Keep the Love = No Unsolicited Advice
Playing golf with your partner and loved ones can be both rewarding and infuriating.
Whether a romantic partner, close friend, or family member, utilize these suggestions to avoid conflict with loved ones on the links:
- Establish coach-ability. Did your loved one ask for coaching? If not, it’s imperative that you ask first, “Would you like some coaching?” If the answer is “no,” KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT.
- Only comment on what you were asked. For example, if your partner asks about their alignment, only comment on their alignment. This is not an open invitation to speak about what you think may or may not be going wrong in their swing.
- Remember the “big picture.” Perhaps the reason you are playing golf is to spend quality time together, be outdoors, or simply enjoy each other’s company in a beautiful setting. Recall the original motivation when the metaphorical fairways get bumpy.
Save the technical advice and grinding to the professionals.
Dodie Mazzuca is the author of “Seamless Golf,” “Golf SÅ«tras,” “Daily Golf Tap-Ins,” and is the founder of Golf PROformance LLC. She teaches golf lessons, golf schools, and performance coaching for in Santa Cruz, CA and Reno, NV.