Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:40:58 -0500WeeblyWed, 11 Dec 2024 18:04:24 GMThttps://www.jeffislergolf.com/jeffs-blog/planning-your-way-to-a-better-golf-game-in-2025It’s the time of the year when many of us take a look back and assess the previous 12 months to learn and prepare for the next year. It can be a very useful exercise, especially if you follow these simple steps which have been tailored to the needs of junior golfers.

Perform an Annual Review

This process will enable a parent to look back and celebrate the victories (I’m not necessarily referring to tournament victories), evaluate the failures, and decide on the changes or shifts that are necessary to make 2025 more successful for a young golfer. This can best be done by writing the answers to the following three questions.

1. What went well in 2024?
2. What didn’t go so well in 2024?
3. What does your son or daughter need to do differently so that 2025 will be successful?

Create a System and Forget about Goals

Most of us attempt to set some goals but struggle year after year to accomplish what we outline on paper. A far more productive approach is to commit to a process of improvement – in other words a system for accomplishing goals.
Here’s an example:

• Your child’s goal is to win a tournament. Their “system” details what they do at practice each day.

You can keep things simple and reduce stress by focusing on the daily process and sticking to a schedule, rather than worrying about big, difficult-to-achieve goals. Goals are strangely at odds with long-term progress. Goals are about short-term results. Systems are about the long-term process. Goals suggest you can control things that are uncontrollable. Forget about predicting the future. Build a system that is reliable and signals when adjustments are necessary.

In summary, goals are good for planning your progress. Systems are good for actually making progress.

Prepare Your Child’s Tournament Schedule in Advance

After completing an assessment of 2024 and putting together an improvement system for 2025, it’s time to plan out your son or daughter’s tournament schedule. Preparing the schedule in advance increases the chances that your child will perform well when it counts the most and will help you save on travel and other expenses.
When exploring which tournaments to play, it makes sense to follow these guidelines:

• Register for a mix of tournaments so that your child can be tested by strong competition in some events and then can compete to win in other events. I recommend competing on one of the regional tours like the Texas Junior Golf Tour (tjgt.com). They have a variety of tournaments to test competitors of every level.
• If your son or daughter plays high school golf, be sure to check the team schedule to avoid doubling up on events. Also check their exam schedule. It’s hard to compete when preparation or sleep are in short supply.
• Make sure your child’s instructor knows which tournaments are the most important so that he or she can ensure that your child’s game is peaking at just the right time.

​If you follow the three steps outlined above, you will be putting your junior golfer in position to have a successful and rewarding 2025.
]]>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 14:18:48 GMThttps://www.jeffislergolf.com/jeffs-blog/putting-together-an-effective-off-season-planThese days, competitive junior golfers feel pressure to compete year-round. Thankfully, the colder winter months and the accompanying north winds in Texas offer a unique opportunity to improve without the pressures of high school and tournament golf. With few exceptions, our students look forward to the off-season because they have a plan and the available time to devote to improving their skills.

In order to help a young golfer make significant progress before they begin competing again in 2025, I suggest following these three steps.

1. Identify Areas of Improvement.

By reviewing past tournament performances either from a stat program or from records you keep, identify the possible skills or parts of the game that, if improved, will have the biggest impact on score. Even without detailed stats, golfers are quite good at recognizing how and when they are losing strokes. For example, it could be too many three putts or not hitting enough greens. If there are several possible target areas, prioritize them by those that have the largest separation value – influence on score. 
The stat program we use, SwingU, provides strokes-gained analysis for each part of a student’s game (tee shots, approach shots, short game, bunker play, and putting). This breakdown easily identifies the areas offering the most opportunity.

2. Quantify Your Goals.

Next, by calculating the median tournament score for the previous six months, a young golfer will be able to decide how many shots he or she would like to shave off in order to establish a goal for the spring season. This goal should be realistic – usually in the range of two to three strokes.

Once a goal has been determined, it should be broken down into the exact contribution from each area of the game (e.g. two strokes in total, one stroke each from putting and short game – see the accompanying diagram). With our students, we further divide this information into the amount of time that needs to be devoted to each segment of training and practice – technique, skill development, decision making, and mental game.

