Golf is Predictably Unpredictable.

As we know in golf, no two shots are ever alike. “A person cannot step into the same river twice,” proclaims the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. Uneven lies on the fairway, deep grass, wet fairways, stiff necks, cold hands, mood swings, slow greens, unlucky bounces, fatigue, the variables are endless.

The one predictable element that golf grants us is constant change. Our job is to master the changing variables. Here are some tools to become the “master of variability”:

• Take a deep breath when faced with a new challenge. 
• Establish a consistent pre-shot routine.
• Create variability in practice. (For example, change clubs and targets on every shot rather than hitting 30 7-irons in a row.)
• Manage expectations.
• Think “outside the box” for a creative shot to overcome the bunker, tree, lake, canyon, etc. Perhaps laying-up is the smarter strategy?

Each shot needs our full attention. Expect nothing and be ready for anything!

Dodie Mazzuca is the author of “Golf Sūtras,” “Daily Golf Tap-Ins,” and founder of Golf PROformance. She teaches golf lessons, golf schools, and performance coaching for competitive players in Santa Cruz, CA and Reno, NV.