Spring is in the air and it’s time to dust off the clubs and get out to the driving range. I love this time of the year and get excited about being back outdoors and doing what I love. I can start picturing my golf game. I know I need to practice to get back into the game and I prepare for that mentally and physically. The game of golf includes many skills, physical, mental, emotional and there is also a social component to it which I enjoy. I think about what I want to accomplish. I look at each of the components and determine what needs to be done to have a great and enjoyable season.

Here are some questions I ask in each of the areas:

Physical

• What are some areas to focus on to improve my physical abilities?
• How’s my tension level?  What about my breathing?

Technical

• How’s my grip?  What about my swing?
• What needs focus my long or short game?

Mental

• Do I allow mental chatter to get in the way when I swing?
• Is my self-talk supportive or sabotaging my game?

Emotional

• Do I allow emotional reactions to impact how I play?
• Can I stay neutral or be happy right before my shot?

Social

• Can I get support from those I play with so can achieve my goal?
• Who do I enjoy playing with?

Determining where you are at and what you have to work on at the beginning of the season allows you to start creating a plan. You know yourself best and your strengths and development areas. Figure out how to close the gaps and improve your game. Take some lessons, go to golf school or just go out and start practicing and playing so you know what makes a difference. Evaluate, prepare, plan, practice then play then evaluate again but most of all have fun!