3. Detail the Required Actions
​
Finally, I recommend providing an additional layer of detail that includes the precise actions that are required to accomplish the goals identified in Step 2. In our example above, in which the goal was to save two strokes, with one coming from putting and one from short game, we might decide that the specific actions for improving our putting by one stroke look something like this:

1. Create and practice new routine in which the practice strokes simulate the actual length of the putt.
2. Test different putter lofts to reduce ball skid.
3. Measure backstroke time and backstroke length twice a week.
4. Devise three distance control drills to improve lag putting. Complete the drills three times a week.
5. Increase lower body stability on lag putts to improve contact.
   
   

The off-season offers junior golfers a chance to make important changes that will benefit their game in the long-run. By putting together a well thought-out plan that addresses just a few key areas, young golfers increase their odds of achieving the goals they’ve identified. As always, it’s best to seek out the advice and help of your child’s coach or instructor when putting together your plan.
]]>Thu, 29 Sep 2022 15:44:21 GMThttps://www.jeffislergolf.com/jeffs-blog/making-the-most-of-your-golf-timeIn life and in golf, our most valuable resource is time. When we’re young, we mistake the fact that fewer obligations means we have ample time to pursue our goals but as we get older, it becomes quite clear that success often depends on our ability to manage our time and use it productively. In a long-term specialization sport like golf, where success takes years of hard work, even younger players need to be careful to use their time wisely.

For serious golfers, dividing golf time into three distinct areas: training, practicing, and competing, can accelerate progress and reduce frustration.

Training

Any activity that requires conscious thought is considered training. Almost all skilled activities require training. Think about the amount of training the military, police, pilots, etc. must undergo to become skilled professionals. Often training can be uncomfortable or fraught with failure. During training, it’s important to put aside expectations and judgement – results are unimportant. Here are some examples of training:

• Spending time with a coach in a lesson
• Working on a new movement pattern (e.g. slow-motion swings, etc.)
• Hitting balls and thinking about technique

Practicing

Practice is the bridge between training and competing. It can best be described as the time in which you evaluate and test your results to determine if you need more training or are ready for competition. Although we might be aware of our training goals, practicing gives the opportunity to begin to shift thoughts from the conscious to the subconscious state-of-mind. Here are some examples of practicing:

• Hitting 10 balls to a target on the range and recording how many of the 10 shots were within an acceptable distance from the target
• Completing a challenge on the putting green such as making five putts in a row from six feet

Competing

Players are competing whenever they’re on the course and keeping track of score. When competing, results are all that matter. This means that successful golfers must understand the changes in both approach and thought process that need to take place when they leave training and practicing and move to the course. Tour players play their best golf when they quiet their mind over the ball and eliminate technical thoughts. That’s typically something less experienced golfers have difficulty doing. Here are some keys to competing:

• Avoid technical or other thoughts that keep the mind active and in an information-processing mode
• Emphasize visualization and feel before the shot and then make the target the only focus over the ball

Conclusion

​More serious golfers hoping to reach their potential and avoid long periods of frustration, must be disciplined enough to manage and track their time according to their development phase and playing schedule. Using the approach described above and adjusting the percentage of time devoted to each area -- training, practicing, and competing – will provide a serious golfer with a way to get the most from his or her golf time. It also pays to seek the advice of a trusted coach when designing these kinds of improvement plans.]]>Mon, 25 Jul 2022 18:34:18 GMThttps://www.jeffislergolf.com/jeffs-blog/mental-toughness-begins-with-focusing-on-things-you-controlAt some point in the process, all golfers realize that the mental game plays a significant role in shooting lower scores. Those that master the mental game, gain a big advantage over their competition. When we think of the greatest players of all time – Jack, Tiger, Hogan, Sorenstam – we regard them as mentally tough and in control of their emotions. Their success was always foreshadowed by their steely nerves under pressure.

The good news is that the mental game is a skill that can be taught and learned. It’s best to begin with a couple of important definitions.

1. Mental toughness – The ability to perform at your best when it counts the most, even under adverse conditions.
2. Mental skills – Specific actions and thoughts that you can use to reduce interference and help you perform at a consistently high level.

In order to master the mental game, young players need to understand and recognize the difference between the things they control and the things they don’t. When that happens, they can devote time and attention to the parts of their game that will have a positive effect on their score. To help illustrate the difference between the two groups, I hand this list out to our students.

