You Say You Want a Resolution?

7 Ways to Have More Fun on the Golf Course Next Year

Chris Duthie | Photos: © Chris Duthie

Personally, I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. Listing my biggest shortcomings on paper—too irrational, overweight, failing to send thank-you letters—is disheartening, and it’s not what I call a great way to start a year. Still, if there is one list that could make a difference in my life, it’s one that speaks to my favorite pastime—golf.

Whether the goal is to become a better technical golfer or one that will help us have more fun on the golf course, a New Year’s resolution list is a great first step. Here are seven suggestions that will lead to a better on-course 2015:

1. Be more forgiving with your game. An overly self-critical golfer is a melodramatic farce. Even touring professionals know it’s unreasonable to get upset with a never-perfect golf swing. Recognize your shortcomings, forgive your mistakes and remember that even a bad round is still way better than grinding away at the office. If nothing else, your playing partners will love you for it.

2. Pick up when you’ve hit triple bogey. Even if you’re a beginner, it’s really not acceptable to card anything higher than a triple bogey. Doing so unfairly elevates your handicap, and playing that many shots slows down everyone. Be considerate: Pick up your ball, then enjoy the view and your playing partners on the way to the next tee.

3. Shun playing “honors.” Just because touring pros play at a turtle’s pace doesn’t mean you should, too. On every shot, play Ready Golf. A sub-four-hour round should be the goal. It’s easily achievable, and playing faster virtually guarantees everyone will enjoy the game so much more.

4. Pass along your passion for the game. Bring a friend, your kids, your boss and your spouse to the golf course and let them see first-hand what’s to love about golf— the tell-tale golfer’s tan, the good-natured bantering, the thrill of a well-executed swing, the fresh air, the post-round libation.

5. Resist riding the golf cart. Walking offers more quality time with your companions, and it’s healthier—which leads to shooting lower scores. A limber and energized player swings more freely, and strengthened leg, hip and back muscles give irons and woods a whole lot more power. Plus—depending on the golf course—walking can speed up play.

6. Donate your old clubs. Seriously, how many sets of clubs do you need? You’ll never put them on eBay or Craig’s List, so why not clear the attic by donating never-unused irons, woods and putters to a junior or First Tee program? Charitable donations are tax write-offs, if that makes it easier to give up the old Billy Barroo.

7. Mix it up by playing it forward. Playing one tee forward (say, the whites instead of the blues) is actually a great way to play entirely new shots during a round, which means swinging—and getting more comfortable with—clubs that otherwise might be left in the bag. It’s also an opportunity to play faster and shoot a lower score, which translates… you guessed it… to a lot more fun.

RELATED LINKS

A Hacker’s Guide to New Year’s Resolutions

Hey USGA! Here’s Some Easy Ways to Play Faster Golf

Fuel For Golf: What to Eat and Drink

Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.