Necessity: Raising Your Standards

Necessity is the internal drive that pushes you to demand more from yourself. It is the sense that success isn’t just something you want, it’s something you must achieve. The best competitive golfers don’t just set goals; they elevate their expectations, consistently holding themselves to a higher standard in practice, preparation, and performance.

Without necessity, motivation wavers, focus drifts, and complacency sets in. But when a golfer operates with a high level of necessity, every practice session has purpose, every round has meaning, and every shot is approached with full commitment.

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Why Necessity is Crucial in Competitive Golf

1. Drives Relentless Improvement

o Golfers who raise their standards never settle for “good enough.” They find ways to get better every day, whether it’s improving course management, mental toughness, or technical skills.

o Example: A player struggling with approach shots doesn’t just accept inconsistency; they track their greens in regulation (GIR), analyze dispersion patterns, and refine their ball-striking through purposeful drills.

2. Builds Mental and Physical Resilience

o Necessity fuels grit and perseverance. Players with high standards don’t let adversity derail them; they see challenges as opportunities to grow.

o Example: A golfer who misses three short putts in a round doesn’t dwell on frustration—they stay after the round and practice until their stroke feels automatic.

3. Creates a Sense of Purpose in Every Round

o Playing with necessity means every round, whether in practice or competition, is treated as a chance to improve and sharpen skills.

o Example: A player aiming for collegiate golf doesn’t just play casual rounds—they set scoring goals, track stats, and evaluate every round as a step toward their bigger goal.

4. Separates the Elite from the Average

o What separates elite players from average ones isn’t talent, it’s the relentless pursuit of excellence. Golfers who consistently demand more from themselves inevitably rise above their competition.

o Example: Tour players don’t just practice occasionally—they structure their training with intentionality and high expectations.

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How to Raise Your Standards in Competitive Golf

1. Set High but Attainable Goals

Necessity begins with clear, ambitious goals. The key is to set goals that challenge you without being unrealistic.

• Example: Instead of saying, “I want to shoot lower scores,” define a specific target: “I will reduce my scoring average from 75 to 72 in the next three months by improving my up-and-down percentage.”

• Action Step: Write down three measurable goals for your game, each with a deadline and action plan.

2. Track Your Performance Relentlessly

The best players quantify their progress. They don’t just assume they’re improving, they analyze stats to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas needing refinement.

• Example: A player striving for better driving accuracy tracks fairways hit, dispersion tendencies, and ball speeds to refine their tee shots.

• Action Step: Use a stat-tracking app or journal to monitor key performance indicators like GIR, scrambling, putting average, and strokes gained.

3. Train with a Sense of Urgency

Golfers with high standards treat every practice session like it matters. They avoid mindless range sessions and focus on game-like training that simulates competition.

• Example: Instead of hitting 50 drivers aimlessly, play a 9-hole challenge on the range, hitting tee shots to specific fairway targets with consequences for misses.

• Action Step: Structure your practice with purpose-driven drills that mirror on-course pressure.

4. Demand More from Your Mental Game

Raising your standards isn’t just about physical skills, it’s about mental discipline, resilience, and focus.

• Example: Instead of getting frustrated after a bad hole, elite players reset, refocus, and move forward.

• Action Step: Implement a mental scorecard, rating yourself on focus, emotional control, and decision-making after every round.

5. Surround Yourself with High Performers

Environment shapes expectations. If you train with people who demand excellence, you will naturally elevate your own standards.

• Example: College and professional players train with competitive partners, pushing each other to improve daily.

• Action Step: Find a practice partner or mentor who will challenge and hold you accountable.

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Final Thought: Necessity Creates Greatness

The difference between good and great is a player’s level of expectation and commitment. When you demand more from yourself—expect sharper focus, better preparation, and disciplined execution—you unlock your full potential.

The best golfers don’t hope to improve; they make it a necessity. What are you demanding from yourself today?