According to the National Golf Foundation, there were over 24 million golfers in the US at the end of 2020, which was a significant increase from 2019. Globally, there are currently more than 60 million golfers enjoying the game, reducing their stress levels, and socializing while keeping in good health. If you’re looking for something besides the benefits of golf, perhaps you’ll also enjoy the following tips on leveling up your game.
Set goals. As with anything worth pursuing, if you want to improve your golf skills, the best approach is to start off with some simple yet specific, measurable goals. Do you want to keep it to only two 3-putt holes per round? Write it down. What about hitting 75% of greens in regulation or not missing any fairways off the tee? Again, write down your goals and work toward them. You will be amazed to look back six months from now and see how much you’ve improved just by implementing some goals for yourself.
Practice, practice, practice. And then, practice some more. Everyone knows that success doesn’t just come to us. It takes hard work, consistency, and practice. Even if you aren’t able to make it to the course every day, try aiming for 50-100 swings per day at home. Eventually, that muscle memory will kick in and you’ll be swinging easily in your sleep.
Did you know that many golf clubs offer demo days? Take advantage of them! During these special events, golf club members often have the opportunity to discover the most recent advancement(s) in golf technology as well as have experts fit them for proper clubs and balls, analyze individual swings, and even evaluate playing styles!
Focus on your fitness to enhance your game. A golfer can walk a little over 6 miles and burn more than 1,500 calories per round. Stretch those hamstrings and shoulders to help avoid unwanted stiffness and injury. And, make sure you are well-hydrated and have adequate nutrition before, during, and after each game. By the 18th hole, you’ll be glad you did.
Strike a pose. Seriously. After every swing, try holding your pose to become more aware of your technique. You should have a nice, even swing (do not slow your swing before or after you hit the ball), and your back heel should be completely off the ground when following through.
Mentally prepare. Most people don’t realize that although you can spend hours on the course, you may actually only spend a few minutes hitting the ball. This can lead to more personal pressure and becoming easily frustrated if you allow it. Keep the big picture in mind and don’t lose focus while navigating the small things.
Just enjoy the game. It’s easy to get caught up in the perfection, but the reason you most likely started to play in the first place was to have fun, unwind, and perhaps make some friends and great memories along the way. So, keep doing just that.
And, if you find yourself needing a change of scenery and some additional “tee time” in a more relaxed environment, call your travel designer to discover all of the golf destination options available to you.