Some or Full Control
- Sleep
- Nutrition and hydration
- Preparation
- Shot selection
- Reaction or response to challenges
- Focus
- Effort
- Attitude
- Body language
- Promptness
- What I say
- What I do
- What I think

Limited or No Control
- Homework or test schedule
- Weather
- Course conditions
- Playing partners
- Tee times
- Pace of play
- Rulings by officials
- Good or bad bounces
- What others say
- What others do
- What others think
- Finish (1 st , 2 nd , etc.) in a tournament
- Score

When younger golfers get confused or forget to manage the things they control, they begin to get frustrated and make mistakes. For example, it’s common for junior golfers to allow their confidence to be based upon their most recent results. If they hit a good drive on the previous hole, they’ll be more confident hitting their driver on the current hole. Conversely, if they hit a bad drive on the previous hole, their confidence will be low, and they might choose to hit a different club regardless of strategy or the hole’s length.

A golfer with well-trained mental skills will instead realize that they have control over their reaction to previous shots and might engage in positive self-talk (the best way to maintain confidence) before hitting their next drive.

Another example might be a junior that gets annoyed by the pace of play or the things their playing partners do or say. This typically leads to frustration and a loss of focus and motivation. Players who are better trained might view these distractions as a challenge and will know to increase their concentration and focus more intently on their pre-shot process.

Everyone knows that unexpected stuff happens on the course and in life. Once young players learn where to focus their attention and energy – on the controllables, they can begin to improve their mental skills. Improved mental skills is one of the quickest ways to reduce errors and lower scores.]]>Sun, 20 Mar 2022 21:55:14 GMThttps://www.jeffislergolf.com/jeffs-blog/how-to-get-the-most-from-a-golf-lessonAlmost everyone that plays golf seriously has had a golf lesson or two and those that play competitively, especially junior golfers, likely have trusted coaches that they see on a regular basis. Many players view their time with their coach as critical to their development and success, but still might not understand how to make the best use of this valuable time.
As a coach, I feel an obligation to be prepared for each lesson. That means I review notes from previous lessons, check student stats, and refer to other information to make sure I have a well-thought-out plan. I still solicit input from each student and am ready for the unexpected. If my students are equally prepared, we’re almost guaranteed to have a great session.
Here’s a good framework to help both younger and older golfers get the most from their next golf lesson.

1. Be prepared. To ensure the lesson goes well, students need to be ready to go when it starts. That means arriving early enough to stretch and warm up. A good attitude, a high amount of energy, and a willingness to work hard are also essential ingredients of a successful golf lesson. Too many young golfers show up physically and mentally unprepared. Some even wake up a short time before a lesson without enough time to eat. Worse yet, is a student that isn’t in a mood to work hard or be challenged. Good coaches will often push students beyond their comfort zone and look to expose weaknesses. Students should also have a clear idea of the key areas of their game that need to improve.
2. Be Engaged. The best lessons I give start out with agreement on the goals for the lesson. I like it when students ask questions and look for clarification, especially when it’s done in a respectful manner. Students shouldn’t be afraid to restate what they heard and to ask for clarification.  Coaches don’t care if you perform well in a lesson, in fact, they prefer that problems areas are evident so the causes and solutions can be identified. Don’t get frustrated. Go through your normal routine. Be patient and explain what you’re thinking and feeling and be prepared to report back on your progress, even in between lessons.
3. Be Grateful. If you have selected a qualified and experienced coach, each lesson should move you closer to your goals or put you back on track if you’ve lost your way. It’s not unusual for a top coach to have taught well over 10,000 lessons and spent hundreds of extra hours mastering their craft by attending education sessions, studying the latest coaching and scientific information, and sharing and learning from other coaches. All top coaches that I know take their responsibility seriously and care deeply about the progress and results of their students. If you’ve found one of these coaches, be grateful.

A golf lesson from a top coach is expensive, but well worth the cost. Do yourself a big favor and follow the advice I’ve outlined above. If you do, you will increase the odds of making each lesson a valuable and productive experience.
]]>Tue, 23 Nov 2021 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.jeffislergolf.com/jeffs-blog/more-ball-speed-means-lower-scoresBall speed and distance dominate golf news headlines and TV coverage.  Tune in to any pro event and you don't have to wait long before you'll hear the announcers discussing the mammoth drives of Dustin, Rory, Bubba and all the other really big hitters in the game. Each player's ball speed is displayed on the screen like it's the holy grail.  This sends a clear message to players of all ability levels - get fast or get left behind. Younger players know this and talk about their longest drives like a badge of honor, regardless of how it affects their scores. 

