If you want to reach a milestone in your golf game by 2026 – say breaking 100 for the first time – what’s the best way to practice to achieve that goal?
GOLF Teacher to Watch John Hughes, based at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida, provided helpful guidance.
“Look at what keeps you in the game, and practice what keeps you in the game,” he said. “At the 100-shooter level, it’s not about how far you can shoot. The truth is, you don’t keep it in the game.”
Hughes suggested using 3-wood off the tee instead of driver if accuracy is a priority, and taking an extra club when approaching the green to ensure you don’t come up short.
“What are you doing to make better decisions about keeping yourself in the game?” said Hughes. “Because the statistics are there. As a 100 shooter you have more penalty shots. You have more burden that you don’t necessarily have to bear.”
Another suggestion from Hughes: drop the weight of your expectations.
“Throw them out the window,” Hughes said. “Whether it’s a 100-shooter or one of the tour players I work with, expectations have to be kept at bay.
“Stick to a process, stick to your goals,” he continued. “What are your goals? Are they specific enough? A good example is always putting. If you eliminate 3-putts, that’s right [your handicap] down. But what if you went from 90 to 80 and made decisions that kept you from making more than bogey on par 3s and par 5s? Because those are the inflation holes for that handicap level.”
Hughes emphasized that it is also important to maintain a healthy perspective on where golf ranks on your list of life priorities.
“If wave is No. 7, not No. 3, let’s bring it down,” he said. “Let’s take away some of that expectation because realistically you’re not going to get there. So why are you putting that unnecessary pressure on yourself?”
As you prepare for a new year of golf, try Hughes’ suggestions to reduce the pressure you put on your performance. Instead, focus on giving every shot the best chance to keep the ball in play and stay out of trouble – and your score will thank you.
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