lessonspin
by Blake Thomas, PGA
Director of Instruction
University Club of Baton Rouge
set your goals for spring 2018
1. Outcome Goals or OGs
OGs require you to at least think about
what you would like to accomplish in the
coming year. Use these goals to give yourself
purpose and direction.
Nothing is “etched in stone” as they say,
and you can adjust them at any time. In fact,
we encourage our clients to review them
every month, or so, just to see if they are
still appropriate. If you are exceeding them,
adjust them up.
If you cannot meet them, no worries, just
adjust them down a bit. The idea is to keep
them challenging and realistic throughout
the year.
Remember, these goals are to give you
a “direction” and are not intended to put
pressure on you or to go to the course.
OG Examples
• The # of events you hope to play
• Finishes you aspire to have, top 10s, wins
(be realistic yet ambitious)
• Events you would like to qualify for
• A stroke average you would like to
achieve
• Putts you would like to average
• Any stats you would like to improve, etc.
2. Physical Performance Goals or
PPGs
PPGs require that you honestly assess your
current physical skills, technique, equipment
and conditioning to see how they match up
with your outcome goals.
Make a list of the aspects of your physical
game that need to be strengthened to reach
your outcome goals.
PPG Examples
• Greater distance or accuracy with
specifi c clubs
• More consistency with specifi c putts
• Greater awareness of distances with
each club
• Development of specialty shots, etc.
If needed, include:
• Goals for upgrading or changing
equipment
• Take lessons for specifi c skills
• Incorporate specifi c types of drills into
either your technical or creative practice
• Gain strength, improve stamina, etc.
3. Mental Performance Goals or
MPGs
MPG’s require that you take an insightful
look at why you have not been playing to
potential or getting the most out of your
game. Make a list of the mental skills you
most need to strengthen to reach your
outcome goals.
MPG Examples
• Improve focus over the ball
• Learn to be more tough-minded under
pressure
• Develop skills for better managing
emotions
• Learn skills for handling tension or
outcome thinking, etc.
• Get rid of yipps or other conditioned
responses
• Better course management
• Stay committed to game plan
• Improve self talk
MPG’s require that you take
an insightful look at why you
have not been playing to your
potential or getting the most
out of your game.
29