distance;
• Always chipping with the same club withing 15 yards of the green;
• Always slicing or hooking a ball with the same club and continuing to use it hoping for a different result; or
• Ignoring the current course conditions including wind, temperture, wetness, etc.

The only way to break the detrimental golf routine is to make a different decision when making a shot. Next time you are at 150 yards and immediately grab your 7 iron, stop and think, then use a different club like your 6 iron. It will force you to think of a different swing and how to play the hole. At first it might be a challenge, but the more you make changes, the more your game will grow. It will take some time to change your game, but it will be worth it in the end.

Golf is a every evolving game. After 50+ years of playing I can honestly say that I am not even close to reaching my full potential. I am grateful for my journey to date and look forward continuing to break my golf routines to improve my game.

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