Golf Tips for Women - Curbing Impulsive Decisions on the Golf Course

One bad shot is excusable, but following it with another bad shot can be a disaster! Have you ever made a horrible shot only to rush to the ball and hit it again without even thinking? I know I sure have. The results are rarely good for my score. Impulsive decisions on the golf course can really help to rack up big numbers on your scorecard. With a few pointers and a small change of mind-set, women golfers can learn how to be even more thoughtful after a bad shot and enjoy an effective recovery on the golf course.

Most of the issues following a bad shot during your round are mental. We women golfers can be our own worst critic! This mentality is common for most amateur golfers from the beginners to the more experienced. Many times, following a bad shot, we feel rushed to make our next shot. I have noticed many women golfers that put pressure on themselves to hurry and get their turn over with. Please don't do that! When you need to prevent the consequences of a bad shot, it is wiser to take a bit more time over your next shot than it is to rush and hit yet another ineffective shot. Take a deep breath, try and let go of the last shot, and focus your attention on what to do now... not what you should have done on the shot before. If you are worried that the other players in your group are waiting on you, remember, we all make bad shots. An impulsive decision over this crucial shot can lead to 5 or 6 more strokes on the hole, and that leads to you taking even more time than executing one thoughtful shot now.

Take the time to get the information you need to make your next golf shot. Find your yardage, check for possible hazards, find the flag... do everything you would normally do. Be a bit more deliberate about it and give your mentality and body the opportunity to calm down from your anger of the last shot and the adrenaline that most likely is coursing through your body. Breathe slowly and calmly to help to re-focus on the goal at hand. Go ahead and take your practice swings and go through your normal pre-shot routine. Get your body and mind-set back to the proper rhythm that you have when executing good shots.

Lastly, let go of the fear of hitting another bad golf shot again. Guess what? At times you will, we all do, but it doesn't have to be this shot. Being afraid will add nothing positive to your game.

Recognizing the potential consequences from an impulsive decision on the golf course is the first step to learning to re-group following a bad shot. Anger, fear, and a defeated attitude will get you no-where but miserable with a big number to show for your golf round. A wise man once said, "Golf is Not a Game of Perfect" and as wise women golfers, we will remember that!