“2021 Golf New Year’s Resolutions”

Against all odds and the “out of the ordinary” circumstances, 2020 is FINALLY behind us!! The gifts have been opened, the holiday roasts carved and the cookies consumed – it’s mid January and the New Year is in full swing.  While some challenges of the past year may follow me into the future, flipping the calendar brings fresh energy and promises for betterment during another trip around the sun. But for me, there seems to be just one step left before I can officially call the holiday season complete for another year….

It’s the part where I give thought to my New Year’s Resolutions! 

I imagine New Year’s resolutions in general are probably a bit different for many this year. For example, there are probably far fewer impulse gym memberships this year, with a lot of home workout equipment purchases taking its place as a large part of my family and friends who’ve eaten their way through the last few months (or the entire pandemic period….if we’re being truly honest with ourselves) resolve to get back into shape.  

I foresee the New Year’s diet will remain in favor among most.  

Even though everyone’s resolutions may be somewhat modified to reflect the mood of the times, there are some traditions that don’t break, or even bend, all that easily. And as it turns out, New Year’s resolutions are old –

….Really Old! 

The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, some 4,000 years ago.

According to research, about 45 percent of Americans say they make resolutions, but only about eight percent say they are successful in achieving their goals.  That may be due to the fact that so many resolutions involve quitting unwanted habits and plans to lose weight.  

But as for golf, I’ll go ahead and share my personal New Year’s resolutions for the coming year!

• Golf Resolution #1 – Stay Safe.  First of all, while I’m praying this pandemic fades away with some urgency, and I feel sad that many families have suffered great losses, I intend to stay safe, while sticking with the current rules about masks, distancing and gatherings.

• Golf Resolution #2 – Make my rounds count.  A lot of golfers may make a wish to have more time to play more golf.  Not me.  I play enough golf – although I am pretty sure Marc would not agree with that statement!  My resolution is to make my rounds count for more.  That means better preparation, better warm-up, better focus, and better putting!

• Golf Resolution #3 – Spend more quality time on our Blog.  I’m resolving, or better yet promising, to publish our blog articles in an even more interesting and readable way in the coming year.  I receive regular positive feedback from readers, especially those who leave comments on the blog, as well as when I am out and about on the golf course, and when I get emails.  I am so thankful for all of that.  I plan to provide even more timely information, with plenty of humor.

• Golf Resolution #4 – Practice more short Putts.  Practicing short putts may be tedious, but there’s arguably nothing better for my game – and the stats back it up.  As renowned statistician Mark Broadie explains here, 80s shooters gain more than half a shot over 90s shooters simply by making more putts inside 10 feet.  And the best part is improving form within 10 feet often doesn’t require some huge technical overhaul; it just requires slightly more practice. 

• Golf Resolution #5 – Stay in play off the tee.  I want to focus on avoiding disaster off the tee in 2021.  Forget the fairway itself, but focus on keeping it between the goalposts.  Rough is fine, hitting in the trees isn’t.  If that means hitting more three woods, fine.  

• Golf Resolution #6  – Aim for the middle of more greens.  I need to take a safer approach into the greens.  I need to forget the pin and aim for the fat part of the green.  If the pin is on the left, I need to hit it to the middle.  If it’s on the right, I have to hit it in the middle.  If the green is tucked up front, I will take an extra club and try to hit it past it.  If it’s long, I will aim to be short of it. 

• Golf Resolution #7 – Take one stroke off my handicap.  For my game this could be damn near impossible but one I am going to work toward the best I can!  

• Golf Resolution #8 – Make a Hole in One.  Of course this is a lofty one, but it’s not entirely impossible!  I just need the right attitude and….a decent amount of luck!  Every time I step up to a par-three this year, I will remind myself that it’s a brand new opportunity to sink it in one…..

I just have to make sure I have a witness!

Ok that’s the resolutions for my golf game – but what about off the course?  For me, New Year’s resolutions are made to improve my life – so they are a bit more personal…..  

• Practice more mindfulness
• Make a habit of reading more
• Do one act of kindness each day
• Turn off my phone more

Hey, we all know….change is hard; if it were easy, it wouldn’t require an entire “resolution”.  And this is even more so with an RV lifestyle where we aren’t always in one location.  But my confidence is growing day by and day and I can honestly say our experiences have been priceless.  RV life is filled with beautiful natural wonders and the most kind hearted people.

My Read from the Reds……No Matter what your specific New Year’s Resolutions are for 2021 – either in your golf game or your life – just be sure to spend less emotional energy dwelling on mistakes.  Forget the blunders and remember the lessons!  Happy New Year!

Fairways and Greens Everyone! – We are 18 Holes and Counting!

Written by Kathy Festa