Hello fellow golf enthusiasts! Sarah Chen here, your instruction editor for The Daily Duffer. I’ve spent over 15 years on the practice range, working with everyone from aspiring tour players to dedicated weekend warriors. And in that time, I’ve seen firsthand how a passion for the game can truly transform lives, both on and off the course.
Our recent article, “The 2026 Gold List: Golf’s Premier Stay & Play Destinations,” highlighted some truly exceptional golf getaways. What struck me most about these destinations wasn’t just the pristine fairways or the luxurious accommodations, but the unique “vibe” each offered. From the “unplugged” feel of Bandon Dunes to the “high-octane hospitality” of Quivira, these experiences remind us that golf is so much more than just hitting a ball.
It’s about connection—to nature, to fellow players, and most importantly, to ourselves. And just as these destinations offer a curated sensory immersion, I believe every golf lesson and practice session should be approached with a similar mindset: a holistic focus on improvement that goes beyond just swing mechanics.
So, inspired by these incredible “Stay & Play” experiences, I want to talk about how we can elevate our own golf game by embracing different “vibes” in our practice. Each of these legendary locations teaches us a valuable lesson we can apply, no matter where we’re practicing.
Embracing the “Soul of the Game”: The Bandon Dunes Approach
The write-up for Bandon Dunes Golf Resort beautifully captures its essence:
“This is ‘soul of the game’ territory—unplugged, walking-only, and beautifully rugged. The trend for 2026 is a return to simplicity, where the only things that matter are the wind in your face, the firm turf under your feet, and the company of your group.”
This “soul of the game” vibe is something we often lose in our pursuit of perfection through technology. While I’m a huge proponent of data-driven insights (and as the article notes, Reynolds Lake Oconee has a fantastic “Kingdom of Golf” for just that!), sometimes we need to disconnect and simply *feel* the game.
Think about how your body moves naturally, how the club feels through impact. This is where true athleticism in golf comes from. When you’re out there, just you and the ball, can you truly feel the rhythm of your swing? Can you respond instinctively to the lie of the ball or the direction of the wind?
Try This: The “Unplugged” Practice Session
Next time you’re at the range or on a quiet part of the course, leave your phone in the bag. Don’t worry about swing speed, launch angle, or any metrics. Instead, focus entirely on body awareness. Take 20-30 balls and hit them with a single club—say, a 7-iron. With each shot, pay attention to:
- The weight shift in your feet.
- The coil and uncoil of your upper body.
- The sound of impact and how it feels on your hands.
- The flight of the ball and how it relates to your body’s motion.
The goal isn’t perfect shots, but perfect awareness. This drill helps develop that deep, intuitive connection the Bandon Dunes experience embodies.
Mastering Precision: The Reynolds Lake Oconee Way
Reynolds Lake Oconee, with its “recently restored Great Waters course and the ‘Kingdom of Golf’ for high-tech fitting,” reminds us of the importance of precision. On a course designed to demand accuracy, every shot counts. For us, this translates to targeted practice with clear intentions.
“The Play: While the community is home to seven world-class championship courses (with an eighth, Fenmoor, arriving in late 2026), the crown jewel remains Great Waters. This Jack Nicklaus Signature course was meticulously restored to highlight its stunning lakefront views, demanding precision while offering some of the most scenic greens in the Southeast.”
Precision isn’t just about hitting the ball straight; it’s about hitting it to a specific target, with a specific trajectory, and a specific ball flight. This is where purposeful practice truly shines.
Here’s a Drill: The “Target Practice” Challenge
Head to the range and pick three distinct targets at varying distances. These could be flags, yardage markers, or even a specific patch of grass. Divide your practice session into sets, and for each set, focus on hitting to one of those targets. Don’t just swing; go through your full pre-shot routine for each ball, just like you would on the course.
- Set 1 (Feather touch): Choose a target at 50-70 yards. Focus on your short game touch, aiming to land the ball softly on or just past your target.
- Set 2 (Mid-range accuracy): Pick a target 120-150 yards out. Concentrate on finding the center of the clubface and a consistent launch.
- Set 3 (Power & Direction): Select a long target, 200+ yards. Work on a full, powerful swing that still ends up down the middle.
After each shot, assess: Did I hit my target? Why or why not? What can I adjust for the next shot? This mimics the strategic thinking required on a precision-demanding course.
Cultivating Mental Fortitude: The St Andrews “Heritage with a Pulse”
St Andrews isn’t just a golf course; it’s a living monument to the mental game. To play the Old Course, especially on “Old Course Reversed” days, requires not only skill but incredible patience and adaptability. The article notes:
“In 2026, a pilgrimage to the ‘Home of Golf’ is no longer just about the history books; it is a masterclass in balancing ancient tradition with a vibrant, modern energy.”
That balance is key to thriving under pressure. Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical. How often do your best swings happen when you’re relaxed, and your worst when you’re frustrated? Developing mental resilience isn’t just for the pros; it’s for every golfer who wants to lower their scores and enjoy the game more.
Practice Tip: The “What’s Next?” Drill
On your next practice round, or even on the range, introduce an element of mental challenge. Play an imaginary round where you intentionally create “bad” outcomes. Hit a shot wildly off line. Shank one! Then, without letting frustration get the better of you, immediately shift your focus to “What’s the next best shot I can play from here?” This trains your mind to accept imperfections and move on, just like a seasoned pro would. It builds mental toughness and keeps you from spiraling after a poor shot.
Remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect, but to respond perfectly to imperfection. That’s a crucial part of course management and maintaining a positive attitude throughout your round.
Your Game, Elevated
Whether you’re planning a dream golf vacation to one of these magnificent destinations or just heading to your local course, remember that every round, every practice session, is an opportunity for a “total sensory immersion.” Just like the modern traveler who demands more than just eighteen holes, I encourage you to demand more from your own golf game.
Bring the “soul of the game,” the pursuit of precision, and mental fortitude to every swing. You’ll not only improve your scores but deepen your appreciation for this incredible sport.
And as a final “Pro Traveler Tip for 2026” from the article, which applies equally to your golf journey: “Book the ‘Shoulder Season.'” In golf, the shoulder season is those times when you commit to focused practice. It might be challenging, but it’s where significant improvement happens. So, go out there, embrace these vibes, and watch your game elevate!
