2024 Season Goals - What Say You?

[Beakbryce]

Already need a new goal. I needed to pitch better, especially now during over seed when the greens are like a shaggy carpet. Noted this goal earlier. I saw a really simple video that was trying to cure hanging back on the right side while pitching. It involved raising the right heel coming through the ball like a full swing. I don't have that specific problem but tried it anyway. My problem is more an inability to drag the handle left through the ball. Instant fix. I don't raise the heel much, just enough to finish the swing. Killing it.

[cksurfdude]

On 10/26/2023 at 1:25 PM, Jnoble89 said:

... my 2023 season goals:

• Goal #1: Break 90 - MET
• Goal #2: End the season below a 20 HDCP - MET
• Goal #3: Par every hole at my home course - In progress...so close!

Yep. Yep. Yep.
In progress...so close! ..yep yep yep

 

My 2024 season goals:

• Goal #1: Break 90 .. somewhat consistently.
• Goal #2: End the season below a 20 HDCP .. maayyybee in the mid-teens.
• Goal #3: Par every hole at my home course .. was on my way this season but a few holes continued to elude me...
  • #3(a) = play more golf!!
  • #3(b) = make sure I'm having FUN doing it. and *not* stressing it. at all.

 

Thx JN! 

[Josh Parker]

1 hour ago, cksurfdude said:

Yep. Yep. Yep.
In progress...so close! ..yep yep yep

 

My 2024 season goals:

• Goal #1: Break 90 .. somewhat consistently.
• Goal #2: End the season below a 20 HDCP .. maayyybee in the mid-teens.
• Goal #3: Par every hole at my home course .. was on my way this season but a few holes continued to elude me...
  • #3(a) = play more golf!!
  • #3(b) = make sure I'm having FUN doing it. and *not* stressing it. at all.

 

Thx JN! 

Good goals!  I still need to add mine to the Google Spreadsheet.  It's going to be interesting to follow along with everyone's progress.  

[cksurfdude]

8 minutes ago, jdparker said:

Good goals!  I still need to add mine to the Google Spreadsheet.  It's going to be interesting to follow along with everyone's progress.  

Hey thx to @Jnoble89 .. I just copied & pasted!

[Kenny B]

23 hours ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

You will like Island Point. It used to be called River Islands. I played it a bunch of times. You have to hit across the river twice. There is an island between the rivers that has a few holes on it. You play a hole or two then hit across the river to the par 3 green. Then play a a hole on the island. Then you hit across another river to the green of another par 3. Then play a bunch of holes on the other side. Eventually play back to the island for another hole or two eventually working your way back to the clubhouse. Bring a few balls!

I loved River Islands!!  @sirchunksalot you will love it... out in the middle of nowhere!  It's an out-and-back course, so no turn at the clubhouse.  I haven't played it since the name change, but they did have a snack shack between 9 and 10.  Tom is right... except bring more than a few balls!!  I will definitely play it again!!

[Kenny B]

Every year I post a goal to play with more Spys.  Missed that one this year. So, for 2024...

1.  Meet more Spys.  More travel will be involved, so look out for Kenny B coming to a course near you!!  

2.  More rounds under my age.  It's a good feeling when I play well and next year, I'll only have to break 77 instead of 76 like this year!  

3.  Improve ball striking; too many mis-hits.  I've made improvements this year, but still more work to do.

4.  Improve my conditioning and strength.  My biggest issue is lack of distance, so this goal hopefully will lead to longer drives and shorter clubs into greens.  

If I can do better on 3 and 4, then 2 should be easy.  

[sirchunksalot]

51 minutes ago, Kenny B said:

I loved River Islands!!  @sirchunksalot you will love it... out in the middle of nowhere!  It's an out-and-back course, so no turn at the clubhouse.  I haven't played it since the name change, but they did have a snack shack between 9 and 10.  Tom is right... except bring more than a few balls!!  I will definitely play it again!!

That's good to know @Kenny B! Mentioning it and getting two thumbs up from you and Tom really has me excited to go up there and play. 

