T
here's no better time than
the new year to make res-
olutions and put plans in
action to improve.
As with life, our golf game will
only get better if we take the time
and put in the effort. To get your
2017 off to a good start on the
course, here are a few ideas for
your own resolutions…
•••
work on your weaknesses. By
pinpointing the areas where you
struggle, you can hone in on
what you really need to focus on
rather than worrying about your
overall game. For example, if
putting is an issue, make it a goal
this year to eliminate those 3-
putts. If you struggle from 50
yards out, work on that length. If
driving is an issue, practice that.
Eliminate unnecessary strokes in
problem areas of your game and
your scores will improve.
•••
Manage your game. Another
great resolution is to become bet-
ter at playing and managing the
golf course. Increasing your men-
tal toughness by envisioning and
playing through a round is a
great skill to have.
•••
Increase your flexibility. De-
velop a routine in which you
are stretching for 10-15 minutes
every morning and evening.
Even if the routine consists of
fairly simple stretches, it will
help improve your swing, you
won't be as sore after a round
of golf, and your overall per-
formance will be better.
•••
Make golfing plans with
friends. Sometimes golfers like to
play by themselves. It's less pres-
sure, and they are more likely to
hit those good shots. But playing
in front of people will help your
game. Playing under a little bit of
pressure because you're with
people is good for us! Everyone
gets nervous; don't be scared to
tee it up with other players. Plus,
you can grab a good meal after-
ward and enjoy the company.
•••
have fun. Golfers can get frus-
trated with the game, and every-
one can benefit by working on
their emotional intelligence. I en-
courage players to have fun with
the game, rather than take it so
seriously. If you learn to laugh at
yourself, that will take pressure
off of each shot.
rEsOlvE TO IMprOvE
5 resolutions to take your golf game to the next level in 2017
The dawn of a new
year is ideal for
setting golf goals.
By JAsOn
sMITh
PGA Teaching
Professional
lEssOn TEE
BOOK
A
TEE
TIME
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