Building Your Best Golf Experience: The Real Foundation for Improvement
You know what I’ve learned after 15 years of teaching golfers—from weekend warriors to tour professionals—is that improvement doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when you feel supported, informed, and genuinely excited about the game. And that feeling often starts before you even step onto the practice range.
I was recently reading about Ryan Snyder, the Director of Golf at Shangri-La Resort in Oklahoma, and his philosophy about the golf shop as “the heartbeat of the club experience.” It struck me because I see the same principle apply to how golfers approach their own development. You need the right environment, the right tools, and the right mindset working together. Let me explain what I mean and how you can apply this to your game.
Why Your Environment Matters More Than You Think
Here’s something I tell my students that sometimes surprises them: your golf game doesn’t just improve through swing mechanics and hours on the range. It improves when you feel like you belong, when you have access to good information, and when the people around you actually care about your success.
“This isn’t a normal spot. It’s relaxed, laid back where you come in and have a good time, let your hair down, and enjoy. We say, ‘Hi and how are you?’ and I think everybody appreciates the friendliness.”
That quote captures something essential. When you practice or take lessons in an environment where people genuinely care about your experience—not just the transaction—you’re more likely to be relaxed, receptive, and willing to work on the things that actually matter in your game.
Think about your own situation. Where do you practice? Who do you talk to about your game? Are they encouraging, knowledgeable, and invested in your improvement? If not, that’s something worth changing. I’ve seen golfers make dramatic improvements simply by finding better practice partners or instructors who create that supportive environment.
The Power of Purposeful Practice With the Right Equipment
One thing Shangri-La’s merchandising philosophy emphasizes is that every product should “elevate performance, enhance comfort, or celebrate the traditions of golf.” I use that same lens when I work with my students on equipment selection.
You don’t need the most expensive clubs or the fanciest apparel to improve, but you do need equipment that fits YOU. I can’t tell you how many golfers I’ve worked with who were fighting against their own gear. Clubs that were too stiff or too flexible. A putter that didn’t match their stroke style. Shoes that made them uncomfortable after nine holes.
“Merchandising is not just displaying products—it’s presenting solutions, guiding purchasing decisions, and creating emotional connections.”
That’s the approach I want you to take. When you’re thinking about clubs, apparel, or accessories, ask yourself: “Does this solve a specific problem I have? Will this make me more comfortable or confident?” A custom fitting isn’t a luxury—it’s an investment in your improvement because you’ll have equipment that supports your swing, not fights against it.
Your Personal “Shop Strategy”: Building Your Support System
Here’s a drill I use with my students that I call the “Shop Strategy” exercise, and it’s about building your own personal support system for improvement.
Try this: Write down three areas where you need better information or support in your golf game. Maybe it’s understanding equipment choices. Maybe it’s finding the right instructor. Maybe it’s connecting with better practice partners. Now, identify one specific person or resource for each area. This might be a PGA professional, a knowledgeable friend, someone at your club shop, or even an online community dedicated to your particular challenges. The key is being intentional about who influences your golf decisions.
I tell my students that Shangri-La’s rounds played increased in 2025, and so did their merchandise sales and member engagement. Why? Because when people feel supported and have access to good products and information, they engage more with the game. You want the same thing in your own golf journey.
Creating Your Own Practice Environment
Here’s another drill: Audit your current practice setup. Does your practice range have good lighting? Can you get honest feedback on your ball flight? Is someone there to help you understand what you’re doing? If your answers are “no,” start looking for alternatives or bring someone with you who can help you understand what’s happening with your swing. In my experience, golfers improve faster when they practice somewhere they feel comfortable asking questions and getting real-time feedback.
The principle behind this is simple: you can’t improve what you don’t understand. And you can’t understand your game without good information and support. That’s not weakness—that’s smart golf.
What “People First” Really Means for Your Game
“Ultimately, our merchandising philosophy reflects our mission: to enrich the golfer’s experience through excellence, creativity, and unwavering attention to detail. People and culture come first.”
That last quote is the one that really resonates with me because it’s the foundation of good instruction. You improve faster when you feel like a person, not just a student. When the people helping you actually care about your success, not just the lesson fee or the sale.
As you work on your game—whether that’s your swing mechanics, your short game, your mental approach, or anything else—remember that the environment and the people around you matter just as much as the technique itself. Find people who believe in you. Find resources that genuinely help. Find a practice space where you feel like you belong.
That’s when real improvement happens. And in my 15 years of teaching, I’ve seen it work for golfers at every level.