[EasyPutter]

Been trying to define a goal but I think for me it is going to be a generalized intention as I never know where golf is going to take me.  So, followed by a mic drop:

For 2024, I want golf to continue to be my peaceful place and to have a new direction that continues to make it an amazing experience that improves my life.

[cksurfdude]

12 hours ago, EasyPutter said:

For 2024, I want golf to continue to be my peaceful place and to have a new direction that continues to make it an amazing experience that improves my life.

..luv it and truly hope it happens for you

...

Lotta great responses in here and after some reflection on my recent rounds wanna add...

• #4. Conscientiously work on and improve my course management and shot strategy.

Latter part of the season made huge improvements in getting off the tee and in my short game, but it seems where I'm messing up the most now and throwing away strokes is on my second shot...

Work In Progress. Right guys??

[rkj427]

Well, my 2023 goals were to play more rounds than in the past, and I met that goal, almost doubled the number of rounds played this year compared to 2022.

Played more for the fun of the game, enjoyment of the other people's company I played with, and the scenic beauty of the courses, no matter where they were located.

Wanted to be more consistent, both in play and scoring, and met that as well, as I tended to play "boring golf" where par was a good score, and "overly aggressive" or "miracle shots" were kept to a minimum.

For 2024, I again would like to keep the same goals as 2023, but reduce my handicap down from where it is, either by moving forward on the tee boxes where most my age play from or improving my GIR's to eliminate any potential bogey holes.

With the season rapidly winding down here, I also will be attempting to get into a "simulator league" to keep some assemblance of good golf carried over until we can get back outdoors in the spring.

Still have 4 more outdoor rounds scheduled here this year, but after today, the other 3 will be with irons only and no scores kept.

 

[sirchunksalot]

2 hours ago, rkj427 said:

Well, my 2023 goals were to play more rounds than in the past, and I met that goal, almost doubled the number of rounds played this year compared to 2022.

Played more for the fun of the game, enjoyment of the other people's company I played with, and the scenic beauty of the courses, no matter where they were located.

Wanted to be more consistent, both in play and scoring, and met that as well, as I tended to play "boring golf" where par was a good score, and "overly aggressive" or "miracle shots" were kept to a minimum.

For 2024, I again would like to keep the same goals as 2023, but reduce my handicap down from where it is, either by moving forward on the tee boxes where most my age play from or improving my GIR's to eliminate any potential bogey holes.

With the season rapidly winding down here, I also will be attempting to get into a "simulator league" to keep some assemblance of good golf carried over until we can get back outdoors in the spring.

Still have 4 more outdoor rounds scheduled here this year, but after today, the other 3 will be with irons only and no scores kept.

 

How long is it before the new irons come in? I'm really excited to see how they perform for you ok the course. 

[Syks7]

I've been grinding 'after a fashion' for several years -- a single minded pursuit of breaking 80.  I put a ton of pressure on myself,  and had periods where I just wasn't having fun.  When I finally did break 80 I didn't feel joy or accomplishment, I just felt relief.  Given that feeling and having a good think for the last month of taking it easy my goals for 2024 are much more simple.  

1.  Play as much as possible and have fun while I'm doing it.

2.  Improve as much as I can while having fun and do so without a focused score or index as a target.

3.  Remember to always have fun.

4.  Don't sweat the bad shots, doing so makes the game less fun.

(The common thread is to enjoy myself )

Edited November 5, 2023 by Syks7

[CFreddie]

Can’t believe I missed this thread - I’ve been noodling on my 2024 goals for a bit now and ended up on the following:

1) Improve, but in the right way - instead of setting a handicap goal, I’d like to focus most on consistency and course management. If my handicap drops, even better.
2) Practice makes perfect - I’m planning to invest in outdoor hitting net and launch monitor to develop a better practice routine. If I rely on going to a range (20 mins away at best), I know my practice routine will slip.  
3) Get the Family Involved- my wife has started to take lessons and my daughter is at an age where she can handle a golf club, so I’d love to get them more involved in one of my passions. 
 

