When you are setting goals for yourself, make them realistic and obtainable. For example if your goal is to win a tournament, check out what scores it takes to win on those tours in your division. Then you can assess your own game.

For example, if your tournament scoring average (this is the average of all your tournament scores for the year, not your handicap) is 77- 82, and you know it takes scores of 74 or better to put yourself in contention to win or it takes 72 or better to win, then you know how much you need to improve your scoring average.

There are 7 parts to everyone’s golf game, with sub parts in each. You want to assess these parts and find where you can improve or find strokes to shave off your scoring average.

1. Ball striking or ball control
1. Fairways hit – how many and average per round
2. Greens in regulation - how many and average per round
1. Average distance from the hole on greens in regulation
2. Short Game
1. Chipping
1. Average on chips
2. Up and down percentage
2. Pitching
1. Average distance from the hole
2. Up and down opportunities
3. Sand Play - Greenside bunker
1. Average distance from hole
2. Up and down opportunities
3. Putting
1. Lag putting – 20 feet and higher
1. Speed control
2. Green reading
2. Makeable putts – 5 to 18 feet
1. Speed control
2. Green control
3. Must makes - 5 feet and shorter
4. Course Management
1. Thinking and Strategy
5. Mental Thoughts
1. Confidence, Composure and Concentration
2. Toughness
3. Staying in the present and playing shot by shot
4. Managing Expectations
6. Emotional
1. Nerve Control
2. Attitude
3. Anger Management
4. Understanding disappointment
7. Physical Fitness
1. Aerobic fitness – Do you tire out?
2. Weight Training – Are you strong enough to hit the ball with strength?
3. Nutrition - Are you eating properly before and during rounds?
4. Hydration – Are you hydrating before, during and after?

Get better in each part to your game and you will score better. Better scores will put you in a position to contend to win!