Slowly dropping my handicap index came with many challenges, both mental and physical. The physical challenges were overcome (for the most part) through training, practice and more practice. I do not consider myself and elite golfer even with a low index, but I think I have some game. Most of my successes can be attributed to physically changing my swing, grip, stance, and tempo. As I stated in previous articles, many of these physical skills are intertwined and one cannot be changed without affecting the others. The mental side of my improvement was not as simple or as easily defined. I often wonder if my mental breakdowns were avoidable or was it part of the journey to a lower handicap index.

There are many times on the golf course where I have made the decision to tighten my game. The decision to adopt this course of action is not taken lightly, but it does require a conscious choice and some specific steps to accomplish my intent. I am not trying to be glib and evasive, but I am trying to convey that closing ranks on the golf course is a challenge in on its own. Thus, I have a process or method (of course I do….right) that helps me manage my game and lower my overall golf score.