Here goes nothing!

[rkj427]

3 hours ago, sirchunksalot said:

How long is it before the new irons come in? I'm really excited to see how they perform for you ok the course. 

FedEx emails state Tuesday the 7th. Someone also needs to be home to sign for them, so SWMBO already knows to be alert, as I will have to be in my work facility all this week as other's are going to be out.

We have Friday off for Veteran's Day holiday, and I already have a tee time for noon with a friend, and then again both of the upcoming weekend days.

Forecast is for sunny and mid 40's so I will move up to the gold tees and use irons only on the weekend. 

That way I know for a fact they will get some playing time in.

[sirchunksalot]

1 hour ago, rkj427 said:

FedEx emails state Tuesday the 7th. Someone also needs to be home to sign for them, so SWMBO already knows to be alert, as I will have to be in my work facility all this week as other's are going to be out.

We have Friday off for Veteran's Day holiday, and I already have a tee time for noon with a friend, and then again both of the upcoming weekend days.

Forecast is for sunny and mid 40's so I will move up to the gold tees and use irons only on the weekend. 

That way I know for a fact they will get some playing time in.

I can't say I blame you for moving up and laying am irons only round. It's a fun way to familiarize yourself with the new clubs. Plus, you get to play the course in a different way and try shots from different positions than you're used to. Have fun with them, Robert!

[GolfSpy_APH]

Weighing on what I can manage for time before I commit to anything. However I  have a few ideas for what could be a good challenge but also attainable. 

[Dead Solid Bogey]

Primarily to stay on this side of the grass. 
    Then seriously try and emulate @jdparker , @sirchunksalot, @EasyPutter, and @cksurfdude and play as many venues as possible. 
  Going to start that 2024 goal at the end of this month, if the hands hold up.. Us, elderly need a head-start on things. Neat thread.  

 

 

[Cliqboom]

2024 Goals....hmmm, play more by skipping more honey-do list ;-). Shoot par or better on 9 would be great, haven't done that in quite a while. Keep my back healthy enough to play or practice at least three times a week.

[GolfSpy_KFT]

On 11/4/2023 at 5:20 PM, jdparker said:

Good goals!  I still need to add mine to the Google Spreadsheet.  It's going to be interesting to follow along with everyone's progress.  

Jd I've got yours in there already for you!

[Josh Parker]

15 minutes ago, Jnoble89 said:

Jd I've got yours in there already for you!

Thank you sir!  

[ChuckZ]

1. Travel more. Family and golf if time allows.  Going to Portugal, Barcelona, Morocco in July.  Rhine River, Switzerland to Amsterdam in September.  TTI in the fall.  Tennessee and North Carolina.  Orlando in January?  Maybe the NE U.S.

2. Continue to work on physical fitness.  PT and home exercises. 

3. Continue to work with PGA teaching pro..  

4.  With a combination of 2 and 3 hopefully these will help me get my game where it should be and my handicap will take care of itself and I can enjoy golf more.    

5..  Continue with PT fun job. 

Family, Health, Golf, Golf fun job.   That order....... Hakuna matata......   

[Golf2Much]

For 2024:

• Hit the gym more than I did in 2023 so I can be stronger and feel younger than my current 67 year old body.
• Think harder and longer so I make wiser decisions than my current 67 year old mind.
• Have more fun playing golf than a 67 year old should be allowed to have.
• Find more ways to give back to this game (e.g more FSGA volunteer course rating, more active role in my Lower Keys Golf Association for junior golfers, etc.) than I'm taking. 

[Q22Golf]

My goal will be iron striking on second shots mostly. This year I was all over the place!

[GolfSpy_KFT]

@Golf2Much & @Q22Golf, have both of your goals to the doc! 

[Q22Golf]

3 minutes ago, Jnoble89 said:

@Golf2Much & @Q22Golf, have both of your goals to the doc! 

