Winter golf - use this time wisely

Winter is now upon us. Mitts are in the bag for the cold frosty mornings, umbrella is ready for the heavy downpours and you are trudging around the course in 6 items of clothing to keep you warm. Also we are out of the qualifying competition season. The period now where your handicap is not going to change. As a result of this, the winter is the best time for you to set new goals and get your game in the best possible shape for the new season next year.

Golf swing changes
Attending an intensive golfschool or investing in a block of lessons during this period will allow you the time to learn any swing changes. It will also allow you to put that new swing on the course without the worry of your handicap being effected. One of the problems with lessons being taken during the competition season is the issue of trust. Trusting what you have been taught on the range or course with a professional can actually work in a pressured environment like competition golf. The tendancy is always to fall back into what you know or what feels comfortable believing it will lead to a better score than the new technique. Use the winter as your 'no fear' season. Try new shots, experiment with your short game and take on new swing changes so you can push forwards as soon as next season begins.

Competition practice
Use winter golf competitions as your practice ground. For long term development this would work in a similar way to that of a tour professional, setting a periodised timetable resulting in peak performance for a certain time of year, major championships. Use your winter competitions like a dress rehearsal for the coming season. It is the time of year where you can make try various shots and push yourself forwards with your swing without any concern or repercussions on your handicap.

Goal setting
Goal setting at this time is also very important. You need to have specific goals to work to. The main reason for this is that it maintains your focus through practice and tournament play. Being too short sighted with how things have gone on one particular day, or too expectant too soon is damaging to your long term development.
Set long, medium and short term goals to work towards. Your drive and determination will be greater working towards something you want to achieve. Talking to your professional about your short term goals is great so you can work as a partnership. Setting achievable and timed goals together will assist your progress.

Using the next few months wisely will have a huge benefit on your golf game when the season restarts. Make sure you are giving yourself the best platfrom to push your golf forwards for 2011!!

Good luck, and enjoy your golf.

Daniel Gale
PGA Professional

 

Dan is a PGA Professional & TPI Certified Instructor

Check out his website at www.dangalegolf.com