Hello, golf fans! Sarah Chen here, your instruction editor for The Daily Duffer. As a PGA-certified instructor with over 15 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with golfers of all levels, from tour professionals like Nelly Korda and Charley Hull to weekend enthusiasts. One thing I’ve learned is that the path to consistent improvement in golf isn’t just about mechanics; it’s also about mindset and the joy of the game.
Recently, the talk around the LPGA was fascinating. LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler is on a mission to elevate the game by focusing on its stars. It got me thinking about what makes a golfer truly excel, not just in terms of winning, but in their overall approach to the game. Kessler articulated some key traits:
“You have the best players, you have the most marketable players, and you have the ones who are actually willing to lean in and do the work.”
This statement really resonates with me because it highlights that success isn’t just about raw talent. It’s about dedication and a willingness to engage fully with the process. For us amateur golfers, this translates directly to our practice and play. It’s about being present, understanding our game, and committing to improvement, one shot at a time.
Embracing the “Lean In” Mentality
What does it mean to “lean in and do the work” for an amateur golfer? It’s not about logging 8 hours a day on the range, but about making the most of the time you do have. It’s about purposeful practice, thoughtful course management, and maintaining a positive attitude, even after a less-than-perfect shot.
Consider Nelly Korda’s reflection on her past season:
“I did a lot of good last year. Just kind of wasn’t going my way. I guess I was just so focused on being really present, which I told myself to do that last year, too. Maybe the outside noise did make its way in a little bit more than I wanted to. I learned a lot.”
This is a powerful insight. Even the pros deal with “outside noise” – whether it’s pressure, comparison, or simply a bad swing thought. Being “really present” is a mental gamechanger. It allows you to focus on the shot at hand, rather than dwelling on past mistakes or anticipating future outcomes. This is a skill we can all cultivate.
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</figure>Drills for Presence and Purposeful Practice
Ready to put this “lean in” philosophy into action? Here are a few drills focused on presence, mental resilience, and effective practice:
Drill 1: The “One Shot at a Time” Mantra
This drill directly addresses Nelly Korda’s point about being present. Often, we carry the weight of a bad shot to the next, or we start thinking about our final score four holes in. This creates “outside noise.”
- How to do it: Before every shot, whether on the range or the course, take three deep breaths. As you exhale, mentally say to yourself, “This shot, this moment.” Fully commit to the pre-shot routine for *this* shot. After you hit it, good or bad, consciously let it go. You have 10-15 seconds to acknowledge the shot, then immediately shift your focus to the next tee box or your walk to the ball.
- Why it works: This drill trains your brain to compartmentalize. It reduces anxiety about past mistakes and future outcomes, allowing you to execute each shot with clearer focus. It’s about building mental discipline, just like you build muscle memory.
Drill 2: The “Charger’s Challenge”
Charley Hull, after her recent win, shared a great insight from her boyfriend:
“Make loads of birdies coming in, you love chasing.”
This speaks to a powerful positive mindset and playing aggressive, smart golf when it counts. We can adapt this on the practice range.
- How to do it: Pick a target on the range and imagine it’s the 18th hole. Hit 5 balls, focusing on making your absolute best swing and trying to “eagle” or “birdie” that imaginary hole. Don’t just hit them aimlessly; visualize the entire process: alignment, tempo, contact. After the 5 balls, take a break for 30 seconds and repeat. Do this for 3-5 rounds.
- Why it works: This drill simulates pressure and encourages a positive, goal-oriented mindset. It trains you to focus on quality over quantity and to activate that competitive fire even in practice. It’s not just about hitting balls; it’s about hitting *scoring* balls. It teaches you to “love chasing” your best performance.
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</figure>Drill 3: The “Quality Over Quantity” Routine
Many golfers spend their range time mindlessly hitting ball after ball. Instead, let’s learn to practice efficiently, just like the pros do.
- How to do it: Before you hit a shot, pick a specific target. State out loud what club you’re using, what type of shot you’re trying to hit (e.g., “5-iron, fade, aiming at the left edge of the green”), and visualize the shot. Hit the ball, then evaluate it. Was it the shot you intended? If not, what happened? Don’t just pick up another ball. Take your time, walk behind the ball, and reset your intention for the next shot.
- Why it works: This approach transforms your practice into a series of mini-golf rounds. It actively engages your mind in every shot, improving your decision-making, visualization skills, and self-correction abilities. It’s far more effective to hit 20 mindful shots than 100 mindless ones.
Wins are the Accelerant
Kessler notes that “Wins are the accelerant” for creating superstars. For us, personal “wins” might not be trophies, but they are just as important. They could be breaking 100, finally hitting a solid drive, or sinking that tricky 10-foot putt. Every small victory accelerates your confidence and enjoyment of the game.
Remember, golf is a journey of continuous improvement. Embrace the “lean in” philosophy, dedicate yourself to purposeful practice, and celebrate every step you take towards your goals. You have all the tools to improve your game and enjoy it more. I believe in you!