With all this emphasis on hitting the ball far, there are some things we need to understand about ball speed (the source of these prodigious drives) and its relationship to low scores and playing the game at a high level. 

Do Higher Ball Speeds Mean Lower Scores?

In general, yes.  More ball speed and distance make the game far easier, especially for younger golfers.  Golfers that hit it a long way have several advantages.  Here are a few of the most significant.

1. Longer drives make it easier to hit approach shots closer to the flag, thereby having a better chance of making birdies and avoiding three putts.
2. Longer and higher drives give players the ability to carry bunkers and cut the corners on doglegs, setting up even shorter approach shots.
3. Long hitters also are better out of the rough which reduces the penalty for offline shots.

What is a Really Good Ball Speed for a Junior Golfer?

We track ball speed and distance for all of our junior golfers and have noticed a strong correlation between multi-sport athletes and higher ball speeds.  Below lists the top 20% in driver ball speed by age.

Boys:
13-14 years old - 140-148
15-16 years old - 148-155
17-17 years old - 155+

Girls:
13-14 years old - 126-133
15-16 years old - 133-140
17-18 years old - 140+

Can Players Improve Their Ball Speed?

Yes, without a doubt.  Here are some of the best ways to improve ball speed.

1. Improve impact dynamics.  Regardless of your club speed, the best way to maximize your ball speed is to hit the ball as close to the center of the face as possible.  Ball speed also depends on the club's movement through the ball (angle of attack and club path) and the orientation of the club face at impact (dynamic loft and face angle).
2. Train hard in the gym.  For competitive juniors, golf fitness has shifted from a recommendation to an expectation.  The gains made in the gym starting with more mobility and stability contribute greatly to a player's ability to generate and control speed.
3. Swing faster.  It sounds simple, but it works.  Training the body and brain to swing fast produces measurable gains.
4. Get properly fitted.  The right clubs can make a big difference in club speed and a golfer's ability to find the center of the face.  Poorly fitted clubs on the other hand, can have a negative influence on ball speed.

For players that are looking to increase their ball speed and distance, I would strongly recommend finding an experienced coach who understands the junior development process.  For players that already possess faster ball speeds, skill development should become the top priority.

There's no denying that on tour, in college golf, and among junior golfers there is a trend toward faster ball speeds.  The standard at all levels has changed and successful coaches and players will adapt to this new style of play. 
]]>Thu, 20 May 2021 18:59:53 GMThttps://www.jeffislergolf.com/jeffs-blog/building-an-effective-summer-tournament-schedule-for-your-childAlthough there are differences among the best junior golfers, one thing they almost certainly have in common is that, when compared to their peers, they have more tournament experience. The benefits of tournament play are numerous and include:

• Valuable learning opportunities that can’t be found in practice.
• An opportunity for younger golfers to test their skills under the pressure of competition.
• The statistical feedback that’s necessary for improvement.
• Automatic national ranking based upon tournament scores.
• A chance to meet and make friends with other competitive junior golfers.

We realize that most parents understand the value of competition in the development process but still need guidance as to the frequency of play and the types of tournaments that are appropriate for their child.
Periodization and Timing
We like to use a model and a few simple rules to help parents get a better feel for the frequency in which their child should compete. Most high-level athletes use some form of periodization to peak at the right time and avoid over training. In golf, the model below works well for both juniors starting out and for more experienced golfers.
[Model to be supplied separately]
There are four phases within a cycle and the duration of each phase and the time in between each phase can vary throughout the year. Here’s how the timing might work for a young golfer who plays a two-day tournament on the weekend and has two weeks until his next tournament.

1. Compete in a tournament (two days)
2. Evaluate the results and allow time to rest and recover (one to two days)
3. Work with your coach and train the areas of your game that need improvement (approximately five days)
4. Prepare for the next tournament with most of the time being spent on the course (approximately five days)

Tournament Selection
Now that you have a better idea of how to manage a competition cycle, let’s go over the specifics of putting together a tournament schedule.
For younger players, the goal is exposure and experience. At this stage, score is unimportant, so parents can schedule several tournaments in a row even if it’s not possible or practical to play practice rounds at each course. For older, more competitive juniors, parents need to be strategic when selecting tournaments because of their implications to national rankings. Parents should lean toward events on familiar courses, with strong fields, and that will allow adequate preparation including playing at least one practice round.
For both younger and more experienced players, parents need to pay attention to their child’s energy and enthusiasm levels. It’s easy to over schedule your child and lose the benefits that are normally derived from tournament play.
The NTPGA (www.ntpga.com) has a full schedule of nine-hole (prep) and 18-hole (medalist) tournaments. These tournaments are a great starting point for players that need experience on the golf course. The TJGT (www.tjgt.com) is a great regional tour that offers competitive juniors the opportunity to test their skills on championship courses and against strong fields. The most serious juniors can consider playing on a national level. The AJGA (www.ajga.org) offers a full schedule of events throughout the country.

