Mostly on this advanced page we will be discussing more game management issues and mind sets associated with successful golf games.  

    What is the mind set of the best golf games you have ever played?  Have you ever been at the place were being over the golf ball was your comfort zone?  

    Take a look at Joanna Rochette.  During this years Olympics after Joanna's mother had passed away unexpectedly, she found that place that was safe and away from the stress and distractions that circumstances had dealt her.  The only way to be at that place is practice.  Lot's of it!!!! 

    Professional tour golfers practice as many hours on their game that you work at your job.  Granted that is not possible for the average player so now we must talk about practicing smart.  

    I  had a professional tell me one time that a good golf game is like a good marriage.  You must work on all parts of the game to have a a great relationship.  Your golf game is similar.  Give ample time to all parts of your game.  More to the parts you are having difficulty with and always a little to the parts that are working.  Unfortunately this can change from game to game but a good practice routine will keep all parts of your tuned.  

    Practice routines and thoughts are key!  Some of the best practice ideas I have gotten from Dr. Bob Rotella available at Amazon.com.  Golf is not a game of Perfect and all other Rotella books.  Available in  book and CD form these are incredible tools to help you train your thoughts to create success.  

    If practice time is limited, remember that the short game is at least 50% of the golf game so this should probably be your biggest concern.

    For more warm up and practice tips read my blog posting on Warm up at the range before your round!.

WHAT IS COURSE MANAGEMENT AND HOW DO YOU MASTER IT!

    In my opinion course management is all about ball placement, minimizing damage but most important control of your mind and emotions.

BALL PLACEMENT

    Do you know exactly how far you hit each of your clubs.  My next question is, no matter how long the hole, do you (except for par 3's) always pull out your driver 

    Know your strongest yardage!  Are you are deadly at 150 yards?  Great, then off the tee box choose the club that puts you at 150 yards.  This may mean pulling out a 5 iron or whatever club places you to that perfect yardage that keeps you out of trouble. This is difficult for men because testosterone says "hit the longest drive".  Truly, if your drive will place your ball at a yardage that is not so great for you - rethink your club selection.  This is also true on a par 5 where your second shot may place you at a yardage that is not your strongest.  Pretty hard to pull out a 9 iron on your second shot but if you don't feel 100% about getting there, play smart.  This course management will place you in a position for birdies more frequently by swinging from a smoother and create a more confident golf swing.

MINIMIZING DAMAGE

    We've all done it!  You hit a poor shot and end up in a difficult position or lie.  You want you make up for the loss of yardage.  I'm not saying you should always lay up but I am saying you need to look at the possible result should you miss.  Don't be in trouble twice is my point.  Your parents hopefully taught you this.  Learn from previous mistakes.  If you can confidently advance the ball to your desired position then by all means, GO FOR IT!!!!  If you are unsure, please consider getting that ball into a solid position for finishing the hole with success or at least, minimal damage.

    The last and probably most important part of course management!

CONTROL OF YOUR MIND AND EMOTIONS

    A great golf swing just happens.  You think more about where that ball is going then the mechanics of the swing to get it there.  That doesn't mean you're thinking about your next shot it just means the swing is automatic and your focus is your target. Just trust your swing and let it happen.  It really works!  When in your zone, you know without a doubt that the ball will go where you want.  You just do it!

    The best results come from lots of practice and confidence.  How do you develop confidence?  Practice bringing positive results, followed by practice bring positive results and finally more practice bringing positive results!

    For questions or comments please feel free to email me or join our golf forum!  Start your own forum group talking about these issues.