When most golfers think of the elements of the game upon which they want to improve, the vast majority think in terms of either technical elements or think about outcome. I want to make more putts. I want to hit more fairways. I want to break 90 consistently.

While not disregarding these important considerations, players truly interested in overall improvement of their games would do well to consider paying attention to all aspects of the game of golf. Rather than golf being divided into full swing, short game, and putting, the more astute players recognize a different division: mechanical, physical, mental, and tactical components.

Many seek what they believe is the Holy Grail of a great golf swing (mechanical) or putting stroke (mechanical). This is done while ignoring the benefits of golf-specific fitness training, mental training, and/or course management improvement. The practice ranges across the world are full of players who hit ball after ball attempting to perfect their swing, only to find that when actually taken to the course, the improved swing alone is not enough to produce the results they desire.

It is a challenge for the serious player- let alone the casual player- to make the non-swing related elements a priority. Given a finite amount of time to devote to golf, most prefer to swing a club or stroke a putter rather than work on the fitness/mental/tactical fundamentals.

That being acknowledged ask these questions and answer honestly, How much better would my score be if I was more physically flexible, stronger, and/or would tire out more slowly? If I were less distracted on the course, less nervous over short putts, more confident about my game, how would that affect my play? Am I sure that I am taking all considerations into account before I hit shots on the course? Would I be helped if I made better decisions when Im playing?

If the answer is yes to any or all of the above questions, challenge yourself to set a course of action to address these concerns, even if it means spending a little less time hitting or putting golf balls. The benefits you receive by changing your practice priorities may surprise you!

Jeff Troesch

Jeff Troesch is an internationally recognized expert in the field of mental skills training and performance enhancement and has been involved in training athletes and other elite performers for nearly 18 years. Jeff served as Director of Mental Training for David Leadbetters Golf Academies, where he was instrumental in assisting in the development of the training programs and methodology that continues to produce golf champions around the world. Jeff works with several touring professionals and amateur players - assisting them in the creation of optimal training plans and developmental strategies.

Jeff has been a consultant to several teams and organizations, including Major League Baseballs Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers; the National Basketball Association; the US Soccer Federation; and many other professional, collegiate, and amateur sport programs. He currently serves as the consultant to UCLA's Women's Golf program.

Jeff's work has been featured in Golf Digest; Golf Week magazine; Asian Golf Magazine; Baseball America; Fox Sports "Going Deep"; Gillette Sports Week; Wide World of Sports; Tennis Magazine; and several international publications. Jeff is also a recognized speaker for many golf related and other sport association events including the American Junior Golf Association.