For most, even a once-a-week player, scoring consistently in the seventies requires an extreme level of dedication in both time and money. However, achieving consistency is another matter.
Consistency is something that every golfer can achieve, regardless of their skill level. The first thing is to have a defined goal.
Merriam/Webster defines one of these terms as: “an action that’s firmly established by long persistence.”The typical golfer doesn’t have this definition in mind. When we apply this definition to the game golf, the common lament is that it’s too vague. “consistently inconsistent”This would work perfectly.
Which definition of consistency would you use? In baseball, the top hitters are able to reach base safely only one third of the times. To make it to the playoffs, hockey teams must have a 50/50 win-loss ratio. The most challenging sport in golf, however, is golf. Golfers of all skill levels tend to associate perfection with consistency.
Score is the best measure of consistency? Are you a player who has ever played well and scored high? If this were a regular pattern, would you be satisfied?
It is unique that golf can be played well or scored. In rare cases when these two factors are combined for a brief moment we may try to analyse the results with the hope of reproducing them. The search always ends in a patient’s resignation. “live and fight another day.”
World’s best golfers know that the way they feel affects how their swing. For the one-a-week player, this is even more important. Although you may not be able to hit three-hundred shots a week, every player can control their feelings.
Concept of “feel”It is most commonly used when referring to the Short Game. Chipping and putting are two examples, but it can also be applied to all shots. For those who are conditioned to use conscious thinking to control their senses, it is difficult to learn to trust them.
A definition of consistency will make you feel great before every round. Students who used the same 18-hole tee after one round of golf were thrilled to hear that I had interviewed them!
Although improving your score may be the ultimate goal of golf, it can make every round an emotional roller coaster if all you are concerned about is scoring. You can feel great if you set different goals for each part of the game.
What you feel has an impact on how you work. You don’t have to wait for your goals.