You Get What You Get with Consistency

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Consistency is one of my least favorite concepts in golf. I cringe when a student tells me that the goal is consistency.

It brings with it the idea that we can perform the same way every time. That we kinda have control over our results because we are “consistent”. It takes out the fear of failure because we “consistently shoot between 75 and 82.” To me, it is a very stagnate and static concept.

What consistency lacks is the the idea that we are adaptable, that we can use our creativity and create something out of the ordinary when we need to or desire to. Adaptability brings on this idea that we have ability to make subtle changes based on lie, conditions, our emotions or anything else that might show up. It involves CHOICE.

Every morning when we wake up, we are a little (or sometimes a lot) different than we were yesterday. Emotionally, physically and sometimes spiritually different. We might wake up achy or jump out of bed ready to go. We may desire a big breakfast or go with something small. We may buy the grande coffee or start with a hot herbal tea. 

Where's the fun if every day is the same? (Groundhog Day, anyone?)



Why should our golf game be any different? Would you still love golf if you knew you were going to shoot 72 every time you teed it up? For a little while it would be fun, but then you would get bored. By normalizing your shotmaking ability, you are disallowing the really good stuff just to hedge against the stuff you may not like to see. Let's shoot 65! Let’s be adaptable, creative, and spontaneous so we can enjoy the really good stuff!

Many Birdies,
Melissa

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