]]>Fri, 09 Oct 2020 17:45:55 GMThttps://www.jeffislergolf.com/jeffs-blog/clarifying-the-path-to-lower-scoresFor all but the most gifted athletes, it takes many years to reach a high level of mastery in golf. Because of the challenge, it’s easy to get caught up in the fruitless search for a magic formula that can speed up the process. Although I can safely say that none exist, there are guidelines and preferred paths that golfers can follow to reduce their handicap or scoring average. My good friend Peter Sanders, who started and operates the statistical analysis program, ShotbyShot, has studied the results of players of all ability levels. He also has access to over 350,000 recorded rounds in his database. This data provides valuable insight on the preferred journey to lower scores.

In a recent conversation, Peter and I discussed what it takes to reach certain scoring thresholds. I’ll highlight this information because it begins to unravel the formula that most golfers, especially younger ones, can use to accelerate their improvement.
 
1. Reduce Scoring Average to 90
Progress is relatively quick at first as new golfers begin learning concepts and start practicing in between rounds. Breaking 100 is the first scoring target for most golfers who play with some regularity. To make the jump from 100 to 90 (bogey golf), golfers must practice and play with greater frequency, and have to increase the number of times they make solid contact. Errors, which are defined as shots that result in an extra stroke or more, must also be reduced. Golfers who average 90, typically do it by hitting half the fairways, hitting slightly more than one-quarter of the greens, and save par about one in five times when they miss the green.

2. Reduce Scoring Average to 80
At this point in the journey for most competitive golfers, progress begin to slow and becomes more dependent on improving specific skills. For example, golfers who are hoping to lower their scoring average to 80, need to hit twice as many greens and save par twice as often when they miss the green as compared to an average 90-golfer. This is the critical point in the journey where a good coach can make a huge difference because better technique is the pathway to enhanced skill. Unlike most adult golfers whose handicaps stall between 12 to 14, competitive junior golfers must find ways to continue to make progress in all areas of the game.

3. Reduce Scoring Average to 75
Only about 10% of all golfers ever get their scoring average down to 75. This is an important milestone for any competitive junior that wants to have success in high school. To get there, it takes hard work, more strategic practice, and a well-rounded game that includes course management knowledge, mental game skills, and at least average club speed. From a statistical standpoint, it’s harder to make significant gains in any one area so slight progress will be required in all aspects of the game (tee shots, approach shots, short game, and putting). At this point in their development, younger golfers benefit from competing frequently. The feedback from tournament play, provides important data and information that both a junior golfer and his or her coach can use to continue to lower scores.
 
In summary, the information offers a roadmap for accelerated improvement and lower scores, especially for younger golfer who wish to compete in high school and college. It also highlights the areas of the game on which golfers need to focus at various stages of development and the skills that need to improve along the way.
]]>Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:17:48 GMThttps://www.jeffislergolf.com/jeffs-blog/junior-golf-is-changingSince the emergence of Covid-19 as a serious threat to our health and way of life, the environment for junior golf has undergone dramatic changes. In the short term, the challenge has been finding places to play and practice. In the long term, courses will reopen, but there will be more significant challenges to overcome. Junior golf tournaments have been cancelled, college golf programs are in jeopardy, and the landscape of competitive athletics is being reevaluated and will, no doubt undergo adjustments in the future.

With all the change and uncertainty, there are some things that remain constant and enduring, and these truths should be the focus of every competitive junior golfer.

Golf is a Lifetime Sport

Among its most appealing attributes, golf is a sport that spans the generations. Those that learn to play it, and play it well, continue playing for decades. Children, parents, and grandparents can compete on the same playing field and enjoy time together. It is well known that the golf course is a place where business associates can spend time together and get to know each other better than in typical business settings. Because of these unique features, golf creates opportunities to socialize and enjoy the company of others – that is something we surely need these days.

