Goal Setting for Golf

If you don't know where you are going chances are you will end up somewhere else. This paraphrased saying of Chief Justice Oliver Wendall Holmes seems to make a great deal of sense. We often go to the course or the range with no idea of what we want to accomplish. Likewise, if we do think of a goal for the day, it's usually tied to outcome. For example, I am going to break 80 today. The problem with this type of goal is that there are many factors that might influence the achievement of this goal such as, wind, weather related factors, playing partner, course rating and other factors not in our control.

The key to effective goal setting is to set goals concerning the "process" of breaking 80. We should focus on warm-up, course management, game place, pre-shot routine, and attitude. These focus factors are critical to accomplishing most golfing goals. The pros know how to focus on the process of playing golf well. The pros hit golf shots they are absolutely sure they can pull off. Amateurs focus on pulling off golf shots that have low probability of success. The pros keep it simple. Amateurs make it complex.
 Finally, it is very important to keep a goal of thinking in a way that gives you a chance to play well. Look at each shot as a challenge rather than a pressure. Change the "p's" to "c's." Take whatever swing you have out with you for the day and do not get into search mode on the course. You can work on your swing on the range. Do not limit your thinking by placing numbers on rounds. It might be better if amateurs did not keep a scorecard until after the round. Also, keep any goals set "just out of reach but not out of sight."
 The most important goal of any round of golf is to have fun and enjoy the round.

Until next time. Enjoy your golf,
Dr. Richard Gordin