Sports Illustrated’ s weekly blog: GOLF.com, recently had a great idea to improve our games. Just set some achievable positive goals before every round. That will help you enjoy your great shots and disregard your worm burners and shanks without setting a grenade off in your butt.

The enjoyment of golf is about setting goals that bring you energy and fun. When you’re having more fun you’re in a happy place. Ben Hogan, one of the greatest champions in the history of the game, said he was happy to hit just one or two perfect shots per round. He said that everyone — from high-handicappers to scratch players — would be wise to play the game that way.

Julie Elion is a mental-game guru, who reminded us of Bobby Jones’ quote: “Golf is a game that’s played on a five-inch course — the distance between your ears,” She found that the mind is the most daunting hazard out there on any course.

Set Your Goals
Julie helps golfers identify their personal goals before every event. The most common theme is CONSCIOUS POSITIVE INTENTIONS. All it takes is a simple message — distilled into a few easy-to-remember lines. Positive goals play better than those who play with fear of negative outcomes. An obsessive insight and analysis about a problem seldom results in a winning putt. Focus on your target Negative thoughts based on avoidance cause a bad case of energy drain.

Knowledge of a relevant hazard is useful, but it’s not a goal. Positivity is paramount. Elite athletes, like Scottie Scheffler with an optimal mental attitude are the ones who end up pulling away from the pack.

A/ Set measurable goals: Number of Fairways Hit, GIRs and 1 or 2 putt greens

B/ Set SWING goals that reinforce energy and concentration with specific steps:

–Light grip to relax muscles as you swing though the ball. –Full backswing to allow time for wrist lag at the top. –Swing to a balanced finish –Finish your putting swing up your target line to let the ball pass the hole.
Practice with your swing goals in mind using GOLFSTR+ before you reach the first hole. Then keep those thoughts throughout your round. Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com