Golf requires a great amount of practice and commitment to even just be decent at the game. We’re all busy people, so I’m not saying you have to practice every second of every day, but if you’re not putting in the hours, then you won’t see any improvement and it won’t be as enjoyable. Now it’s time for some self-reflection. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, then you’re probably not playing enough golf:
1. You have too many golf balls
The Daily Express
Normally having a solid stock of golf balls would be a good thing, but it could also be a sign that you’re not out on the course enough. If you’re like me, you lose at least one golf ball or two per round, so if you’re not losing any, you’re either a pro and shouldn’t be reading this, or you need to get out there and make use of those golf balls.
2. Your scores are suffering
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We can’t all be Dustin Johnson or Brooks Koepka but if your scores are skyrocketing, then so is your handicap, which makes it hard to keep up with your friends and play competitively. Golf isn’t very fun when you’re making doubles on almost every hole and that’s not going to change unless you get up and start playing more.
3. You spend too much time glued to screens
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In the time of remote work and learning, it is easy to find ourselves inside and attached to our screens all day. However, this can be used to your advantage. Since you don’t have to go through that long commute to the office every day, there’s more time to get outside and get some fresh air out on the course.
4. Your clubs are too clean
Nickelodeon
While some people are consistent with cleaning clubs, if your clubs are too clean and are free from grass stains or any wear and tear, it may be time to reevaluate how often you’re actually practicing (and be honest with yourself).
5. You aren’t finding golf tools in your laundry
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When was the last time you found some loose tees or divot repair tools in your washer and drier? If you can’t remember, then you’re either really good at putting things back in your bag after rounds, or you haven’t been playing often so you haven’t had the opportunity to leave various golf tools in your pockets.
6. You’re gaining weight
CBS
The COVID-19 weight gain is a very real thing and while that was excusable in 2020, more things are opening up, so you really have no excuse this time and should really get up and walk 18. What better way to get some exercise by doing something you love (or temporarily hate if your scores still suck).
7. You forgot the rules
Fleischer Studios
Golf is a game of rules. If your memory is a little fuzzy on what stroke-and-distance or unplayable ball relief is, then you need to brush up and check out the SCGA rules hub. You’re going to want to know what to do when you start hitting into those water hazards.
8. Your golf friends don’t invite you to play anymore
Fox
This might be the worst sign of them all. If all your friends don’t ask you to play together anymore, or worse- completely forgot who you are, consider finding a club if you haven’t already and start playing in their events. This way you can find new friends who won’t forget about you and will hold you accountable.
9. You don’t know what a handicap is
ABC
If you still don’t know what a handicap is then how are you going to keep track of your own? Before you even start playing more, you should probably check out this article to discover all the benefits of a handicap index so you can report scores and get one of your own.
What are you doing still reading this? If you’re experiencing any of these signs, then you know that you’re not playing enough. Once you can admit that you have a problem, the next step is to make sure your SCGA membership is activated. If you haven’t already joined or renewed, use this link to get a 60 day free trial for an associate membership! Once that’s done, you should probably refresh your memory on the rules, call your friends so they know you’re alive and ready to golf, and go play so you can get that handicap down.
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