It’s All About the Journey, Not Just the Score

Setting Realistic Expectations in Golf: It’s All About the Journey, Not Just the Score

Golf is one of those sports that can humble you on any given day. It’s a test of your skills, patience, and mental game—and let’s be real, it’s not easy. Whether you're playing with friends or working on your game, one thing’s for sure: you’re probably not going to shoot your best score every time. In fact, you only shoot your best score once—maybe twice—if you're lucky. But that’s okay. It’s all part of the ride.

99% of the Rounds you Play are Somewhere between your best round and your worst Round

Here’s the deal: you only shoot your best score once. Maybe twice. That’s the nature of the game. One round, everything clicks—your drives are perfect, your irons are dialed in, and your short game is on fire. But, let's face it, those rounds are rare. They happen, but they’re not the norm.

Golf is about consistency, not perfection. If you expect to shoot your best score every round, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. The truth is, you’ll probably have more rounds where things don’t go as planned than those where everything’s smooth sailing. And that’s okay! It’s the process that matters.

Hitting Your Handicap: How Often Does It Really Happen?

Now, let’s talk about handicaps. The average golfer hits their handicap about 20% of the time. That’s right—only 1 out of every 5 rounds will probably match your handicap. Some days, you'll play above your handicap, and other days you might surprise yourself and play a little below. That’s just how golf works.

So, if you’re a 15-handicap, don’t stress if you don’t shoot an 85 every time. Some rounds will be tougher, and others might feel easier. But over time, your scores will average out close to your handicap. The goal isn’t to shoot your handicap every time; it’s to keep improving, stay consistent, and enjoy the ride.

Setting Expectations: Keep It Real

If you're aiming for perfection every time you play, you’re probably setting yourself up for disappointment. Golf is about improvement, not always about getting the best score. Here are a few tips to keep your expectations in check:

1. Don’t Expect Perfection Let’s face it—golf is all about making mistakes. Even the pros hit bad shots. What matters is how you recover from them. So, expect a few mishaps, and don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s part of the game!

2. Look at the Big Picture Don’t get too caught up in one round. Check in with your progress over time. If you’re gradually lowering your average score, that’s a win! It's not always about the score; it’s about your overall growth as a golfer.

3. Celebrate the Small Wins Hit more fairways? Made a clutch putt? Celebrate those little moments. They add up and make you a better player. Golf isn’t just about the final score—it’s about all the tiny steps you take to improve.

4. Enjoy the Ride Golf’s a journey, not a race. The more you embrace the ups and downs, the more fun you’ll have. Enjoy the process, even when things aren’t going perfectly.

So, How Often Do You Really Play to Your Handicap?

The truth is, most golfers only play to their handicap about 20% of the time. And that’s totally normal! There’s no need to stress if you don’t hit it every round. Instead, focus on consistency and getting better over time. You’ll have good rounds and bad ones—that’s just how it goes.

At the end of the day, your best score is just that—your best score. It doesn’t define you as a golfer. Focus on improving, being consistent, and enjoying the journey. Golf isn’t about shooting your best score every round—it’s about getting better, staying steady, and enjoying the game.

So, next time you step onto the course, don’t stress about always playing perfectly. Embrace the process, learn from each round, and remember: it’s a journey, not a destination.