Golfers are creatures of habit. Many tend to have longstanding, set games with the same foursome and tee time during the week or every Saturday and Sunday. And pre-round behavior generally follows a predictable pattern: pull into the entrance at the same time, grab the usual parking spot, order the regular item off the menu, then spend a similar amount of time warming up before heading to the first tee.
Having a routine isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can help you stay organized, be productive, or even, according to some researchers, find meaning through structure. Besides, no matter the outcome, it’s always comforting to play a familiar course with old friends.
But all that “sameness” can be detrimental to game improvement. That’s because golfers know their home course forward and backward, and, more likely than not, hit shots in nearly the same place and play holes in nearly the same manner every round. Golfers have encountered every stance and lie and bounced balls off every hump and bump on their home course, so there’s almost no thought given to improving course management skills or learning how to hit different shots from the tee, fairway or around the green.
Aside from taking lessons and practicing, which we will get to shortly, one of the best ways golfers can improve is to take on new challenges by playing a wide variety of courses. Every golf course has its own distinct characteristics that are determined by its natural setting, routing, and design. And each presents a series of unique challenges that call for particular shot-making abilities and decision-making processes in order to score well. Being exposed to many various layouts can help golfers learn different skills and develop a more polished, complete game. (Also, traveling and playing new courses is a lot more fun than hitting balls on the driving range.)
If you’re looking to elevate your game and are ready to break out of your comfort zone, the TGA has a number of exciting opportunities where you can not only play new courses, but also experience the thrill of competition.
Every year the TGA conducts an extensive range of events for golfers of all ages and abilities. In addition to testing the most talented amateurs at our statewide championships, which are serious tournaments for serious players, the TGA also provides numerous playing opportunities for members looking for something a little “less intense.” These annual events, which celebrate the spirit of competition while also recognizing the importance of the social aspect of the game, are held on some of the state’s premier courses.
Over the next few pages, we’ll highlight a few of the upcoming events for men and women that feature inclusive formats suitable for every type of golfer. These are the ones designed for all those who look forward to playing a fabulous course and making new friends as much as the good-natured competition. We’ll also look at how working with a PGA Professional can help improve your game, and give you some tips on how to get started taking lessons.
And for the golf enthusiasts out there who just want to get outdoors and play the game for sheer enjoyment, check out the TGA Fun Golf Series presented by PGA TOUR Superstore. These casual, one-day outings, held throughout the year at incredible courses across the state, are open to golfers of all handicap ranges. Each Fun Golf Series event features an optional, low-key tournament to sign up for, but participation is never mandatory (and neither is turning in a scorecard for that matter).