Alright…let's talk about my absence of almost a year from this. Life definitely got the better of me.
For starters, I have a full-time job and, while I work from home, it was an incredibly busy year with not a lot of time to focus on much outside of work. I was able to get out on the course about once a week, but everything else got moved to the backburner and I didn't make time for it.
The second thing about the past year…golf was golf. I finally got my handicap down to 9.8 and then I started playing pretty poorly and it jumped back up to 10.6. I got in a really bad headspace, when it came to playing. I definitely let the mental aspect of golf take over and it wasn't pretty. I have the mindset of, if I don't hit a PGA tour shot, I haven't hit a good shot.
One of my goals this year is to be easier on myself. I need to realize that I am never going to make it on tour. I may never even play in a tournament in my golfing life. I am, mostly, a casual golfer always playing against myself.
I've changed my driving range routine to focus more on contact, making sure I have the correct face angle and focusing on distances and aiming at specific targets.
I pull out an alignment stick every range session to make sure my feet, my hands and the club are all pointing in the same direction
I don't really swing "full" for most of the shots and I focus more on my hand position and the impact of the clubface to the ball
I bring my rangefinder out and hit 10 balls at targets set approximately 100, 115, 130 and 150 yards.
After 150 yards, I focus more on hitting it as straight as I can, and just try to keep it within 10 yards
For hybrid, 3 wood and driver practice - I focus on contact and hitting straight
The other change I made (other than my driver and irons - this story coming soon) - I got a Cleveland Chipper. One thing I do WAY too often is chunk chip shots around the green so I bought a chipper to help with those, until I get more confident in my wedge play.
It's safe to say that last year was a tough year, on and off the course. 2025 is going to be the year I focus on being easier on myself and finding enjoyment in the little things in my golf game. The mental aspect of golf, and life in general, is a struggle for everyone. We all need to be a little easier on ourselves. While that's easier said than done, at least make an effort. Even if your curse at yourself one less time per round, you're making progress. Focus on progress, not perfection.
I'm going to do my best to post more, even if it's just being more honest about what I'm struggling with. Thank you all for "listening" and please reach out to someone if you're struggling. Asking for helping is not a weakness, it's a strength.
Here's to a better 2025. Fairways and greens y'all.
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