The key to managing expectations on the golf course, according to a Top 100 Teacher

By: Jim Murphy , Nick Dimengo November 8, 2023

Have trouble managing expectations on the golf course? Instead of building up frustration, use this tip from GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jim Murphy.

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Managing expectations on the golf course is a tricky proposition, because every player wants (and believes) they’re always capable of playing better.

For instance, just because you have a 60-degree wedge in your bag doesn’t mean you necessarily know how to use it correctly. Sure, you may envision hitting the softest flop shot under the sun (just like the pros), but, in reality, that’s not a skill many amateurs have.

Problem is, when you’re incapable of managing expectations, you begin to get flustered and frustrated, which typically leads to a loss of concentration. Over time, this golf anxiety builds up and you actually do more damage to your scorecard.

A good example of this happened to me over the summer while playing with a couple of rookie golfers.

Deep down, I knew I was better than both — and my ball-striking ability proved it. But they had much better touch on the greens than I did, which actually kept their scores closer to mine than I expected.

This caused me to press a bit more, leading to mental lapses and noticeable stress each time I mishit a shot.

Had I just played my own game and eliminated “scorecard watching,” I probably could’ve shot 3-4 strokes better than I did — I just didn’t know the trick to managing expectations.

So to help find some ways to do this, I tapped GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jim Murphy, who gave his thoughts on how more amateurs can tempter themselves and be more realistic about each round. Check out Murphy’s tips below.

How to manage expectations on the golf course

“It always amazes me how big the expectations are from amateurs,” Murphy says. “Many think they can (or should) score lower every round they play, with most thinking they are better than they really are.”

Although Murphy’s analysis may be direct, it’s realistic. How many amateurs slam their club down after a bad shot, or get a major case of the curse words after yet another three-putt? Quite a good amount.

So this is where Murphy says it’s critical to manage expectations.

“Pros know they’re going to eventually make mistakes, so they plan for how they manage them,” adds Murphy. “This gives them the best opportunity to minimize the damage, allowing them to keep their scores from blowing up.

“On the contrary, amateurs hope they don’t make a mistake. But when they do, they have no real plan on how to manage them — which is where scores quickly get inflated and rounds can snowball out of control.”

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So how can more amateurs stay within themselves when they inevitably make a mistake? Murphy says rely on personal data, which can help temper expectations.

“Use data to better understand what expectations you should have for your game, as well as for each shot,” Murphy claims.

“So if you regularly shoot high-80s, you shouldn’t expect to hit every fairway. Nor should you expect to make every 5-foot putt — especially when you consider that the Tour average from that range is about 82%, which is far from a gimme.”

There are plenty of ways to track your data and see which areas you need to work on the most, but Murphy also suggests leaning on a golf instructor for help.

“Your instructor should be able to give you data based on your skill level, which will allow you to set realistic goals or benchmarks,” says Murphy. “I recommend my players have benchmarks for all shots based on their skill level, which helps them manage expectations throughout each round. This helps them avoid playing reactionary golf and instead allows them to limit mistakes or avoid taking unnecessary risks that can ruin their score.”

By having reasonable expectations based on your skill level, you’ll be able to remain more calm throughout a round, which will help you make better decisions in order to score lower.