The new year is here and if you’re an avid golfer, more than likely you have made a resolution to improve one or more parts of your golf game or playing habits. Improving your golf game is a great goal to have, especially if you have big 2024 golf plans. Such as a trip to the golf capital of the world, Myrtle Beach, and a round at Rivers Edge Golf Club. However, actually making your goal a reality requires a clear plan and commitment.
To help you achieve your golfing goals, here are some valuable tips to ensure your New Year’s golf resolutions last beyond January.
Some common New Year’s goals we hear among our Rivers Edge team, members, and guests include:
– Improve my golf game
-Hit the ball farther
-Become more consistent
-Play more golf rounds
-Lower my score
All of these resolutions are great end goals to have, but they are vague and require more specifics to be achievable. For example, instead of saying “Improve my golf game,” break it down into tangible objectives such as “Lower my handicap by (X) amount of strokes.” This clarity will provide a clear path for your golf journey.
Once you have a clear, achievable, and specific goal it is important to plan out exactly how you will work to achieve your goal. Golf is a complex sport that requires drive, dedication, and persistence. You will need to design a plan that encompasses all the areas you are trying to achieve. It is important that you realize improving your game comes from consistent and specific practice.
For example, if you want to hit the ball farther off the tee, you will need to create a specific plan on how you will work towards that goal. To begin, you first need to learn what makes a ball go farther off the tee. The answer is simple: club head speed.
The next step in your plan would be learning what club head speed is and ways you can increase it. The best way to learn information about your goal is by investing in lessons from a qualified golf professional. Once you know strategies that will help assist you in reaching your goals, it is important to prioritize consistent practice.
Sticking with the example resolution of working to hit the ball farther off the tee, the golf professional at your club recommends that you start incorporating flexibility and mobility exercises into your weekly routine. In order to see actual results, you will need to be disciplined, completing these exercises on a regular basis. A consistent effort will contribute to reaching your goal much quicker, than sporadic, intense workout sessions on an inconsistent basis. A good way to do this is by setting a specific time each week you plan to stretch and work on mobility, or maybe you start going to a yoga class.
Another tip that will help you achieve your golf goals is to stay positive and patient. Progress in golf, as in any skill, takes time. It is important to understand that improvement may not happen overnight, and setbacks are a natural part of the learning process. Stay positive, celebrate small victories, and use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. On top of this, don’t underestimate the importance of working on your short game. You probably have heard this statistic a time or two, but 60% of your game comes from 100 yards in. This is an important fact, especially if you’re looking to take a few strokes off your handicap. Investing time into practicing your putting, chipping, and pitching is the simplest and most practical way to do so.
By following these tips, you can set the stage for a year of significant improvement on the golf course. Our team at Rivers Edge is rooting for your golf success and hope that we can see you take on our course in the New Year. Remember, the journey to golf success is as rewarding as the destination, so enjoy every swing and savor the progress you make along the way.