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Assessing Your Strengths and Weaknesses Will Help Your Decision Making on the Course

Published on Monday, September 20, 2021

Most players know that golf is a game where being strategic and having a plan on how you are going to chart your way around the course is essential to playing well. Let me stress, MOST KNOW this— The key is to follow your plan and not let your ego take over.

Although most players know their limitations, it’s natural to let the memory of one miracle shot give them false hope of repeating it time & time again. And others may even think, “Well, Rory made it look pretty easy, so how hard can it be?”

Managing your expectations is critical to your success. That includes being able to be realistic on what you are able to do or not do on the course.

Sometimes this isn’t even about being overly aggressive. I’ve seen plenty of circumstances where players were far too cautious in their approach. If you have the ability to reach a par 5 in two, trust in that ability. Don’t let the decision-making of your playing partners or competitors sway you from sticking to what you know you do best.

The idea is to play to YOUR strengths and not to what may be the popular play for the majority.

This coming week at the Ryder Cup you will see much more strategy at play than what might be typical week in and week out on television. The best-planned decisions made by teams will be based solely on realistic assessments of each playing partner’s strengths and weaknesses and what each is capable of pulling off.

Understanding your own strengths and weaknesses and being realistic about your abilities will help you make better decisions on the course.

Having a realistic assessment of your game, and relying on your strengths while knowing your weaknesses, will help you make better decision— whether that means going for something or playing it safe.

Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

After 16 remarkable years of nurturing young talent and fostering a love for golf through The Little Linksters Golf Academy, Brendon Elliott is excited to announce the transition of leadership to esteemed Coach Ricky Collado in 2025. As the baton is passed, Coach Ricky will take charge of all operations and become the primary point of contact for any Linksters-related inquiries. As Brendon steps into a new chapter, the focus will shift to launching and growing BE A GOLFER, a new academy dedicated to competitive teenage golfers. This initiative will continue both in-person and remote coaching, harnessing years of expertise to nurture the next generation of golfing talent. Further expanding horizons, Brendon will also dedicate time to One More Roll Golf Media. This venture aims to collaborate with various golf media outlets and businesses, delivering high-quality written, video, and voice content. Despite these new ventures, Brendon will remain closely connected with Little Linksters. A commitment to collaboration with Coach Ricky will continue, particularly with projects like the PGA Junior League, ensuring a lasting impact and smooth transition. “I am thrilled about the future of Little Linksters under Coach Ricky Collado’s leadership. This transition marks a change and an exciting new direction for me and the academy. I look forward to contributing my efforts towards developing competitive young golfers and advancing in the golf media landscape.” ~ Brendon R. Elliott, PGA More About Coach Brendon... Brendon Elliott is a distinguished PGA Professional who has received over 25 prestigious industry awards recognizing his contributions and influence in youth golf, most notably, the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. With numerous appearances on the Golf Channel and local news outlets in Florida, Brendon has established himself as a respected educator and influencer in the golf industry. Renowned for his expertise in all aspects of golf, he is a sought-after speaker at golfing events and panels. In the past three years, Brendon has expanded into media, writing for esteemed outlets such as PGA.com, PGA Magazine, Golf.com, GolfWRX.com, RG.org, and many others. Elliott is also part of the “Quiet Please Golf Podcast” crew and hosts a livestream show on the Golf Live App called “Monday Evening Tee Time.” Brendon’s dedication to advancing the sport has made a significant impact on the golf community.

Meet Brendon