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The Little Things We Tend to Forget
By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Published on
Playing good golf never happens by accident. There are countless things that go into being able to post a great score on the card. Many times, golfers tend to forget some of the little things…things that at the end of the day could be attributed to a stroke or two added to that final total. Perhaps it’s something in terms of preparation, or maybe in routine, that are forgotten or go overlooked.
Below are several examples of some of the things that we tend to forget, overlook or abandon mid round that will undoubtably have an influence on the final outcome.
Staying in a Routine
One of the biggest things that affects the final outcome during a round for many golfers is falling out of their pre-shot routine. A pre-shot routine is what keeps a golfer in the moment.
It helps in not getting our thoughts too far ahead, as well as keeping us from dwelling too much on what happened on a previous shot. Do your very best to stick to a pre- shot routine throughout your entire round, especially when things start to go south…staying in the moment during those circumstances will help things from getting worse.
Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated is important not just in our day-to-day life but even more so when playing sports…golf included.
Optimal hydration can improve your golf game mentally and physically. According to Robert Yang, in a 2013 article on the MyTPI blog, “Since 85% of the brain is made up of water and is water inefficient, it has top priority in regard to blood circulation. Drinking the correct amount of water will ensure optimal blood flow to the brain, which will enable you to focus on the golf course.”
Staying Energized Through Snacking
During a round of golf, especially if you are playing 18 holes, you are expelling a good amount of energy. You are out on the course for good amount of time too as you play so keeping energy levels up for 2, 3, 4 and up to as many as 5 hours is of extreme importance.
Its typical however to see many golfers’ loose energy as they come down the stretch for the final few holes…or for some, as early as the turn to the back 9. Experts say carbohydrates are the best choices for you to regularly snack on throughout the round. Protein and fats require more work for the body to break down and empty from the stomach at a slower rate. Fruits, nuts, or even a tuna or grilled chicken sandwich are great examples of go to items to keep energy levels up.
Keeping Your Clubs in Good Shape
How important are the “little things” like taking care of your grips on a regular basis or keeping your clubs clean? I asked Jonathan Ullivarri, Store Manager and Master Club Fitter at the Club Champion location in Orlando, FL.
“I think “the little things” are very important. Grips will last longer if they’re taken care of. In addition, cleaning them and getting the sweat, dirt and grime off of them will keep them from slipping in your hands…which obviously could directly affect your shots.Grooves will stay sharper if they are brushed out after each shot. This will help in cleaner contact with the ball as it comes off the face of the club. Golf is a classic example of “getting out of it what you put in to it.” If we’re not taking an extra minute to care for our equipment, how can we expect to maintain the focus necessary to shoot our lowest scores?”
