BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS
By Peter Thulson,
Momentum Editor
Off-Season Improvement Starts with Creating Your Blueprint
The off-season is almost here. You have a decision to make, and it’s a simple one: you either stick with your game or you neglect it.
Sticking with your game can look different for every golfer. Neglecting your game always looks the same — clubs are nowhere to be seen, and when next season rolls around, your game is nowhere to be seen.
The key to sticking with your game, according to Steve Atherton, GolfTEC VP of Golf Instruction, is to start by identifying off-season goals. Once you’ve identified your goals, you can plan your off-season practice accordingly. Think of it as creating a blueprint for your off-season improvement. By identifying specific areas for improvement, your off-season practice will be focused and efficient. Just as a blueprint guides the construction of a house, your off-season blueprint will provide structure and direction as you work towards your improvement goals. Your off-season goals will likely fall into one of two categories:
- Change and Improve
- Maintain and Refine
If you fall into the first category, know one thing: the off-season is absolutely the best time of the year to make major swing changes. Because you won’t be on the course playing rounds, you can place all of your focus on improving your swing mechanics. Devoting the entire off-season to improving your swing is a proven way to playing better golf next season.
For those of you who simply want to maintain your form through the off-season, focus on one word: consistency. Whether it’s once every two weeks, or even once a month, it’s critical to maintain a consistent level of guided practice throughout the off-season. This doesn’t mean knocking balls around once a month at the year-round driving range. There is a time and place for that, but only if you are receiving consistent guidance from a coach. Supplementing your practice time with lessons will ensure that you hit the ground running next season.
Improve or maintain – take your pick, just don’t neglect your game.
Follow Your Blueprint
Once you’ve created your blueprint, talk with your GolfTEC Coach about the best plan for reaching your goals. If you don’t have a coach, stop by one of our Improvement Centers and talk with one. Not sure what your blueprint should look like? No problem. Our Coaches can help with that too.
The season is nearly finished, so get out there and squeeze in a few more rounds. When the off-season arrives, identify your goal, create your blueprint and make it happen.
