Decisions

TV golf commentators often use language that over-glamorises the simple process of decision making. “Game strategy” and “course management” tends to place emphasis on the whole round rather than the single shot in hand. The best ‘decision makers’ in most sports tend to play each shot/ situation on its merits rather than having an overall strategy for the round. I place a strong emphasis on a player’s decision making process and encourage the player to continually work on this aspect of his or her game.

In golf we have the potential advantage of a short amount of time to prepare and decide on an intention for each shot prior to taking our set-up. How you use this time is crucial to your ability to play well consistently. However, I often see players’ using the time before the shot in such a way that can have a negative impact on their chances for a successful shot; producing indecision, overly technical thinking, and a fearful approach.

I recommend that you pay attention to how you develop commitment on a shot. The next time you play or practice consider the following questions:

What does it mean for me to be committed on a shot?
What are some of the factors I need to pay attention to in order to feel committed?
What are the differences between being “really aggressive” and being “really committed”?