Spring is just around the corner, for those who didn’t spend the winter in Florida. That means golf is on his mind and getting ready for the season is on his list and on his mind. Let’s talk about how to prepare after a few months without playing golf.
First, DO NOT go to the nearest shooting range and hit the largest bucket of balls in captivity. That would be a no-no.
If you’ve been following the Concept Golf routine and swinging in your living room or front yard every day, you’re close to being ready right now. The only thing I suggest is that you start walking every day. There is no need to walk fast or far. At first, just walk around for a bit and then walk back to your starting point. You can increase it every day if you want, or not. But walk a little every day.
Even if you always ride in a cart, start walking every day. Golf is footwork and leg swing. So get used to them being the ones causing things to happen.
This year we are going to start with some goals. Remember, your goals must be quantitative and specific in time. “I want to improve my swing.” or “I want to take better shots”, or “I want to hit longer” or “I want to be more consistent”, are not goals that let you know when you have arrived, and any moment works.
How about these goals, for example; “I want to lower my handicap from 18 to 12 before September 15, 2005.” “I want to add 15 yards to my drives by July 10, 2005.” “I want to compete in four golf tournaments before August 1, 2005.” “I want to win the Club Championship in 2005.” “I want to win the US Open in 2005.”
With a goal that is measurable in number and time, you can now set the steps that will get you to your goal and when. Besides, hitting thousands of golf balls on the range will do little to lower your score or lengthen your shots. The shooting range is a place to support the shots you will need on the field. It’s not a place to perfect your swing or lower your score through quantity.
Play golf every day. Not 36 holes, but a few. Soon summer time will be with us again. There’s time for nine o’clock on the way home. If you are a member of a club, you may be able to play a few holes. Golf is played on the course, so prepare for success.
A couple more things to add to your list this year; Play golf with your family. I have golfed with Jack Nicklaus and I have golfed with our youngest daughter. I like Jack and I enjoyed the game, but I love my daughter and the time I spend with her is special, really special. A friend who lives in California has four children. Saturdays and Sundays they do two family trios. That is a special time.
Another thing I want you to consider this year: use golf to build your business. I talk to so many people who are in a business that could thrive playing golf. They tend to see golf as a waste of time rather than a smart way to multitask and build their business. Golf is the perfect business tool. The atmosphere is pure relaxation and you can sit right next to the person you want to meet and who you want to meet you. You can get five hours with that person on the course that you couldn’t possibly get (and wouldn’t want) in an office setting.
We do business with people we like and trust. What better opportunity is there to meet someone than on the golf course?
Some I’ve talked to resist the idea of the golf business because their golf score looks like a zip code. You don’t have to play par to play business golf, but the 15 blow off the first tee is going to create some raised eyebrows.
The Master is in the week of April 9 (Saturday). I know because our Andrea is getting married on the same Saturday. I don’t think she looked at the Majors calendar before setting her wedding date. I did, but my vote is small on these issues.
Get ready for the season and make it a good one. A little swinging, some walking, lots of playing, measurable goals, and fun with your family and business will make golf fun and enjoyable this year. It’s going to be a good year and golf will help.