Why Do You Play Golf?

Have you ever thought about “Why you play golf?”

Golf is an interesting game. It is played by people all over the world and every one of those people has a different reason for playing. Some may be social while others are for the competition. Either way everyone has a reason for playing. In the end, whether it is for social or competition, everyone wants to play better.

As I stand on the lesson tee working with competitive juniors or entry level adults I can’t help but be amazed at how busy our driving range is. It doesn’t matter if it is 8:00 in the morning or 8:00 at night. The range is full. I can often tell if they are competitive or social players but it doesn’t matter which category they fall in because they are practicing to get better.

So I am sure you are wondering how do I know if they are social or competitive players right? It is by how they practice or their routine. All great players come to practice with a purpose or a goal. They have a long term goal and a short term goal. The long term is a goal they want to achieve in 5-10 years. While a short term is something that is yearly or even day to day that will help them reach their long term goal.

When heading to the driving range set a goal for the day. It can be anything from hitting 5 shots in the air to 10 shots on the green within 10 feet from 110 yards. This will be individual and should be a goal that is attainable for your skill level. The key to becoming a better golfer is improving during your practice time.

As we enter the later part of the golf year here is Chicago I would like to challenge you to setting a goal for the remainder of the year. Then set sub goals that will lead to this short term goal. Practice with a purpose and make your practice time count that leads to long term success.

Interested in learning more? Save 50% on Greg’s ebook The Players Handbook – Your GPS Guide to Better Golf by using promo code “golfchicago” – regular price is $19.95.

PGA Professional Greg Baresel grew up in the Chicagoland area and has become one of the top young golf instructors in the country. His innovative approach to golf instruction has made him a popular teaching professional at Cantigny Golf in Wheaton, along with the ground-breaking products, ebooks and online educational tools on his GolfWithGreg.com website.