Thanks!! I need range practice too, to improve my irons! And @goaliewales14 has shown me I need to get fitted for irons! But that is probably a 2025 goal.

Edited November 7, 2023 by Q22Golf

[GolfSpy_KFT]

7 minutes ago, Q22Golf said:

Thanks!! I need range practice too, to improve my irons! And @goaliewales14 has shown me I need to get fitted for irons! But that is probably a 2025 goal.

Cannot go wrong with a fitting, that's for sure. At the very least, if you can find a demo day at a shop or course around you next spring, it is for sure worth it just to get your specs checked and dialed in. Also fun just to hit the new stuff from OEMs. My home course does Taylormade, Callaway and PING each year, and I'm planning on signing up for all three even though my bag is pretty well set for 2024!

[Beakbryce]

On 11/5/2023 at 12:44 PM, Syks7 said:

I've been grinding 'after a fashion' for several years -- a single minded pursuit of breaking 80.  I put a ton of pressure on myself,  and had periods where I just wasn't having fun.  When I finally did break 80 I didn't feel joy or accomplishment, I just felt relief.  Given that feeling and having a good think for the last month of taking it easy my goals for 2024 are much more simple.  

1.  Play as much as possible and have fun while I'm doing it.

2.  Improve as much as I can while having fun and do so without a focused score or index as a target.

3.  Remember to always have fun.

4.  Don't sweat the bad shots, doing so makes the game less fun.

I think you have nailed the problem with goals in golf. It is usually a score or a handicap level, when it is better to just have fun. A better goal is to improve the process, IE, everything that happens before the club goes back. I flat out stopped keeping score for awhile until I had fun again. Good luck.

[ChuckZ]

On 11/6/2023 at 10:22 AM, ChuckZ said:

1. Travel more. Family and golf if time allows.  Going to Portugal, Barcelona, Morocco in July.  Rhine River, Switzerland to Amsterdam in September.  TTI in the fall.  Tennessee and North Carolina.  Orlando in January?  Maybe the NE U.S.

2. Continue to work on physical fitness.  PT and home exercises. 

3. Continue to work with PGA teaching pro..  

4.  With a combination of 2 and 3 hopefully these will help me get my game where it should be and my handicap will take care of itself and I can enjoy golf more.    

5..  Continue with PT fun job. 

Family, Health, Golf, Golf fun job.   That order....... Hakuna matata......   

Should have added get back to working out at the senior center.  Since I have been doing the TPI program, the senior center workout have not been in the picture.  Do not want to overwork a back that is undergoing a lot of treatment, therapy and golf three days a week.  Whew........    

[TimT]

Great topic! I like the accountability!

2023 goal was simple - get handicap to single digits - although there were specific stats I targeted to make that happen. Unfortunately I only reduced from 13.8 to 11.9. 
 

Of the five stats I identified to improve (FIR, GIR, par saves from non-GIR, putts per round, and penalties) I only achieved my goal in putting… which is ironic because I don’t practice putting a lot. Could have been better short game leaving shorter putts? Could have been going back to my old putter after a one year experiment with a long handled arm lock putter. 

FIR didn’t move even one tenth, still languishing at 4.06. Without a doubt the area I need to work on most!
 

2024 goal remains the same - get to single digits!

[GolfSpy_KFT]

1 hour ago, TimT said:

Great topic! I like the accountability!

2023 goal was simple - get handicap to single digits - although there were specific stats I targeted to make that happen. Unfortunately I only reduced from 13.8 to 11.9. 
 

Of the five stats I identified to improve (FIR, GIR, par saves from non-GIR, putts per round, and penalties) I only achieved my goal in putting… which is ironic because I don’t practice putting a lot. Could have been better short game leaving shorter putts? Could have been going back to my old putter after a one year experiment with a long handled arm lock putter. 

FIR didn’t move even one tenth, still languishing at 4.06. Without a doubt the area I need to work on most!
 

2024 goal remains the same - get to single digits!

Great stuff in 2023, @TimT! Excited to see you break into single digits in ‘24!