January 1, 2009

The Power of Two Strokes

Many people underestimate the power of 2 strokes. It is now officially 2009. Many folks make new year’s resolutions. I don’t like new year’s resolutions, we need to make New Year’s Commitments!

I think a good goal would be for us to improve our scoring ave by .50 strokes per quarter. You say, “David, that is only 2 strokes improved over the whole year. That doesn’t sound like a much.”

au contraire!

Here are two examples of what 2 strokes could do.

Shane Bertch had a PGA tour scoring average last year of 70.75
Vijay Singh had a PGA tour scoring average of 69.58

Difference of 1.17

Vijay strolled to a seasons earnings of $6,601,094, #1 on the money list and the FedEx Cup.
Shane finished up with earnings of $841,248, #126 on the money list and loss of PGA tour card. Not to mention over $5 million less in earnings.

On the 2008 Nationwide tour, the difference between making the top 25 and securing next year’s employment on golf’s grandest stage, The PGA Tour, was a measly 0.17 strokes.

Now, I understand we may not be competing for Millions or Dream Jobs, but what about our Club Championships or the $5 Nassau with our friends? 2 strokes could be the difference between lunch on us or lunch on them.

This is not only about golf. Whether it is the classroom, boardroom, relationships, or sports, sometimes focusing on getting just a little bit better makes all the difference between excellence and mediocracy.

Have a prosperous 2009 and I appreciate you joining me here from the fringe.

David Horne

David Horne is a former professional golfer and instructor. He is a principal of West Hall Media, a new marketing company and the mental game of golf site, Golf State of Mind. David returned to golf after an eight year absence and created ViewfromtheFringe.com to share his love for the game and promote the golf lifestyle.