Do you set any golf goals?  Have you ever wanted to improve some aspect of your golf game?  If you have ever wanted to improve some part of your game, you need to have a plan.

Not all goals are created equally.  These goals do not have to be all about scores.  Before you set your goals, you should set SMART goals, for a higher success rate.  SMART goals are defined:  Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely goals.

For example: You want to improve hitting Greens in Regulation to 80% by July 4^th, 2017.  The specific (greens in regulation) is measurable (80%) and achievable (currently at 75%).  The goal is rewarding (lower scores, hopefully) and there is a certain time frame in completing the goal (By July 4^th).

Here is a list of possible golf goals for you:

• Breaking a scoring barrier (100, 90, 80, Par, etc.)

• Lowering your handicap from “X” to “Y”

• Shooting your handicap/average score from a different set of tees

• Playing in a tournament

• Playing 18 holes

• Making ‘X’ number of new golf friends

• Improving accuracy off the tee by increasing fairways hit from “X” to “Y”

• Hitting more greens in regulation (GIR) from “X” to “Y” per round

• Not losing ‘X’ amount of golf balls in a round

• Playing golf at different location

• Learning a new shot type

There are so many more options and you can see how simple the goal setting can be.  The key is to make it a SMART goal to create a map of how to achieve your goal.

OK, so you have a goal… but what’s next?  How can you strategize in reaching your goal?

Let’s look at the example of improving your greens in regulations (GIR) from “X to “Y” per round.  First identify your weakness.  For example, your 100 to 150-yard shot is erratic and inconsistent.

You then need a game-plan in improving that weakness.  First, you set a constant: where you are currently and make notes of the types and distances of shots for your GIR (100 to 150-yards). Then you could head to the driving range.  You would then practice with setting multiple targets and the desired distances.  Working on accuracy to the desired target and setting the distance circle (you wish to land the ball in) around the target.

Take that practice on to the course and test where you are at in achieving your goal.  If you don’t achieve your goal at first; try, try again.  Keep track of how close you are to reaching your goal, up to the desired time-frame. You should set weekly or bi-weekly tests to see where you are in reaching your goal.

Finally, analyze where you are, with your goal, upon the elapsed time-frame.  Did you reach your goal?  If so, great job!  If not, was the goal reachable? Did you develop a correct strategy in achieving your goal?  If you do not reach your goal, that is OK, you can set new ones and start the process over.  The key is to not get frustrated but rather to set SMART golf goals.

Have any golf goals set for the winter or 2017?  Let me know by emailing me at efoster(at)candiawoods.com or send me a tweet @FosterTheRed

I am looking to having a future post with golfers and their golf goals and look forward to hearing from you.