Last season was disappointing in many ways. One big difference between last season and the 2008 season was the lack of goal setting. Aim at nothing and you will achieve nothing. Or another way of looking at it is I achieved all the goals I wrote down, none. This year I want to change that and set goals in writing. So here I go……

First I want mother nature to cooperate this spring and show up on time. Last it felt like winter skipped over spring and jumped right into summer. A late start to say the least. Seemed everyday I could golf last spring the weather did not cooperate. If I remember right it snowed once a week in the month of April. It would snow heavily then gradually would melt away then we’d have two days of cleared weather and it would snow again. Natures version of rinse and repeat. I know I cannot control such things but just hoping to have the season start on time.

Second, I only played 10 games all year last year. Not enough to satisfy me but it was better than previous years. I know I set a goal in 2008 to play 10 games or more and I did reach this goal. I would like to play at least 15 games or more this year.

Third, I am going to spend time practicing the short game. Not counting the chipping and putting I did before a round I did not practice the short game at all last year. And all that practice showed up in my scores. Looking for a fast and simple way to inflate your golf score? I’ve got the answer if you believe bigger is better. Don’t practice - that’s the key. I know if I want to shoot respectable scores I need to put in the time.

Fourth, I want to play in at least one competitive tournament. Not a team event but a match or medal play tournament. Played in my first one in years last year and fell in love with the competition and camaraderie. No better test of your golf skills when every shot counts and there are no mulligans.

Fifth, I want to apply to get my amateur status back. In this area I have been procrastinating and by putting this goal in writing I want to follow through. I want to begin competing as a mid-amateur in the near future.

Hopefully by making goals and making them public I will get motivated to play and practice more this year. As a bonus I want to try and get my oldest daughter to play this year. She has been to the range a few times and like to hit balls and I hope she wants to carry that over to the course. See is only 8 years old and I do not want to push her into something she doesn’t like.