The Power of 1%

Golf is a game of inches, and often, the difference between a good round and a great one is just a slight improvement in one area of your game. Whether it's a more consistent swing, better course management, or a sharper short game, those incremental gains can add up over time and help you achieve your goals. The concept of 1% gains is a powerful tool in golf, especially when it comes to establishing habits and goal setting. Small, deliberate improvements—if done consistently—can result in remarkable progress.

The Power of 1% Gains

The idea of 1% gains is rooted in the belief that small, incremental improvements, when accumulated, can lead to significant overall progress. In golf, this can mean improving your short game by 1%, hitting fairways with 1% more consistency, or having one less 3-putt per round. These tiny adjustments don’t require monumental changes, but over time, they can add up to major improvements in your overall score.

Why does this work so well in golf? Golf is a highly technical and mental game, and small refinements in technique, strategy, or mindset can make a world of difference. If you focus on getting just 1% better every time you practice, you’ll notice substantial improvements in your overall game.

Effective Practice Habits: Small Steps to Big Results

When it comes to golf, practice isn't just about spending hours at the range. It's about how you approach those hours and the quality of your practice. Here's how you can structure your practice to make the most out of those 1% gains:

Here are some practices that help all different aspects of your game:

1. Deliberate Practice Over Mindless Repetition

Many golfers fall into the trap of mindlessly hitting ball after ball at the driving range, hoping for improvement. But to make real progress, you need to practice with intention. Focus on specific aspects of your game that need improvement. If your putting has been off, spend 20 minutes each practice session working on your stroke. If you’re struggling with your irons, dedicate a session to iron play, practicing ball striking, alignment, and distance control. If you are losing shots because of your mental game, practice your routine or breathing/mindfulness to forget the last shot. The key is quality, not quantity.

2. Track Your Progress

Keep a record of your practice sessions. This can include metrics like fairways hit, greens in regulation, number of putts per round, or any other stats that matter to you. Tracking your progress will help you identify areas that need attention and allow you to celebrate the small wins along the way. As you improve, you’ll see that 1% gain translate into tangible results.

3. Include Short Game and Putting

Often overlooked in favor of long-range shots, the short game and putting are where you can make the most significant improvements. A few strokes saved with better chipping and putting can make all the difference. Dedicate time during each session to practicing wedge shots, chips, and putts from various distances. Refining your short game can easily result in a 1% improvement that translates directly to better scores. One of the best forms of practice for the short game is friendly competition with friends. Learn to play 21 for chipping and putting. Learning to perform under pressure is the most critical skill any player can develop. The only way to do this is by putting yourself in pressure situations. Nowhere in the game is the outcome more present than in the short game.

4. Mental Practice

Golf isn’t just physical; it’s a mental game. Mental toughness and focus can often be the deciding factor in a round. Visualize shots, practice pre-shot routines, and work on maintaining your focus under pressure. These small mental improvements can create a huge impact on your performance. Incorporate some mental practice into your routine, such as running your pre-shot routine, breathing exercises or mindfulness, to make those 1% mental gains.

5. Set Both Long-Term and Short-Term Goals

Your long-term goal might be to break 80 for the first time, but breaking that down into smaller, short-term goals will make it more achievable. For example, you might set a goal to improve your iron game over the next month or focus on driving accuracy for the next few weeks. By breaking down your long-term goal into smaller chunks, you'll stay motivated as you tick off each short-term success.

6. Focus on Process, Not Just Outcomes

A common mistake in goal setting is focusing too heavily on outcomes. While achieving a low handicap or breaking a score barrier is great, it’s the process that gets you there. Commit to the daily habits of practice and mindset improvement that will lead you to your desired results, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks along the way. Embrace the journey as part of your overall growth as a golfer.

Conclusion: Make 2025 the year of Small Gains

Golf is a game that rewards patience, consistency, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. The key to becoming a better golfer isn’t necessarily in making huge, dramatic changes, but rather in focusing on 1% gains. By fine-tuning your practice habits, setting clear goals, and working toward small, incremental improvements, you can make remarkable progress over time.

As you set your goals for the season, remember that golf is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate each 1% improvement, and you’ll see the results add up over time—one small gain at a time.

If you are looking for help on making 2025 your best year yet on the golf course please reach out to learn more about how to get those daily 1% gains on the golf course.