I’m currently working with a golf coach… We have the occasional lesson on swing mechanics and different shots I need to work on but usually it’s just brief chats about strategy, what I need to work on and how to make better decisions on the course.
It’s forced me to think more on the course, and reflect on “do I want to tell Ben I made this decision?”… My handicap was trending down, I knew where I needed to improve and I was improving until I got injured… When I go back, I still know where my weakness were, and as I ramp back up to swinging full, I’m hoping to avoid the same old mistakes in both my swing and my strategy.
I think I approach the game better when I can discuss my overall strategy and desires with someone else… it’s like seeing a therapist… (something I also recommend). They are helpful when things are really bad, but if you see them consistently, you can prevent things from getting worse, and maybe make the good times better.
One of the guys I play golf with is a good stick… long for his age, great putter… but just kills himself with decision making. I saw him blow an even round with a double after losing his drive into the rough… He wasn’t in a bad position to make par, but got aggressive and tried to chase a pin… after the round he went to the range to work on his swing, because he “mishit” the ball out of the rough… His physical game is as good as it can be… his mental game needs work. He takes lessons, but doesn’t take coaching. I’m looking forward to beating him once I get my game to click.