As we approach the time of year that signals the end of another golfing season, it is time to look back at your golf game, access the progress you have achieved and begin your preparation for a great new season next spring.

Unfortunately, some people actually look back at the season and see only the damage they have done to their games. What they need to realize is that they can start now on making improvements for the future. In either case, with a little effort, you can see improvements to your scores these last weeks before cold weather has you sitting on the couch dreaming of what you could have accomplished.

The Long or Short of Your Game

Do you keep statistics of your rounds that detail simple yet important information about you as a golfer? If not, this is a good time to do so. The simplest way of doing this is to track every round, how many fairways you hit, how many greens you make in regulation, and how many putts you attempted on each hole.
As you add and average these numbers over the course of time, you will find that you are probably stronger in one area of your game than another. Determine which area needs the most improvement and commit to a drill and practice plan that can provide actual statistical results. You will also need to place a reachable goal in front of you that you can obtain before the end of the season. Work on strengthening a weakness now. It will pay dividends later.

The Last Golfer Standing

You have the last four holes remaining in your round and you consistently play 27 over par or worse on those holes. You can’t understand why because the first thirteen holes you played to your handicap level or better. You determine that the problems you have with this stretch of holes is caused by the toxic waste dumb (your tired brain) that meanders around those last four holes influencing your oxygen intake and therefore ruining your scores.
Boy, do I have a piece of property in the swamps of Minnesota to sell you! The actual reason behind this phenomenon is fatigue. You have expended energy to that point for almost 3 hours. These last weeks before you give into the EPA warnings, try playing each hole as if it is the first hole on the course. That is when you are at your freshest. On the first hole, you are probably sizing up how to play the hole, completing your pre-shot routine, and not trying to play shots you are not prepared to hit both physically and mentally at that point in your round.

    You should use the same application to play holes 15 through 18. Your goal for these last four holes is to gradually reduce your over par scores and play to a more consistent level like that you were able to achieve with early holes. Keep consistent and pace yourself through the round so you are not fatigued near the end. You should be entering under par scores for those last four holes by the end of the fall.

The Strong Will Survive

Remember that great four iron you hit over the water hazard to set-up a birdie on the last hole of your member/member tournament? Or the drive you hit 400+ yards down the middle of the fairway to a postage stamp green? And what about the putt you read to break three times before rolling on to the green, which then dropped in the hole to win the press on eighteen for you and your partner?

These are all great shots to remember. Why? You formed those memories from strong positive images. Keep remembering these shots, and other great shots like them. The more positive shots you have in your memory, the stronger your will to perform under the pressures of poor climatic conditions.

As the Leaves Fall So Does Your Ball

Have you ever been undecided about what club to hit, taken the “career” yardage for the shorter club, and proceed to completely miss your intended target? Odds are, when you missed, you were short of your target, no matter how wide your shot may have strayed. As temperatures fall you will be less likely to hit clubs and shots to yardages you had become accustomed to during the warmer seasons of the year.

The clients that I assist during on-course instruction sessions continually try to hit an “in between club/shot” harder, versus taking the longer club and making their smooth swing. Strong in the fall and winter does not mean testing your brute strength. Save your strength for better things, like keeping warm. Strong in the off-season does mean that you can play stronger lofted clubs for your “in between” shots and see results instantly. Do not let your muscles talk you into playing to a weakness. Let your head lead you to play to your strengths. Reaching your target with good swings, not hard ones, in colder conditions will lead to more consistent scoring.

Too Many Distractions / Too Many Shots

Your fantasy football team has lost its quarterback. Your spouse is already hinting about the “special” Christmas gift that you forgot to budget for. Your boss gave you a deadline today, of last week for a project that you need to complete to keep your cost of living increase. And the dog has decided to check into the nearest Vet University for five days of rest, relaxation, and diagnostic testing. How in the world are you going to concentrate on your golf game for 4+ hours without thinking about these issues and others going on in your life?

A stronger mind-set prior to playing will help reduce those “where did that shot come from” episodes. With holidays coming and other events taking place that spread your time thin, this time of year can really keep your mind off the important things -- low scores.

If you have events and issues going on in your professional, social, or personal life that are distracting your attention from playing sound golf shots, learn to leave those issues at home. Leave earlier for the course, allow time for the holiday parade route to pass by your home course, and insure that you leave your cell phone in the car. When you do find yourself becoming distracted, strengthen your mind by relying on your pre-shot routine. Reset. Do not start a swing thinking of what you have to buy at the store on the way home. Clear your mind. Make your swing thoughts stronger and more vivid in your mind’s eye. You are going to need more energy to concentrate on those pressure shots as the weather worsens.

Gym Nuts, Not Walnuts

Many golfers make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, workout, and get into shape. When January 1st rolls around, everyone rushes to the fitness center only to wait in line at a machine with a sweaty person you do not know offering you stock market advice. How long will that program last? If you have sights on improving your conditioning, why not start now. This is a great time of year to start a fitness program. Fitness centers are less crowded and tend to offer pricing deals that will not hurt the budget. Fitness professionals’ schedules are more flexible, allowing extra “free” time to help you create a personalized fitness program. Best of all, you are weeks ahead of your archenemy in improving your position in next year’s member/guest odds. We have all seen on the major tours that players who add flexibility and physical strength to their bodies will improve their golf games. Begin your fitness program now, so you are stronger next season. Let your competitor complain next spring about his sore shoulder and pulled groin he inflicted upon himself while working out the night before.

A stronger finish to your season now will result in improved scores before you place the clubs in safe storage. A stronger finish to your season will also prepare you to be more motivated to play great golf next season. Do not let this time of year lull you into a premature golf hibernation. Use this time to gain and retain your strengths.

John Hughes is a PGA Master Professional of Instruction, and is Vice President and Director of Instruction for Advantage Golf Schools, Inc., based in Orlando, Florida. John also owns the Golf Academy of South Carolina, Inc., located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. John’s student base during the last 15 years include every level of golfer, from beginners to PGA Touring Professionals. John is also a two-time nominee of the Carolina’s PGA Section Teacher of the Year Award. You can reach John to schedule a private lesson or golf school by calling Advantage Golf Schools at 877-239-6609, or by e-mailing him at john@advantagegolfschool.com.