“Enjoy the process” – all of modern media
It seems like everyone in the media is talking about the “process” or the “journey” but few take time to explain what they truly mean by these terms.
So, let’s break it down.
Process in Golf vs Outcome in Golf
Let’s first start by understanding what the difference between process in golf and outcome is. The outcome is the end goal, what you dream of achieving. It is the results that you see. For example, your scoring average, or finish at a tournament.
The process in golf is the systems you have in place and the actions you take daily to get to your end goal. For example, developing a consistent pre-shot routine, or practicing putting 5 times a week.
I would like to offer another perspective on process and outcome: The outcome is feedback about your process system. Your results at the golf course are a reflection of your current processes.
Instead of solely focusing on the end goal, consider reframing your view of the outcome as
feedback to improve your processes. For example, your tournament results are not definite, but
a reflection of what your process is producing.
If you are not where you want to be, then you can change your processes, so you can get yourself there.
Golf Outcomes and Processes
Feedback in golf tends to be quite objective and immediate. At the end of your round, immediately see what your outcome is, it’s written on the scorecard!
Examples of Outcomes in Golf are:
– Winning a Tournament
– Standings at a Tournament
– Scoring Average
– Score at the End of the Round
– Making a Putt
– Hitting a Shot into the Fairway
The process in golf is how you get there. For example, to make a putt, you need to read the line
well, you need to have a good feel for the green, you have to putt a good stroke on it etc.
Examples of Process in golf are:
– Reading the Line
– Setting Up for A Putt
– Doing Practice Swings to Find a Feel
– Course Management
– Visualizing the Shot
Can you tell the difference? Now, grab your journals and let’s break down your golf game into
outcomes and processes? What would be considered your process, and what is your desired outcome?
What can you do differently in your processes to derive a different outcome?
Another Perspective of Outcomes and Process in golf
Consider a car. The machinery inside serves as the system allowing the car to transport you
from point A to point B.
Now, if the car breaks down, do you blame the system or the driver? Do you fix the system? Or
the driver?
When a car malfunctions, we take it to the shop to fix the faulty system. We do not immediately
assume it is the driver’s fault.
Apply it to your golf game, if you are not getting the results you want to see, why blame the
“driver” when it’s the system that needs tweaking for different results!
Activity to Move from Outcome Orientation to Process Orientation
Identify the outcome you desire;
e.g. Being a Tournament Winner, Playing College Golf, Winning the Club Championship, etc.
Now, break down the steps you believe are required to achieve this outcome:
e.g. I need to learn how to deal with pressure
I need to make more putts inside the 5ft range
I need to hit more fairways to position myself to attack the green
I need to be more consistent around the greens, etc.
Develop an action plan in accordance with these steps:
e.g. I need to spend more time on the greens practice my 5 ft range
– Do the clock drill from 5 ft, 3 times a week
– Make 50 x 5 footers before I can leave the course, etc.
– Keep a Mental Scorecard for Golf to change my habits on the course
Want to learn more about developing an effective action plan? Reach out and let us help you reach your desired goals!
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