As we make our way through the final stages of the summer playing season, you will have either lived up to your expectations for the year, or not.

What can you do, if you haven’t performed as well as expected/planned?

1. Reassess: you may have given yourself an unrealistic target for the year. Analyse how much time you have left this season, and readjust your goals. Being fluid in your goal-setting is necessary sometimes. We can become deflated or unmotivated if the goal becomes out of reach or impossible within the remaining time frame.
2. Technique Issues: your game has not stood up to the test in competition, and it may be a technical issue. Speak with a PGA Professional/Trainee to help you get to the root of any swing issues you may be having and find the best path forward for you. It can help getting tips from websites/magazines, but unfortunately, the content is not catered to you specifically, if you’re not sure what you need, it can cause more damage than good – speak with a professional.
3. Fitness: golf is more physical than you might expect! Depending on how you expect to swing the club, for example, making a full shoulder turn, maintaining your spine angle throughout the swing, etc – you will need to prime your body to make these movements possible. Speak with a certified trainer (eg TPI Certified), who can help you achieve your peak physical state, you’ll still feel fresh walking up the 18th fairway!
4. Company: sometimes we fall into a rut, or stay “comfortable”. You may have adjusted your goals, but not your surroundings. Find others who have achieved what you are trying to; they will have shaped their lives around this standard of performance. It is much easier to live up to these standards if you are surrounded by those who expect it of themselves.
5. Equipment: the Indian does require the correct tools. Getting fitted for your equipment will help reduce doubt, unnecessary compensations in your swing, all helping you play better and shoot lower scores. Visit a qualified club fitter to ensure you are measured correctly and fully trust your equipment going forward!
6. Flow State: finding your own Flow State is a delicate procedure. It is, aligning your skillset to the challenge. If the challenge is too far above or below your current abilities, it can lead to overwhelming fear, boredom or stress. We strike gold in the centre, when you are challenged, but capable of meeting the required task – this is your “Flow State”. Ensure your goals lead you to this centre point. See image below for a visual representation.

Getting the best from your game, will require that you, your equipment and your surroundings all align with your goal. The above six points will help get you back on track, towards your goals and best self.

If you would like to speak with me in person or organise a coaching session, you can book an appointment to meet at Caddi Club in London! – click here to request.

Talk soon,
Gary