Make 2026 your best year with these simple thoughts.

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Happy New Year to you all.

I hope 2026 is a great year for you both personally and for your golf.

I have some guidelines to help you get the most from your game;

Key Statistics and Expectations by Skill -Different handicaps exhibit distinct statistical patterns, which help define expectations for improvement:

• Greens in Regulation (GIR): Scratch golfers hit approximately 57% of greens, while a 25-handicapper hits only about 19%. A mid-handicapper (15) is expected to hit fewer than 5 greens per round, requiring a better short game.
• Putting: Short putts are a major separator. Scratch golfers make about 76% of putts from 3 to 6 feet, whereas 25-handicappers make only 48% from the same distance.
• Course Management: Lower handicappers excel at playing smart, avoiding high-risk shots they can't make consistently (the "seven out of ten rule"), and minimising "blow-up" holes. High handicappers often make poorer decisions based on low-probability shots, leading to higher scores.

In summary, if you wish to shoot lower scores, you need to look at your expectations 'vs' your reality.....go for less to shoot lower scores and avoid the big numbers.  

If you play off 18 you have no need to go for the green in 2, which also means you don't need to hit driver and increase your risk factor....hybrid, followed by a safe 7 iron, and you will have a relatively easy approach onto the green with minimal risk.

BE BETTER AROUND AND ON THE GREENS....there is no physical reason why you cannot putt like a tour pro.

play golf with an attitude of OPTIMISTIC but REALISTIC!