Excelling at Golf Offers Many Rewards

Like with many sports, the better you play golf, the more likely you are to enjoy it. Because it is such a difficult sport to master, junior golfers put in many hours of work trying to perfect their skills and learn to perform well under pressure. This desire to excel is an essential part of the whole process, especially for competitive juniors. It provides motivation and focus. I have witnessed the first-hand benefits this effort creates – junior golfers that work hard over an extended period of time develop habits and traits that they can use and profit from for the rest of their lives.

Good Coaching Makes a Difference

Because of new technologies, ample educational programs, and the sharing of information across multiple platforms, advances in coaching have accelerated at a rapid pace in the last few years. Now more than ever, an experienced coach who seeks out and understands the latest information can make a big difference in the progress of a young golfer. The best coaches also serve an equally important role as mentors that help young players navigate through this critical stage of development. If you are fortunate to have a top coach who is invested in your progress, I would strongly suggest you take advantage of his or her expertise and closely follow his or her advice.

Tournaments are the Ultimate Testing Ground

Despite all the changes in the past and those yet to come, one thing has remained the same -- the best players separate themselves on the golf course in competition. The scoring system for golf, created in 1764 at St. Andrews, has stood the test of time. Because of that, previous generations of golfers are connected with the current generation of golfers. Like those before them, today’s junior golfers will be tested on the golf course and will be judged by the scores they produce in tournament play. Tours like the TJGT are adjusting their procedures to keep everyone safe and still offer a full schedule of tournaments. My advice to young golfers who want to improve is to have the desire and courage to compete often knowing that the results and feedback you receive from competitive tournaments provide the best opportunity to improve your game.
]]>Sat, 28 Mar 2020 15:28:22 GMThttps://www.jeffislergolf.com/jeffs-blog/challenges-create-opportunitiesBy the time you read this article, things will have likely changed since I wrote it. Each day, our lives are being dramatically impacted by our country’s battle with the Covid-19 virus. Businesses have been forced to either close or alter their practices, schools have shifted to online teaching, families are sheltering at home, and competition in the golf world has been put on hold. When things around us are changing this quickly, we need to find our comfort in the things that are consistent and familiar.
 
For the competitive junior golfer, the one thing that remains the same is the desire to improve. The forced break from competition offers the unique opportunity to take inventory of your game and to focus your efforts on making changes that will have a positive and lasting impact on performance.
 
You can get started by following the steps I’ve listed below:
 

1. List on a piece of paper your clear, guiding principles. That means the things that are motivating you to play and compete. For example, a principle could be the “love of competition”. When this list is complete, post it in a prominent place that forces you to see it every day.
2. List on another piece of paper your strengths and weaknesses. If you’re a young golfer who’s getting ready to enter high school, then think about similar golfers of the same age as a guide to your own strengths and weaknesses. Armed with the list, put a plan in place to improve the specific weaknesses that will have the biggest impact on your score. It might make sense to check with your coach to get his or her help on this part of the process.
3. Focus on the things you control. At times like these when everything is changing rapidly, it’s easy to feel like you have little control over your circumstances. The reality is that you have large control over your own behavior and attitude. For example, you can decide to get up at the same time each day, even though you now might have more flexibility in your schedule. You can also set a limit on the minimum amount of time you’ll spend working out each week.
4. Do the things you don’t normally do when your schedule is full. Most competitive juniors have little flexibility in their schedules because of school obligations, practice, and social outings. During this down time, put some effort in the areas of your game that have been neglected. Some of our students are putting some extra time in on their mental game. For competitive junior golfers, this is an underrated part of the game. It often has a big bearing on scores and future potential.
5. Find some way or someone to help. When things are challenging, fear tends to narrow our view and gets us too focused on our own situation. Now is exactly the time when we all need to pull together and find ways to help out those who are struggling. A good place to start could be to reach out to a local charity or religious organization to see what particular needs are not being met. If you can find a way to impact others, it will lift your spirits and likely provide more motivation to do the things you love – like improve at golf.

 
In summary, this is undoubtedly a unique and difficult time in our nation’s history and in our own lives. By its very nature, it offers the opportunity for all of us to rise to the challenges that are placed before us and to use the extra time to make a real difference in our lives and the lives of those around us. From a golf standpoint, I can say this with confidence -- the only way to get ahead of the curve is to take actions that “at the time” seem unnecessary.
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