By: Dawn Mercer, PGA Golf Instructor at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club, Palm Harbor

When you play a round of golf, how long does it take? Physically and mentally some may say 4 – 4 ½ hours. Let’s say you score an average of 100. If we calculate the time it takes to figure your distance, shot selection, club selection, practice swing and actual shot, it would be generous at 1 minute. If we shot 100, that would only be 1 hour and 40 minutes. So the question is, how long does it take you to play a round of golf?

The saying “paralysis by analysis” holds true in golf. The longer you take, the more you think, the harder golf becomes. When it’s time for your shot, take in all the necessary information, make a decision and go! When the shot is over, the thought is over until you approach your next shot. There tends to be too much negative self talk before and after your golf shots. We analyze a miss hit and try to fix it. You can’t change what’s past; you can only be in control of what’s in front of you.

Visualize success; keep the game simple and the performance will greatly improve with less effort.
 

Dawn Mercer has been teaching at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club for 20 years. She was named one of Golf Magazines top 50 Instructors in 2001 by Golf For Women.