Don't Keep Score

 

This probably isn’t going to be people’s favorite blog, because it’s essentially attacking one of the fundamental parts of the game of golf; the score. It’s one of the most vital parts of any sport, keeping score to know who wins and who loses (and yes, I’m a firm believer in winners and losers). That is doubly true for golf, because not only are you keeping score to see which player wins, but you’re also keeping score to see how you play to par. So why I’m earth would I tell you not to keep score? Well, honestly, to make you a better golfer and just so that you have more fun.

So much of my frustration surrounding golf comes from my scores. Sure, hitting a bad shot or misreading a putt upsets me, but looking at my scorecard and knowing that it should have been better always makes my blood boil. Not only that, if I start to struggle and bogey a few holes, I start to change how I play so that I “get back on track,” and right the ship, so to speak. What that does is make me start playing safe shots and playing defensively instead of just looking at the hole and taking it on the offensive. When you take a round or two and don’t keep score, you’ll keep yourself focused on each individual shot, and that can help you become a better shot-maker. If you’re not worried about how each shot could affect your score, you won’t be afraid to hit certain shots. Let’s say you hit your drive offline and you end up in the rough having to carry a bunker to get to a flagstick. Normally, so that we don’t make a bad score, most golfers would aim away from the bunker at the middle of the green and look to two-putt for par. That’s a smart, sensible play for sure, but if you aren’t keeping score, that situation would be a perfect opportunity to test yourself and practice a shot you’d never hit otherwise! Getting in those reps when there’s no fear of damaging your score can help give you confidence to play them when you are keeping score, which can benefit your game in the long run. You’ll be able to pull off shots your buddies can’t, and chances are you’ll become a better, more well-rounded player in the process. 

Not only can you become a better player, but if you play a round now and then without keeping score, you can actually have more fun. Golf is supposed to be a relaxing leisure sport, so shouldn’t you have the most fun you can while you’re playing it? If you’re stressed about your score standing over every shot, you aren’t having as much fun as you should! Give yourself a break and have some fun! Don’t worry about the score, just play the game and enjoy the people you’re with. Or focus on something particular you need to work on, knowing it won’t kill your handicap!

So take a few rounds a year and throw away that scorecard! You may just find that you become a better golfer, and I’d bet you’ll have a lot more fun out there.