Hello, Daily Duffer readers! Sarah Chen here, and I’m thrilled to share some insights with you today that I believe can profoundly impact your golf game, not just physically, but mentally. After more than 15 years teaching this wonderful sport, from weekend warriors to tour professionals, I’ve seen firsthand that improvement is always within reach with the right mindset and proper instruction.
I recently read an article featuring one of the game’s top players, Scottie Scheffler, and his reflections on the “endless pursuit” of golf. It truly resonated with how I approach teaching and how I believe every golfer, regardless of skill level, can find more enjoyment and success on the course. Scheffler’s candidness about frustration, learning, and the continuous journey of improvement offers a fantastic framework for us to explore.
Embracing the Journey: The Endless Pursuit of Improvement
We’ve all been there: a shot goes wildly awry, a short putt slides by, and frustration bubbles up. Scheffler himself admitted to a “hand wedge” moment after a frustrating shot that landed his ball deep in the trees. It’s a common, human reaction. But what separates the good from the great, and the content from the perpetually frustrated, is how we respond to those moments.
“I think that’s why we keep practicing,” Scheffler said. “You never get to a place where you feel like you’ve got it figured out. I always like practicing and trying to improve and creating new shots.”
This quote perfectly captures the essence of golf’s allure. It’s not about achieving perfection, but about the joy of the pursuit. My philosophy, and one I instill in all my students, is that every round, every practice session, and yes, even every mis-hit, is an opportunity to learn. This perspective shifts the focus from the outcome to the process, which is where true, lasting improvement happens.
Learning from Every Shot (Good and Bad)
Scheffler highlighted the value of learning, even from his peers. He spoke about playing with Jordan Spieth:
“I play golf with Jordan a lot at home. I can learn so much just by watching and asking Jordan questions about the way he plays shots, and he does some things that are — work really well for him that wouldn’t work well for me and then certain ways he approaches things, I like asking questions and trying to figure things out.”
This is a powerful lesson for all of us. Observe your playing partners, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to experiment. What works for one golfer might not work for another, and that’s perfectly okay. The goal is to discover what works for *you* and your unique swing.
actionable Drills for Your “Learning Journey”
Here are a few drills inspired by Scottie’s perspective, designed to help you not just hit the ball better, but also think about your game more effectively:
1. The “Purposeful Practice” Drill: Instead of just hitting balls on the range, choose a specific target and a specific shot shape (draw or fade). Before each shot, verbally state your intention: “I’m going to hit a high fade to the flag.” After the shot, evaluate if you achieved your goal and mentally note what felt right or wrong. This cultivates awareness and intentionality, just as Scheffler focuses on creating new shots.
2. The “Short Game Scrutiny” Drill: Head to the chipping green with just two or three clubs (e.g., a pitching wedge, 8-iron, and a putter). Play the same shot, but vary your club choice and technique. Try chipping with the pitching wedge, then running an 8-iron just off the green, and finally putting. Observe the different ways to approach the same situation. This mirrors Scheffler’s curiosity about how Jordan Spieth approaches different shots.
3. The “Post-Round Reflection” Drill: After every round, take 5-10 minutes to reflect. Don’t just focus on your score. Instead, identify one or two shots you’d like to have back, similar to Scheffler’s thoughts:
“Yeah, I can definitely look at a few shots I’d want to have back, but at the end of the day, the tournament is over and you take your hat off, shake hands, say congratulations.”
But here’s the key: instead of dwelling on the negative, think about what you learned from those moments. What decision could have been better? What physical feeling did you experience? And then, move on. Just like Scheffler says, “Oftentimes we just get to show up the next week and start all over and compete again.” This mental reset is crucial for sustained enjoyment and improvement.
Managing Frustration: A Part of the Game
It’s important to acknowledge that frustration is a natural part of golf. Even the best players experience it. Scheffler elaborated on this:
“When things don’t go as planned,” Scheffler said, “I think it’s healthy to have a level of frustration with that, just because it takes so much work in order to get out here, and especially when you feel like you’re doing something right and doing things the right way and not getting the results.”
I tell my students that frustration can be a powerful motivator, but only if you channel it constructively. Don’t let it derail your round or your love for the game. Instead, acknowledge it, learn from it, and then apply that learning to the next shot. Remember, as Scheffler showed, even a change like switching putters (which he did after the 2024 Genesis Invitational, leading to 14 wins including three majors) can stem from frustration but ultimately lead to breakthrough success.
Golf truly is an “endless pursuit,” and that’s its beauty. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the small victories, and approach every shot with a curious, learning mindset. You might be surprised at how much more you enjoy the game – and how much your scores improve!
