Course Management...from your couch

So the new year is almost here. Your thoughts for a better golf game in 2008 are also filling you heads and new goals are being set. Better course management is a huge piece of the game improvement pie. Golfers rarely get to practice the course management aspect of the game because for the most part when you are on the course you just want to play. A simple yet VERY effective way to make productive use out of your winter couch time is to play the visualization game. The drill goes as follows: First make sure you are in a quiet setting. (no tv, radio or ipod that you got for christmas) Close your eyes and imagine that you are playing on your favorite course. The course that you know front to back and back to front. Imagine you are on the first tee. Slowly go through your club selection, your pre-shot routing, picking out your target, checking the wind etc. Make your swing and walk to the ball. Hopefully you imagined a great shot but if you didn't go into the woods and get ready to play your next shot. Repeat this routine until you hole out. This drill helps with your focus, your shot selection AND it when its cold out keeps your mind on your golf game. This gives you the time to work on different scenarios on the golf course, yes its just in your mind but the more you can repeat positive thoughts the better you are...