Katie Dawkins
Advanced PGA Professional
WHY do YOU play Golf? Remembering the reasons you took up and fell in love with this game will help you get a bit of perspective if you are going through a grey patch with your game. I chatted to Rachel Formby one of my amazing pupils, about why she gave up golf because she simply lost enjoyment for it, as it all got too serious too fast. Having started again in the last year or so she’s determined to not make that same mistake. She’s out to have fun and enjoy this game. Perhaps this resonates with you? Have you lost that sparkle and passion? Do you laugh y your rounds? If it’s a no take a look at this advice and perhaps sprinkle some fun dust all over your golf and have the Summer of your life on the course.
Firstly, work out what you want to achieve and be REALISTIC about it. Getting this right will lead to you LOVING golf all over again.
Why are you playing? What do you want golf to give you? Ask yourself this on a daily basis prior to a round - “What do I need from this game today?” If life is hectic you may simply need a distraction.
So lessen those expectations and use golf for the game that it is and an escape from the noise of life.
You’ll find frustration is lessened and you gain a level of perspective that will see you have a bit more fun out there
Imagine the best golf you can play? Or do you dampen down that dreamy goal because other people say you can’t do it. Why can’t you play the golf of your dreams? Don’t be controlled by other peoples limitations they put on you. Chances are you are capable of playing better than those dream dashers. Don’t let them hold you back.
Equally don’t pile too much pressure on. If you want to see gains in your game perhaps take it as a marginal gains approach and ask to chip better or hole more 3ft putts. Try not to pin a number to your expectations. All those mini gains will see lower score.
Build That Library Of Your Best Moments.
Think of your BEST SHOT, your BEST ROUND. How did it make you feel? Write it down in a small journal. One that looks good and makes you happy (it might be the colour of it, pattern or a picture or photo on the outside) Use a pen you enjoy writing with and get scribbling. Let’s get that good feeling running like a river through your whole game. Make a pact with yourself to regularly revisit this notebook, Adding to it all the time. Jot down brilliant rounds, or performances, however big or small. They are relevant in forming your golf library. Within your golf library should be your best ever DRIVE, best Fairway wood, rescue club, best shot with each of your irons and continue this “best of’ theme all the way to the best tap in putt. Be it the best thing about that was what it was for more than anything.