Seven Ways for Increase Your Competitiveness

As I once again collected the cash (ok - quarters) at the Hartland Glen 19th hole from my usual foursome, I figured it was time to share some strategies for staying competitive with your golf game.

Here is how the golf pros - and hustlers - do it:

1. Focus on little things.

Whatever you know you do wrong – or did wrong last time you played – make sure to concentrate on not doing it THIS time. Make manageable goals that you can achieve. If you focus on just one thing rather than several, it will help you immensely with #2.

2. Have total confidence in what you do.

I kid around lot, but I always think I will get it done. Always believe in yourself. And if you are “focusing” on not repeating the errors you made recently, then your confidence should be way up.

3. Always play for something.

Anything. It doesn’t have to be big, but there should be some sort of reward or punishment for the effort. It keeps you from getting lazy and not focusing.

4. Don’t think about the prize.

Never start looking ahead to payday. “Don’t start counting your chickens until they hatch” – is an old expression. And it goes along with, “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings.” In other words, stay focused on the task at hand and play your best at all times. You do that and the prize (and bragging rights) will be there.

5. Keep it simple.

This may sound like a contradiction, but when in the heat of the battle, don’t take big chances or try new shots. I know sometimes in skins or match play, the “hero” shot is all we have. But in most situations “safety first” is the best rule. Save the “new shot” for the driving range and don’t try it in the “heat of battle.”

6. Control your emotions.

Did you know beta blockers and sedatives are banned for PGA Tour Players? Do you know why? Because those drugs turn off or reduce the effects of our adrenalin gland and artificially keeps you on more of an even keel.

Now – if you can naturally do this, it appears to me that this would be a huge advantage in golf. Once a bad shot happens, forget about it. The next shot is all you have control over. Concentrate only on making the next one the best it can be.

7. Use a tough loss for motivation.

If you are serious about getting better – at anything – a post mortem on what you need to work on is necessary. Staying with #1 and #5, pick one aspect of your game and work on it BEFORE your next round. This will help with #2.

Serious chess players always replay the game to find out what they missed and how their opening went wrong or what endgame strategy they don’t know. It should be the same with golf.

See you on the 1st tee!

2010 Junior Golf Program!

Here at Hartland Glen junior golfers will learn the basic fundamentals, rules and etiquette of the game of golf from our Golf Professionals. The price is only $99

Ages 5 to 10 10:30 to 11:30 and Ages 11-17 8:30 to 9:30

Mondays
Jun 21 Etiquette/Putting
Jun 28 Rules/Chipping
Jul 12 Irons
July 19 Woods
July 26 Sand
Aug 2 Tournament

OR

Jun 23 Etiquette/Putting
Jun 30 Rules/Chipping
Jul 7 Irons
Jul 14 Woods
Jul 28 Sand
Aug 4 Tournament

Juniors 5 to 10 may play golf after class with Parent or Guardian
Juniors 11 to 17 are encouraged to play golf after class

Call Hartland Glen at 248-887-3777 to register.