Create A Plan

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By Skip Guss

  • 1 Like
  • 11 Replies
  1. Skip Guss

    Skip Guss
    Marlborough, MA

    Hi, everyone.

    The golf season in New England started this Friday. To get the most our of your 2018 season, all good players formulate a plan (example: equipment check, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, practice, play and tournament schedule, etc.).

    Mine?

    1. Fitness: My goal is to increase strength and flexibility. I'm working with a trainer and following a disciplined workout routine.

    2. Equipment: Checking all my lofts, lies and club gapping. Also checking all golf grips and wedge wear, replacing where necessary. Making any modifications necessary to ensure that my equipment is 100% ready to go. I just changed shafts in my 917 D3 driver this winter and I added twenty yards along with a better trajectory.

    3. Game Assessment: In reflecting on last year, I discovered my short game, putting and short iron play were spot-on. I need to improve long irons and distance off the tee (which led to switching shafts in my driver - very encouraging already.)

    4. Game Plan: I've laid out my schedule as it relates to work, tournament play, casual play and practice. Just guidelines at the moment and are subject to modification. The most important thing though, is that they're written down and I can constantly remind myself of what the gameplan is and where I should be spending my time.

    5. Review: Incremental measurements to see how I'm progressing on my gameplan.

    6. Commitment: You can't wish it. You have to do it. Believe in the plan, commit to it and execute it. And enjoy the journey!

    This is my plan. Can't wait to put it in play. What's yours?

    Skip Guss, PGA
    Golf Channel Academy Lead Coach

  2. Justin V

    Justin V
    Milton, MA

    Great sounding plan! I’m working on owning my second shot. Far too many ro6nds that could have been in the 30s or70s lost due to missing greens from very approachable distances. Any tips from TT on how to hit those greens and own th3 second shot??

  3. Skip Guss

    Skip Guss
    Marlborough, MA

    Hey Justin:

    Think about this....play a round of golf...a casual round...and discipline yourself to aim ONLY for the middle of the green. Do NOT fire at the pin(s). When you do this, you may find your swing frees up a lot....you find better rhythm....and better results. (I remember, as a young player, I would start out early in the morning, before the new cups & pins were placed on the greens. I was always amazed how well I struck my approach shots when there was NO pin! Try this...let me know how it works for you! ...skip
  4. Rick M

    Rick M

    It's so great you mention this. Way too often we amateur golfers see a pin and aim for it. I can remember playing 9 holes almost 40 years ago on a day when the gounds crew was working on the greens. There were no pins that day. I aimed at the middle of each green and hit all nine in regulation. I seriously doubt I have done it since. Thanks for reminding me now let's see if I can find that discipline and do it again!
  5. ADeLucia

    ADeLucia
    Clayton NC

    Sounds like a great plan! Best of luck!
  6. Skip Guss

    Skip Guss
    Marlborough, MA

    Without a doubt...Planning & Preparation are keys to success!
  7. Speedy

    Speedy
    East Coast, NH

    Skip, i've been told that MANY TIMES over the years to aim JUST for the middle of the green versus the pin... And do i listen? No.. This year I plan on changing that. Thanks for reminding me...
  8. Skip Guss

    Skip Guss
    Marlborough, MA

    Hey Speedy!

    Golf takes mental discipline. The GREAT players can fight their egos...discipline their minds...thus allowing them to stick to the game plan! It takes a lot of mental effort, but the effort (process) is usually rewarded with good results!
  9. Justin V

    Justin V
    Milton, MA

    Thanks skip. Makes a ton of sense. Always feel like i need to attack the course to break 80, but you may be right :)
  10. Skip Guss

    Skip Guss
    Marlborough, MA

    Justin V said:

    Thanks skip. Makes a ton of sense. Always feel like i need to attack the course to break 80, but you may be right :)

    Hey Justin:

    It's about playing smart...not about ego! I can not remember the last pin I aimed at...REALLY! If I can get the ball within a reasonable distance to the hole, I will be in pretty good shape...

    Try this, and let me know how it goes!

  11. Travis W

    Travis W
    Jacksonville, FL

    I usually try to aim toward the center of the green and then work "toward" the hole. Doesn't always work, but it it tempting to just shoot at that stick on the left side of the green. Aim at the middle, then work it to the left toward the stick. If you push it a little, you are on the right side of the green. Hit it straight, you are on the middle of the green. And hit it with a curve to the left, you have a birdie putt.

    Good luck....
  12. Skip Guss

    Skip Guss
    Marlborough, MA

    Travis W said:

    I usually try to aim toward the center of the green and then work "toward" the hole. Doesn't always work, but it it tempting to just shoot at that stick on the left side of the green. Aim at the middle, then work it to the left toward the stick. If you push it a little, you are on the right side of the green. Hit it straight, you are on the middle of the green. And hit it with a curve to the left, you have a birdie putt.

    Good luck....

    No question, Travis...having a predictable curve is the BEST way to approach greens. If your skill level allows it, do what made Jack Nicklaus so great....aim towards the middle of the green, and work the ball back towards the right pin placement (Jack hit it L to R). A straight ball was in the middle of the green....his slight fade worked it towards the pin...and he very rarely "overcooked" the fade to miss the green on the right. He knew, and we should all know....hit more greens...shoot lower scores! Pretty simple...

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