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ποΈ Why most goal setting sucks... And how I'm approaching it this year
Most people set goals the wrong way. They say things like βI want to lower my handicapβ or βI want to win a tournamentβ but those are just goals written down and not plans to actually execute on.
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Real improvement comes from building habits that make progress inevitable.
Every year, I start by looking at where I am, whatβs working, and what needs to change.
Hereβs my breakdown from 2024:
Tournament Scores: 77, 75, 75, 76, 78, 73, 70, 76, 78
βAverage Score: 75.3
What Worked
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The broomstick putterβshort and mid-range putts got way better.
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Driver fittingβlowering spin helped with consistency and big distance.
What Needs Work
π΄ Wedges: Distance control is all over the place.
π΄ Fitness Level: Need to improve body for endurance and injury prevention.
π΄ Tee Shot Selection: Bad choices off the tee cost me strokes.
π΄ Tournament Prep: I wasnβt showing up fully ready to compete.
Thatβs my starting point. Now, hereβs the plan.
2025 Goals: The Process Over the Outcome
Itβs easy to say βI want to lower my tournament averageβ But the real question is: whatβs going to make that happen?
Goal #1: Increase Ball Speed to 190 MPH
This goal helps me with a few things...
1 - I love the journey of gaining speed. It's just fun.
2 - I want to get in the gym and be healthier. This goal forces me to do that. As someone who doesn't like the gym I need a goal like this to get me into the gym.
Process:
- Workout 2x per week
- Chose healthy food vs the fast cheap option.
- Hit balls FAST twice a month full speed, no holding back.
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Goal #2: Lower My Tournament Scoring Average to 73
- Dial in distance control (50-150 yards).
- Get serious about lag putting.
- Track stats on 80% of my rounds to spot trends and create practice plans.
Process:
- One great practice session per week.
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Another huge area for improvement is to properly prepare for tournaments.
How Iβm Making It Happen:
- Play a practice round for 50% of my tournaments.
- Get in 6 hours of structured practice the week before each event.
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βNext step is signing up for tournaments. If you're someone like me that's half the battle π. I've got reminders in the calendar so we should be good to go.
- US Open Qualifier
- US Amateur Qualifier
- US Mid-Am Qualifier
- Minnesota State Amateur Qualifier
- Minnesota State Open Qualifier
- Minnesota State Mid-Am
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That's the plan. Now I just have to go out and execute on it!
I attempted to build a practice tracker and let's just say we're off to a rough start. January was filled with travel and getting sick. Time to get back after it.
How You Can Apply This
If youβre serious about improving your game this year, skip the vague goals.
- Figure out whatβs holding you back. (Be honest)
- Set clear action steps. (Focus on what you control)
- Create a process and system. (Daily, weekly, monthly processes)
- Track your progress.
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Thanks for reading this far into the email. Your truly the best π
We'll talk to you all next week!
-Cordie
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βοΈ Written by Cordie Walkerβ
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