How To Improve Your Handicap Article

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How To Improve Your Handicap

Whatever your handicap be proud of it and do not allow it to define you as a golfer.

Author: Gail Smirthwaite

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“A golf handicap is a numerical measure of an amateur golfer’s playing ability. It can be used to calculate a net score from the number of strokes actually played, thus allowing players of different proficiency to play against each other on somewhat equal terms.”

This is the Wikipedia definition of a Handicap – doesn’t it make it sound simple – yet it really is one of the most talked about parts of the game of golf for the amateur.

There are many areas of the golfing handicap that I could talk to you about –

How many golfers use the handicap system to ’ beat themselves up’ if they do not play well thus affecting their own self-esteem.

How if you play well and lower than your handicap others can react and call you a ‘bandit’ - which depending on what sort of person you are can really affect your self-esteem.

Also, how many golfers set a goal each season of lowering their handicap and never achieve it because they don’t put any plans in place to help them achieve it – another ‘nail in the coffin’ of your self-esteem where your golf is concerned.

If any of these comments about the handicap system ring true for you here’s some GREAT TIPS on how to deal with each one –

1. The handicap system is there to give you a more level playing field when you play other golfers. If you find that you are not playing to your handicap in a game, then do not let the overall score as you play determine how you feel about your game. We are back to the advice I give time and time again about playing in the moment. If you are playing each and every shot as though it is your only one that day then how important is your overall score and more importantly your handicap. Scores will take care of themselves if you become ‘task focused’ and concentrate only on producing the best golf shot you can each and every time you play.

2. In my Introductory Programme I talk about E.R.O and I have written past articles on this too – but the main point is the only thing you can control is how you REACT. Usually someone will comment about you playing well and use the term ‘bandit’ because they have played badly – it is a tool to pick on you – and little short of bullying. So next time someone calls you a ‘bandit’ because you have played well take it as a compliment and react as though it were – you will soon silent those who are just jealous because you have played well. I had a client who used to sabotage his game if he was playing well because his playing partners would call him a ‘bandit’ and he allowed that single comment to make him feel terrible. Who wins out in this scenario – the bullies!

3. The last one is easy to remedy – you should have all had ‘G’ is for Goal Setting in my last newsletter. Einstein says the definition of insanity is to keep doing what you have always done and expect different results. If you really do want to lower your handicap then write it down in a plan – (you get a Goal Setting Plan free with the Introductory programme as well as advice on how to set out great goals at – www.golfmindguru.com/products/7secrets)

About Author

Gail Smirthwaite is a leading GOLF CONFIDENCE COACH. She currently writes for Lady Golfer Magazine and is the new ‘Golf Agony Aunt’ in National Club Golfer. Gail also trains on the PGA Continual Assessment Programme for UK Professional Golf Coaches and she also coaches Alison Nicholas, US Open Champion and Captain for the Solheim Cup 2009.

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