7 Golf Habits Every Player Should Develop

As Arnold Palmer so eloquently describes it, “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.” As avid golfers, we couldn’t agree more! 

Whether you just picked up the sport, or have been playing your entire life, you know firsthand that the game of golf requires a solid set of skills and habits to produce desirable results. 

In this post, we discuss six of the best golf habits you can develop to take your game to the next level and overcome whatever challenges you’re faced with on the course.

1. Create a Pre-Shot Routine

When you watch professional athletes compete, you may notice that each one has a particular ritual they perform before they execute an action. Throughout your career as a golfer, you may have been told to create your own routine –– and for a good reason. Creating a pre-shot routine has many benefits that will translate into success during the round. 

Having a familiar process can reduce the pressure as it allows your body to feel more comfortable before each shot. It can also help you focus and eliminate negative thoughts, which would inevitably have an effect on your shot. This routine doesn’t have to be anything specific and it may take some time to find what works best for you.

2. Stay Present 

Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, if not more. Given the many external factors that can come into play on the course, such as wind or poor visibility, being able to focus on the present moment (or next shot) can make any good player great. Incorporating mindfulness into your game can ensure you play your best, no matter what the circumstances may be. Focus on the shot at hand and what you can control at that very moment. This golf habit can help you identify your thoughts and emotions and prevent yourself from acting on them in a negative way. 

3. Have a Good Attitude

When a round of golf isn’t going the way you expected, it can be tough to maintain a positive attitude. If you practice positive self-talk, your performance won’t suffer as a result of your frustration. Remember, no one can play a perfect game, so after a mistake do your best to stay positive and move on to the next shot. 

4. Set Goals Regularly

Without goals, it can be hard to stay motivated. Get in the habit of setting goals regularly. We recommend creating a variety of short and long-term goals, as well as goals for different parts of your game. Keeping track of these objectives can help you visualize your progress over time. 

5. Create a Strategy Before You Play

Each golf course offers players a distinct set of challenges. Before you begin to play, you should get in the habit of studying the course and coming up with a strategy for how you want to face the most difficult parts of the design. Even though this strategy may change as you play, this one of many golf habits can help you make better decisions regardless of how you’re feeling or playing on any given day.

6. Practice with Intent

We’ve all heard the saying practice makes perfect, but practicing without a clear purpose isn’t going to prove effective in the long run. Our team of professional golfers recommend that you sit down with your golf coach to create a practice plan. This strategy will be customized to focus on the parts of your game that need the most work while keeping your particular goals in mind. 

If it’s difficult to find time to make it out to the course to practice, get creative! You can practice your putting at home or even invest in a golf net to practice your swing in your own backyard. 

7. Be Adaptable

Becoming a better golfer will require stepping out of your comfort zone and trying things you’ve never done before. After all, how do you know something won’t improve your game if you aren’t willing to try it out? Get in the golf habit of being open and flexible to make changes in your style of play, form or demeanor on the course, and watch how even the smallest modifications can improve your results. 

The Golf Experience at The Cliffs

At The Cliffs, golf is more than just a sport, it is a way of life –– and our golf membership was created for those who share our passion for the game. 

This Membership grants you access to all seven of our premier golf courses located throughout Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. From soaring mountain tops to sandy lakeshore beaches, each course enhances the natural beauty of the landscape, creating a magnificent experience at each hole. 

In addition to the courses, there are also designated practice facilities that make it easy to work on all aspects of your game, from chipping and putting to long-range drives. To work on your strength and fitness off of the course, our state-of-the-art wellness centers provide members with exceptional equipment and expert trainers to supplement your golf game. 

At The Cliffs, every course is also home to a characteristic clubhouse designed to mirror the style of the community. This is a place where members can socialize with friends, enjoy a meal prepared by our celebrated chefs, or simply grab a drink at the bar. 

There’s only one way to become an exclusive golf member: purchase a luxury property at one of our seven communities. With grand mountain estates, comfortable cottages, and elegant townhouses to choose from, finding a home that meets your needs is effortless. 

Or, if you rather build the home of your dreams, simply find the perfect homesite and let one of our Preferred Builders break ground on your mountain home. This group of builders has years of experience, so you can rest assured that your project is in good hands. 

Ready to become a part of The Cliffs? We invite you to discover available homesites and homes online. If you have any questions along the way, simply contact us and a member of our team will guide you through our process.