Responding to ChatGPT's Plan of Attack

Yesterday, I asked ChatGPT how realistic it would be to drop my handicap from 18.7 to 11.7

Then, the robot provided the following plan of attack.

1. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider getting lessons from a golf professional who can identify specific areas for improvement and provide targeted guidance.

2. Structured Practice: Focus on targeted and structured practice sessions to address weaknesses in the game.

3. Consistent Play: Regularly playing rounds of golf can help in applying the skills learned during practice in real-scenarios.

4. Fitness and Conditioning: Physical fitness can positively impact a golfer's performance. Strengthening relevant muscle groups and improving flexibility can contribute to better swings and overall game improvement.

5. Mental Game: Work on the mental aspect of the game, including concentration, focus, and maintaining composure under pressure.

Seek Professional Guidance

I had taken two lessons at Five Iron in January and February of 2023 which I will discuss on the next podcast.

I have not done a lot of research for in town coaching beyond the pro at my club. He seems particularly content with his current lesson load because every time I have emailed asking to sign up for lessons he mentions I can do it whenever I want in person.

I was a previous member of Kyle Morris online community in September and October. They provided some immediate adjustments to my grip and takeaway. Eventually, the advice dwindled because I was reluctant to purchase the training aids they recommended. Rejoining the program and possibly moving up a tier in support is on the table.

There’s so much about golf and the golf swing that I do not know.

Structured Practice

I have admitted over and over again my remorse for wasting so much time last year playing sim rounds instead of working on my craft.

Since relocating to Winterville, North Carolina, my approach to the simulator and driving range has completely changed. Long gone are the marathon rounds of golf.

In fact, this past week I finally committed to spending time creating a written practice plan and following it to the letter in the simulator. It was the best ball striking to date. Now, I must marry intentional practice with higher level teaching from an outsider.

Consistent Play

From August 28 to October 30, I played 27 rounds at four courses. The bulk of those rounds were at my home course, Ironwood Golf and Country Club.

The majority of those rounds were played by myself. One round was during a Grint amateur tournament.

I’ll discuss the drop off in November and December and the Grint tournament on a future podcast episode.

For the rest of 2024, I’d like to be in the simulator a few times a week, as it is just a five minute drive from my house, and on the course once a week. That seems like the minimum requirement.

Fitness and Conditioning

Do I feel like I could run a mile right now? On a track? Yes.

Would I be sucking wind and not want to do it again? Yes.

Do I feel like spending consistent and intentional time in the gym would help my game? Yes.

Have I ever spent consistent and intentional time in the gym? No.

In fact, at one point during my college lacrosse career, I went into the gym, and the assistant coach asked if I was lost. This was before team lifts became a thing. I transferred before they implemented that obvious developmental tool.

Of all the suggestions ChatGPT provided, going to the gym regularly seems like the lowest hanging fruit.

During those 27 rounds this past fall, I didn’t drink. I would like to be good enough to have a few adult soda pops on the course without my game collapsing.

Mental Game

Don’t panic when things go wrong.

Don’t panic when things are going right.

Don’t worry about what the other guys are doing.

Don’t go full tilt. Don’t know Carcosa.

Don’t ask for guarantees where there are none.

Do enjoy being outside and playing a wonderful game.

I had two sessions with Josh Nichols of The Mental Golf Show leading up to my first ever Grint tournament. I will be sharing those conversations on future podcasts and signing back up to work with him.

Ultimately, the path to dropping 7 points from my index is long but clear. Lots of intentional practice is the only road to glory. Nothing…absolutely nothing, I didn’t already know.

Get June Buckets

Finally, the LIV season kicks off this weekend in Mayakoba.

He’s absolutely right.

I played the course back in July 2022 and cannot wait to watch this field of LIV golfers walk in my footsteps.

The course means so much to me it was a no brainer to host the first ever Carcosa Country Club retreat there in conjunction with our events company Blackbeard Golf.

Hyper Boutique Golf Retreats Focused on Salt Water, Premier Courses, and Ever Lasting Camaraderie

Registration includes 36 holes of golf, tee gifts, prizes, hotel stay, airport transportation, and meals.

You have to see the Devil’s Mouth in person once before you die.

A Greg Norman-designed masterpiece, El Camaleón blends through the diverse ecosystems of Mayakoba, including tropical jungle, dense mangroves, freshwater canals and pristine Riviera Maya oceanfront. The 18-hole professional golf course captures spectacular views in every direction and accommodates golfers of all abilities, with five tee marks at each hole offering distance options for every player.

Golfers will play 36 holes for a chance to capture titles in individual and team events.

Preregister here.

The Emperor’s New Clothes

A limited edition polo shirt and hoodie is on the way.

Created something bold yet tasteful. The polos is crafted with cut and sew sublimation for superior durability and light weight breathability.

Perfect for Playa Del Carmen or Vermilion Parish.

The hoodie is going through one more round of tweaks.

Stay tuned on Twitter.