The past 12 months has been a real rollercoaster for me in relation to golf. I looked back at my list of scores recently and really wasn’t sure what to take from it.
While the actual scores fluctuated from as low as 84 to as high as 103, my Handicap Index dipped down to its lowest-ever point – an extremely nerve-wracking 15.5 which I have already admitted was not at all helpful for my game.
However, I’m now back at a much more comfortable 18.1 – a number which I believe to be pretty much perfect for my current ability and psychology.
But, if I want to make the year one where I improve, what should I make sure to do in 2026 and what must I avoid? Below, I’ve made a list.
(Image credit: Future)
WHAT I’LL DO TO IMPROVE IN 2026
HAVE LESSONS
(Image credit: Jack Mortimer)
It seems like the most obvious play in this scenario, but having lessons is something that I’ve almost viewed as admitting defeat up until now.
I used to really enjoy trying to improve “on my own,” as it were – so watching clips on social media or listening to what some of the Golf Monthly team were saying. And I did a decent job, moving from around 28 to the aforementioned 15.5 without too much external assistance.
But I’ve come to realize that I may have reached my ceiling via that method, and if I truly harbor aspirations of bringing my Handicap Index down and keeping it there, spending a fair amount of time with PGA professionals over the coming months is something I will have to do.
MANAGE MY EXPECTATIONS
(Image credit: Future/Getty Creative)
I know through painful experience how possessing unnecessarily high expectations can be particularly damaging to my game. So, in 2026, I am really keen to do a better job of managing said expectations and being realistic about what I’m capable of.
One way I’m aiming to do that is to just pick one aspect that I’d like to improve or focus on very time I play, and whatever my score is, I accept that as a byproduct of my long-term aims.
Another method of controlling how I think is to set reasonable expectations on the way to the course. I can say them out…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Latest from Golf Monthly in Features…