Check Your Golf Ego
“Being entirely honest with oneself is a good exercise” – Sigmund Freud
Just because you once hit a 7-iron 175 yards doesn’t mean that is how far you “average” hitting that club. Just because you once hit a high draw into the green, doesn’t mean your slice is cured.
In all of my years around golf and in countless golf lessons I’ve given, there is one thing that I find both comical and as a golf instructor, frustrating. This is the over-estimation of one’s abilities. Players need to understand that when you are playing golf, you must play your averages NOT your extremes.
I suggest that everyone starts referring to their golf clubs differently. Instead of having a 5-iron or an 8-iron in your bag, you should now refer to your clubs as, “this is my 160 yard club” or “this is my 130 yard club”. When it is time to make a club selection, being honest with yourself and knowing how far you consistently hit each club will make you a better golfer. You will start hitting more greens in regulation, and your confidence will increase from seeing good result.
It is a difficult thing to do, but leaving your ego in your car back in the parking lot will make you a better golfer. I can tell you that I would rather hit my 7-iron 160 yards onto the green, rather than seeing my 9-iron come up short in a water hazard.
There will always be competitiveness amongst players, even when you are just out for a casual round with friends. You will help not only yourself, but your playing partners as well, the next time you are asked, “What club did you just hit?” Remember to answer with your new lingo, “Oh, that was my 140 yard club!”
Renaming your clubs, being honest with yourself about your abilities, and leaving your “macho golfer” at home is going to help you…Improve Your Game!