If you want to get better at golf, you need time, practice and patience. And all three in big doses. Having the right equipment helps, of course, but if you’re looking to improve your game, take a look at your habits. Are they the best? Read on to discover six habits you should pack in your bag along with your clubs every time you head for one of the golf courses on the Costa del Sol.
Practice well
As a keen golfer you should be putting in plenty of practice, but most importantly of all, using that time to practise well. Make every session worthwhile and ensure it helps improve your game. The next time you’re on a putting green or driving range at your favourite golf course on the Costa del Sol set yourself a goal for the session. For example, have a target to hit the ball to or aim to perfect your putt from 3 metres.
Top tip – practice makes perfect, but only if you know how. Take a personalised course at the Rio Real Golf Academy and watch your game soar to the next level.
Keep it realistic
As we said at the beginning, golf doesn’t rank among the world’s easiest games. One of the keys to getting the most from your golf is to keep your expectations realistic. Make it a habit to remember how difficult it is and that even the Pros make mistakes (and lots of them).
Don’t obsess about getting a birdie – they’re hugely satisfying, but hard to come by. Experts recommend that you focus on par instead especially on holes with a 3 or 4 par. Concentrate on staying within the set par at your chosen Costa del Sol golf course.
Top tip – some golf courses on the Costa del Sol offer pro tips for every hole so that you can get an idea of what to expect before you play. Check out the hole-by-hole guide to Rio Real Golf.
Stay in the zone
A key to good golf is staying focused throughout the game. A concentrated player tends to hit better shots than one who allows their mind to stray. It isn’t easy to keep your mind on the ball when things aren’t going to plan, but remember the best golfers stay positive even when the game isn’t in their favour. Start making a habit of focused positive play the next time you’re out on one of the golf courses on the Costa del Sol.
Top tip – golf not going to plan? Read our tips on how to get the most out of your game when the odds are against you.
Have a routine
To keep your concentration, start your own pre-shot routine. All pro players have one – the routine Tiger Woods puts in is world famous– and they use it for every single shot. A routine allows you to visualise the ball’s flight, how far you need to hit it and how you’re going to hit it. Taking a few moments to think your shot through also makes you concentrate and focus 100%.
Top tip – good habits improve your golf and so do these top 10 tips.
Do the post mortem
However well or badly the game went, make a habit of going through it afterwards. Sit down with your fellow players and take an honest look at your shots and your technique. Don’t shy away from self-criticism but keep things realistic.
Top tip – make the game post mortem as pleasant as possible. At Rio Real, head for our bar and Club House terrace where you can enjoy a little something as you look out at the immaculate greens and mountain views. Even the worst round ever won’t seem so bad after that!
Enjoy it!
Playing at one of the golf courses on the Costa del Sol means you get to see stunning surroundings – the best courses have sea views – and enjoy great weather at any time of year. Make a habit of a simple gratitude exercise – be actively thankful for being able to play your favourite sport in a lovely location every time you walk onto the course. You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes to your game.
Top tip – make a habit of always getting the best green fee deals on the Costa del Sol. Check out the Rio Real dynamic pricing system that gives you the chance to choose the date, time and price you want for your next round of golf.
