At TSG, as the new golfing season approaches, excitement and nerhttps://www.tsgacademy.in/international-students.phpves ripple through every young golfer waiting to tee it up in upcoming tournaments. With the South Zone and other competition on the horizon, the pressure to be physically, mentally, and technically prepared weighs heavily on players.
But what does accurate preparation look like? Let’s walk through the essential aspects of getting ready – not just polishing your swing but sharpening your mind, refining your practice habits, setting goals, and even organizing your gear.
For most young golfers, the offseason has to be all about technical work. This is the time when players, alongside their coaches, must focus intensely on areas like- swing changes, putting mechanics, or short-game techniques that need improvement. Unlike during the busy season, when players are traveling or competing every few weeks, the offseason generally provides a time to rebuild, rewire, and recalibrate their swings without worrying about immediate performance. As it’s the era of digitalization, players must also be analysed, reassessed, and guided by video analysis to understand what moves need to be refined.
But here’s the key insight: if you’re working on a backswing adjustment or trying to fix a putting stroke, you shouldn’t expect perfect shots right away. Drills are meant to challenge your muscle memory, not deliver flawless outcomes on every swing. When players say they’re “struggling,” the critical question is: are they struggling with the motion itself, or are they frustrated because the shot result isn’t what they want? If you can do the drill – even slowly and mindfully – you’re not failing. You’re learning. That patience and process-oriented mindset is what sets up long-term gains.
Equally crucial is how you practice!
Golfers need to understand the difference between block practice and random practice. Block practice – repeating the same shot or drill over and over – is most valuable during the early phases of offseason training. For instance, during the first month, players might spend 80% of their time in block practice and only 20% mixing things up. But as the tournament approaches, this balance must shift: players should flip the ratio to 80% random practice.
Why?
It’s because real tournaments don’t offer identical shots one after another. Each hole, each lie, and each situation demands a fresh calculation, a different club, and a unique shot shape. Practicing under random conditions better simulates the unpredictable nature of competition. But there’s an even deeper reason to embrace random practice – it helps players manage pressure. You might stripe it beautifully on the range, but when you face a pressure-packed shot on the course, the mental game takes over. Simulating pressure situations in practice is a game-changer. Picture yourself standing over a five-foot putt on the practice green – not just rolling it mindlessly, but imagining the crowd watching, the weight of a tournament win on the line. When you rehearse with that kind of intensity, you allow your brain to handle those nerves when it counts.
Goal setting also plays a vital role during this phase. Without precise performance and technical and mental goals, players risk wandering through the season without direction. Coaches help outline these goals, but ultimately, it’s the player’s responsibility to own them. Think of goals as a roadmap: even if you hit detours or delays, at least you know where you’re heading.
- Are you aiming to improve your up-and-down percentage around the green?
- Reduce three-putts?
- Boost driving accuracy?
These targets keep you accountable and focused.
At TSG
Another often overlooked aspect of preparation is the collection and analysis of data. With tools like the TSG portal and Upgame at TSG, our players can track both practice and tournament performance. Recording on-range tests, on-course stats, and intervention notes (such as technical changes) creates a valuable data trail. This information enables our coaches to determine whether underperformance in tournaments is due to technical flaws or mental challenges. For example, if a player chips well in practice but struggles in competition, the issue is likely mental—not mechanical. Regular data tracking arms both player and coach with the insights needed to tailor interventions and boost performance.
Of course, preparation isn’t just about swings and stats – it’s also about being organized and professional. Shockingly, many young players overlook something as essential as having enough golf balls in their bag. Heading into a tournament with fewer than two dozen balls in reserve is poor preparation. Players must develop the habit of maintaining their equipment—balls, tees, gloves, markers – so they’re never caught short during a critical moment. Lending balls to friends during a tournament might seem kind, but it undermines accountability. Players need to take responsibility for their gear, reinforcing the professional mindset that separates top performers from the rest.
Mental training, led by specialists like Pranav Jose, is another pillar of success. Golf, more than many other sports, gives players far too much time to think. In swift sports like tennis or badminton, instincts take over; there’s no time for self-doubt. But in golf, the long walk between shots or the quiet moments on the green can be breeding grounds for negative thoughts. That’s why structured mental exercises, visualization techniques, and regular sessions with mental coaches are not optional – they’re essential.
Ultimately, all of this preparation is intended to culminate in a single goal: stepping onto the tournament tee fully prepared. Not “sort of” ready, not “I wish I had done more” ready – but confidently, wholly prepared. That confidence doesn’t come from last-minute cramming; it comes from weeks of thoughtful, disciplined preparation.
So, as soon as the season kicks off, we at TSG recommend young golfers to give a great amount of emphasis on positivity and calmness. And whilst the offseason, the focus on technique should shift into performance mode.
The season is yours to shape. Will you be ready when the starter calls your name?
