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The subject of "how to play golf" is such a multi faceted one that an entire library of books can, and has been, written on the subject. There are so many ways to approach the game, but I think the main focus for a player should be "how can I best play the game of golf bearing in mind my unique strengths?" This is the point at which you realize your mindset is one of the most important aspects in helping you achieve your goal of becoming the best you can be at golf.

All of us aspire to hit the ball further, and get the ball into the hole in the few strokes. The majority of golfers also play because we realize how much fun it is and how fit and healthy it makes us feel, and we become addicted to the feeling that brings. Once you have mastered the basics of golf, for example, by learning the proper grip, stance, take away, and the transition into the golf ball, your results will mostly be based upon how well you manage your state of mind – ie the psychological aspect of golf.

If you are a complete novice, where should you start? My advice is that your first priority should be to take lessons from a pro where main focus is on ensuring you get the fundamentals in place. Your next priority should be about putting in the hours of practice necessary to improve. Learn how to hit half shots, so you learn the timing of the golf swing, and learn how to hit pitch shots, chip shots, bunker play, and putting. Be prepared to make slow but steady progress – golf takes time to learn. It is also essential to realize that your progress will very much be affected by how healthy your overall lifestyle is, so focusing on your eating habits, and your general health and fitness should play a key role in your strategy of how to play golf well.

If, on the other hand, you have learned all of the fundamentals of golf, but you remain an average golfer, then it is safe to assume that you have probably never fully put the effort in to take your golf game to the next level. In order for you to improve, you will need to reassess your attitude towards the game. If a shortage of time is one of the reasons you have retained an average golfer, then you need to get creative – set something up in your house or backyard and work on it there for 20 to 30 minutes a day, consistently. Just like the beginner, you need to keep an eye on your general health and fitness, and identify any improvements that need to be made in those areas that could improve your golf game.

If you are a low handicap golfer, and your fundamentals are strong already, then your key focus should be on maintaining consistency, both in terms of your physical performance, and your mental attitude. Do not get so focused on shooting a low number that you forget the main point – to enjoy the game.

If you find yourself putting in a lot of practice time, but not showing a lot of improvement, then sometimes you simply need to step away and take some time off, and then come back with your body and mind rejuvenated.

Most low handicap golfers fall into one of two categories – those that simply love to play, and those who just love to practice. Too much of either can be a bad thing, and balance is key to ensuring you get the most out of your game.

Those who play golf at the highest level – professional golfers and great amateur players – understand themselves and play to their strengths. They do not try to hit shots in competition that they know are beyond their ability. They always maintain a positive mindset. Even these players have occasions where they do not play well. However, these players do not allow the bad weeks to get them down. They pick themselves back up, and are not afraid to ask for help in order to improve. If you are one of these players, then your main focus should be maintaining confidence and a positive attitude, as both of these can take a hit when you go through a spell of not playing well for many weeks. Great golfers, however, quickly regain control of their mindset and confidence, meaning their golf game also gets back on track.

Golf can become more challenging when a player steps up a level, and then demands more from their own performance. This is why it is equally important to prepare yourself by working on your mental game of golf along the physical practice. A player who is prepared both physically and mentally for the new challenges that golf brings is someone who chooses to see their golfing journey as a fun and exciting one. They know that not every day will be good, but they let go of the bad ones. They are 100% focused during practice. They know that constantly chasing to improve themselves both mentally and physically is the key to both a better golf game and a better life.

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Source by Ryan S White

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