When I first started golfing, I practiced. As a 10-year old, I was lucky enough to take a few golf lessons, which imparted on me the importance of consciously practicing when at the range. Rather than just whacking 100 balls as quickly as I could, I would take practice shots, pick a target, shoot, then reflect on the result and how to best approach. I spent time around the practice greens, chipping, putting, and getting a feel for the greens. I put in this effort between rounds so I could improve my performance during the rounds as much as possible. I would hit a small bucket of balls before to ensure I was warmed up and ready.
For the 20+ years since, my few visits to the range consisted of hitting a bucket of balls as fast as humanly possible, skipping any time chipping or putting. Despite the lack of practice, during the few rounds I played, I generally showed up to the course 10 minutes before tee off, took two practice swings, cracked a beer, and started my round, wondering allowed how I good have possibly chunked my first shot in two months.
This summer, I intend to put in a concerted effort to improve my game. Not only will I play more rounds than ever before, aiming for 40 between May and September, but I will go to the range an equal number of times or more. The added benefit of having a golf net in my building, is that I can still swing my clubs on rainy days. In total, unless my work schedule interferes, I’ll aim to swing my clubs 6 times per week, ideally 4 of them on the course or range.
For the first few months as I figure out my new clubs and work the kinks out of my game, I will focus on making good shots and not worry about my score, as I’m simply looking to establish a baseline. To calculate your handicap, you require a minimum of twenty rounds tracked, so I will focus these rounds on skill development, score be damned. After the first twenty rounds, I will have a better feel for my game, and begin to apply more golf course management, actively working to reduce my handicap, aiming for a 17 or lower by the end of the season.
Breaking Ninety 