Have you ever pulled a “Golf Mariah”?

If you play the game, you undoubtedly have.  

After last night’s New Years Eve performance a “Golf Mariah” is a new word to define showing up at the first tee unprepared.

We’ve all done it. In golf and in life. I remember showing up to Christmas Eve program in 2^nd grade without knowing my lines. A few years ago I struggled through an unprepared business presentation. And there are countless times I showed up to the golf course in a hurry and not ready to play.

It happens. But we want to avoid pulling a Golf Mariah whenever we can.

Here are 6 steps to avoid pulling a Golf Mariah in 2017…

1. Drink water. A lot of water. I’ve played my best tournaments drinking nearly a half gallon in the 3 hours prior to tee off.
2. Keep your chest and head high. It’s hard to do. Most of you are hunched over your computer all day prior to rushing across town for league play. Make sure you keep your chest and head held up as frequently as possible the last few hours prior to playing golf. The improved posture helps you swing faster and hit the ball straighter.
3. Long deep breaths. This goes hand in hand with keeping your chest and head high. Breathing not only keeps you alive, it also decreases stress and keeps you calm and prepared for your best golf.
4. Review positive images. Think back to the time you hit the longest and straightest drive of your life. Remember the pure 7 iron you hit to the back left flag. Reminding yourself of these great golf shots prior to play increases the odds you’ll repeat them.
5. Buy time. You cannot make time, you cannot manage time. But you can buy it. Pay an assistant $5 to make your last delivery, finish up your reports or run your suits to the dry cleaners. Take the extra 10 minutes you bought yourself and use it to prepare for a great round of golf.
6. Wear your favorite golf shirt. Or your favorite shoes. Put on something that gives you confidence. Maybe it is placing all your change in your left pocket. Whatever gives you the slight mental edge of believing in yourself and believing your round of golf is going to be great. Do whatever it takes.

Make 2017 Your Best Golf Year Ever!

Scott Seifferlein
GrandRapidsGolfLesson.com
616.802.4969