Whether you are playing in a competition or just in a social round of golf, there is always the weight of playing golf to your handicap, and for most there is in fact the added pressure of playing better than that number that says how good you really are.
This pressure can either make your round more exciting and enjoyable or could lead to the total opposite. Here is a little tip that will help you to play more often to your handicap and will have you walking off the course smiling far more than usual.
It’s simple. Before heading to your first tee, and whether or not you are responsible for the scorecard that round, take a spare scorecard. Then cross out all of the numbers in the par column and replace them with the par score that you should be making on each hole, taking your handicap into account.
For example, if your handicap is 18, then you should add one shot to each hole as you get an extra stroke per hole. If you are a 12 handicap, then add one shot to the 12 holes that you do stroke and leave the other six as they are originally on the scorecard.
By doing this you will be setting a more realistic goal for yourself as determined by the ratings of each hole and your handicap, and will therefore not be so disappointed when you don’t actually par those holes that you stroke. The upside of it is that you get extra points when you do par or birdie them.
Don’t let a bad score ruin your day of golf. Do this tip a couple of times and you will find that your game will actually improve due to you not putting so much pressure on yourself.
The Pro
Anna Becker Frankel is a member of both the PGA of SA and the PGA of Sweden, which is her country of birth. After completing her Bachelors degree in Marketing at Texas A&M, she became a playing professional on the Ladies European Tour.
Anna, a Cobra-Puma staff player/coach, has since coached the Swedish national team, and is currently the head PGA professional at Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate as well as being a TPI-certified golf fitness instructor.
Contact Anna on 079 494 3561.
