ontherange

Unless you are are super into the Olympics, and long-distance speed skating, and have a great memory, you probably haven’t heard of Nils van der Poel.

Most golfers eventually have the goal: ‘I want to break X .’ I get it – it’s a thrill to break a milestone number for the first time. But for golfers who want to lower their handicap and shoot that well consistently (which I assume is everyone!) is there a better way to set goals?

During a round last year I got randomly paired with a good player (~ 1-2 handicap). We got to talking about some of the tournaments each of us had played in, and he lamented a crucial mistake he’d made that single-handedly led to him missing the cut in a State Am qualifier.

Winters where I live are usually cold, often snowy, and so whenever I do get to swing a club (doesn’t happen as often as I’d like!) it’s at an indoor facility with a Trackman simulator.

I love watching Ludvig Åberg play. Beyond his talent, success, and demeanor, the dude gets up to the ball and just lets it fly. His routine is the same every time. He’s a (fast) metronome.

As you prepare for any given golf shot, there’s a huge amount of information to process. You’re assessing wind, hazards, distance. Where’s the best place to miss? Is there any OB? How does the swing feel on the day? What’s my target? Uh-oh, that practice swing didn’t feel right.

For a long time I practiced golf and didn’t see much improvement translate to the course – certainly not as much as I hoped. In retrospect it’s obvious to me why: I wasn’t practicing with intent.