One of the most underrated tools for golfers isn’t a new club or training aid—it’s a shot journal. Keeping track of your performance, thoughts, and patterns can give you insight into your game that practice alone can’t.
Why It Works
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Identifies patterns in your strengths and weaknesses
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Helps you recall what worked under pressure
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Strengthens your mental game through reflection
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Builds a record of progress over time
What to Record
After each round (or even practice session), jot down:
1. Best Shot of the Day
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What club did you use?
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What made it work—tempo, alignment, mindset?
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Were you confident over the ball?
2. Worst Shot of the Day
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What went wrong—mechanics, decision, nerves?
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What did you learn from it?
3. Mental Notes
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Were you rushed?
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Did you feel pressure?
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Did you stay focused or lose your routine?
4. Course Management Choices
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Did you play it safe or take a risk—and how did it turn out?
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Would you choose the same shot again?
5. Score by Club/Shot Type (Optional)
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You can also track how often you use certain clubs, or miss left/right, long/short.
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Use simple marks (✓ or ✗) if you don't want to write long notes.
How to Use It
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Keep a small notebook in your bag or use a notes app on your phone.
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Review your last few entries before your next round or practice.
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Look for recurring issues—like consistently pulling your 5-iron or losing focus on the back nine.
Bonus Tip
Try adding a “pre-round goal” at the top of each entry—something like:
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Stay patient after a bogey
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Commit to every shot
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Trust my swing tempo
Tracking goals helps shift your focus from score to performance habits.