We’ve all been there—life throws a lot at us, and it’s easy to carry that weight onto the golf course. I know firsthand how stress and distractions can creep into your game, turning a sport you love into a frustrating experience. But here’s the thing: golf can also be a powerful way to reset, focus, and work through life’s challenges.
If your score isn’t where you want it to be and you’re ready to improve, I’ve put together a simple 30-day plan to help. It focuses on three key areas—chipping, approach shots, and course management—while also making sure you use your time on the course to clear your mind and enjoy the process.
Week 1: Back to Basics
The first week is all about laying a strong foundation. Let’s start with the part of the game where most golfers lose the most strokes: the short game. If you’re struggling to get up and down or wasting shots around the green, this is where you’ll make the biggest improvement.
Practice Plan:
Chipping (30 minutes per day): Grab a wedge and set up a simple drill—drop 10 balls around the green, 5-20 yards from the hole, and aim to land them within a 3-foot circle. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but focus on controlling where the ball lands.
Approach Shots (30 minutes per day): Practice hitting smooth, controlled shots from 50-100 yards. Don’t over-swing—this is about accuracy, not power.
Course Management (10 minutes per day): Sit down with the scorecard from your last round. Where did you lose strokes? Plan smarter strategies, like laying up instead of risking a long approach over water.
Play 9 Holes (Twice This Week):
Your goal is simple: avoid double bogeys. Play conservatively—hit the fairway, get on the green, and two-putt. If you have to chip, aim to get the ball close enough for an easy putt.
Mental Tip: Golf can be your escape. Leave the stress at the door and focus on the shot in front of you. Use deep breaths to reset before every swing.
Week 2: Build Consistency
Now that you’ve started improving your short game, it’s time to focus on consistency. This is where you’ll really start to see progress.
Practice Plan:
Chipping (40 minutes per day): Expand your practice. Set up situations you hate—tight lies, fluffy rough, uphill chips. Mastering these uncomfortable shots will boost your confidence on the course.
Approach Shots (30 minutes per day): Work on hitting greens from 50-150 yards. Use a 9-iron or pitching wedge, and practice aiming for the middle of the green rather than the flag.
Course Management (20 minutes per day): Go beyond the driving range. Walk a few holes without playing and visualize where you want your shots to go. Imagine the safest way to avoid hazards and penalties.
Play 18 Holes (Once This Week):
Focus on hitting as many greens in regulation as possible. Keep track of how often you leave yourself easy putts versus scrambling for bogey.
Mental Tip: Treat every shot as a fresh start. If you chunk an approach or miss a chip, let it go. Dwelling on mistakes will only ruin your next shot.
Week 3: Smarter Play
By week three, it’s time to start playing smarter. Golf isn’t just about hitting the ball well—it’s about managing the course and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Practice Plan:
Chipping (30 minutes per day): Focus on the shots you’re most likely to face during a round—bump-and-runs, chips over bunkers, and tight pins.
Approach Shots (30 minutes per day): Target smaller landing areas on the range to refine your accuracy. Pretend each shot is on the course—pick a specific “green” and try to land it there.
Course Management (20 minutes per day): Think back to your last round. Where did poor decisions cost you strokes? Plan ways to play smarter next time, like laying up instead of going for a risky par 5 in two.
Play 9 Holes (Twice This Week):
Play conservatively, aiming for bogey golf or better. If there’s trouble (like water or bunkers), play to avoid it. Stick to your strategy, even if it means sacrificing a few yards.
Mental Tip: Golf rewards patience. Stay focused on making smart decisions, and don’t let your ego take over. Sometimes, the safe play is the best play.
Week 4: Putting It All Together
The final week is all about putting your skills to the test. You’ve worked on your chipping, approach shots, and strategy—now it’s time to execute.
Practice Plan:
Chipping (30 minutes per day): Add pressure drills. For example, try to chip 5 balls in a row within a 3-foot circle. If you miss, start over. This simulates the pressure you’ll feel on the course.
Approach Shots (30 minutes per day): Practice hitting different targets on the range and adjusting for wind or slope. Visualize the exact shot you want to hit before you swing.
Course Management (20 minutes per day): Review your past rounds and refine your strategy. Identify areas where you can take fewer risks and play smarter.
Play 18 Holes (Twice This Week):
This is your chance to put everything into action. Track your stats—fairways hit, greens in regulation, up-and-downs, and putts. Focus on avoiding penalties and minimizing mistakes.
Mental Tip: Celebrate progress, not perfection. Every step forward is a win, even if you’re not shooting in the 70s yet. Golf is a process, and improvement takes time.
Lowering your score isn’t about trying to be perfect—it’s about making small improvements that add up. By focusing on your short game, approach shots, and course management, you’ll start seeing results. But just as important, golf can be your time to clear your mind and recharge.
Remember, it’s not just about the score—it’s about enjoying the journey. What are you working on in your game right now? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear them!
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