How to Set Expectations and Goals in Golf
By James Roland
It's easy to get out on the golf course and play, hoping your game will improve. But without a plan and specific goals and expectations, you may spend all your time hoping instead of improving. No one wants to think of golf as work (hey, it's the thing we do to get away from work!), but just as your job requires you to meet or exceed expectations, hit deadlines and show real results, so too should your golf game. It's not that hard. With a little forethought and examination of your current game and where you want to improve, you'll see your scores drop and your enjoyment of the game climb higher and higher.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Set goals as needs arise. Goal setting tends to happen at the end of the year as you look forward to the next season, but you should be ready to set new goals anytime you feel you need to make a change.
Take notice of what you do well and what part of your game consistently needs work, and then formulate a goal to improve the area that needs improvement. If your drives have been coming up short the past few times out, then make it a goal to add 50 yards to your drive and start working on whatever will get you there--whether it's a little strength training or working with a pro on your technique.
Listen to your instructor or your buddies when they make suggestions, and listen with an open mind. They may say something in passing that will suddenly have you intrigued. If you're always open to constructive criticism, you'll reach your goals that much faster.
Set attainable goals. If you're an 18 handicap, but you want to get down to a 5, don't set that as a goal for three months. Instead, try to lower your handicap by a couple of shots each year (depending on how often you play, of course). But certainly pick a number and work toward it.
Don't try to tackle too many goals at once. Find one or two that you can concentrate on every time out, and when you achieve those expectations, move on to the next one.
Use numbers in your goal setting. If you want to improve your putting, work on limiting your three-putt greens to five in each round. Keep a number in mind, and then challenge yourself to beat your goal.
Write down a well-thought-out list of goals and expectations, and then write down ideas for making them happen. Then refer to your list often to keep you focused.
Take lessons from a pro and talk with him about your specific goals and expectations. If the two of you agree on reasonable goals, you'll have someone on the same page as you who's willing to get on your case if you slack off and will able to offer tips to help you meet or exceed your expectations.
Ask your local pro or talented playing partner what she did to improve when she was at your stage of development.
Tips & Warnings
Think about your golf goals even when you're not playing and visualize them coming true.
About The Author
James Roland is the editor of a monthly health publication that has approximately 75,000 subscribers in the United States and Canada. Previously, he worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, covering issues ranging from the environment and government to family matters and education. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon.
