Spring Into Better Golf: Refresh Your Game for the Season

Spring is officially here and with it comes longer days, warmer weather, and the perfect time to shake off the rust from winter. Growing up in Oklahoma, knocking off the winter rust was always a priority as I prepared for the tournament season. Whether you've been grinding through cold-weather rounds or taking a break from the game, spring is the ideal season to reset, refocus, and prepare for your best golf yet.

Here’s how you can take a “spring training” approach to golf and start the season strong:

1. Spring Training for Golf: Get Back to the Basics

Every great athlete knows that preseason training is essential for success. In golf, this means revisiting your fundamentals—grip, stance, posture, and alignment. This was always the first place I start each year as I switched from basketball back into golf mode. Small tweaks in these areas can have a huge impact on consistency and ball striking.

• Check Your Setup: Make sure your stance and posture are balanced and athletic.

• Grip Refresher: Ensure your grip is neutral and not too strong or weak.

• Alignment Check: Use alignment sticks or simple drills to confirm your setup is square to your target.

• Swing Efficiency: Focus on a smooth tempo rather than trying to swing harder right out of the gate.

This is also the time to ease back into full practice mode without overdoing it. Start with shorter sessions and gradually build back to longer practice rounds. 1% improvement each day will have you peaking by summer time.

2. Declutter Your Swing & Mindset

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your garage—it applies to your golf game too. If you’ve picked up bad habits over the winter or found yourself overcomplicating your swing, now is the time to simplify.

• Focus on One Key Change: Instead of trying to fix everything at once, work on just one aspect of your swing at a time.

• Eliminate Unnecessary Swing Thoughts: Find a simple pre-shot routine that keeps you focused without overthinking.

• Let Go of Past Mistakes: Winter rounds might not have been your best, but leave them behind and step into spring with a fresh mindset.

Less is often more when it comes to improving your game. Keep things simple, and you'll see more consistent results.

3. Build New Habits for a Strong Season

With a new season comes the opportunity to build better habits. Use this time to establish routines that will help you stay on track throughout the year.

• Set a Practice Routine: Decide how often you’ll practice and make each session count by focusing on specific skills.

• Commit to Short Game Work: Dedicate at least half of your practice time to putting and chipping—this is where you can save the most strokes.

• Develop a Fitness Plan: Golf fitness is often overlooked, but adding mobility and strength exercises can improve your swing speed and endurance.

• Use Technology to Your Advantage: Track progress with apps, swing analyzers, or simple stat tracking to measure improvement.

By making small, intentional changes now, you’ll set yourself up for a season of steady progress.

4. Reset Your Mental Game

Spring isn’t just about physical adjustments—it’s a great time to refresh your mental approach. Golf is as much a mental battle as it is a technical one, and the right mindset can make all the difference.

• Set Clear Goals: Whether it’s lowering your handicap, improving consistency, or playing in more competitive rounds, define what success looks like for you.

• Develop a Pre-Shot Routine: A repeatable, calming routine helps keep nerves in check and improves focus under pressure.

• Practice Visualization: Before hitting a shot, take a moment to picture the ball flight and landing spot—it’s a powerful tool for confidence.

• Stay Present: Avoid dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about the next hole. Focus on the shot at hand and trust your process.

A strong mental game can help you stay composed, make smarter decisions on the course, and play with more confidence.

Final Thoughts

Spring is the season of renewal, and there’s no better time to refresh your approach to golf. By focusing on the basics, simplifying your swing, building strong habits, and strengthening your mental game, you’ll set yourself up for success in the months ahead. Each year I would make a conscious effort to create a gameplan as I knocked of the winter rust while remaining patient as I worked my game back into shape.

As you step into the new season, embrace the opportunity to start fresh, fine-tune your skills, and enjoy the journey of improvement. Here's to a great year of golf ahead!