The 'C' word is mentioned in pretty much every golf lesson I give as a main objective for all levels of player. Here I will outline thoughts and questions I ask myself about consistency.
When challenged people struggle to define what it actually is. Is it to do with average score? Score can be achieved in many different ways, some of which are out of the players control. Is it to do with Skills Test results?
Is it about finishing position in tournaments? Relies a lot on other peoples performance. It is unrealistic to expect to hit exactly the same shot each time, never has a Tour Pro achieved the same Launch Monitor data for two shots running, let alone 3, 4.....20 etc. So, is it therefore about setting a tolerance for each individual in terms of how far left, right, long, short and seeing what percentage of shots finish inside the target area? What about the shots that miss the target area? Is it the shots that miss that determine the level of consistency? ie 50% in target and 50% within a couple of yards compared to 70% in target and 30% more than 20yds away from it. Does it all come down to the size of the 'miss'? Is the average proximity to hole/fairway a good indication?
Or is it about being consistent psychologically, same mindset, routines, swing thoughts, process etc. and then just accept what happens? I would love to hear thoughts from any other golfers as well as coaches, I hope this gets you thinking?
If absolute consistency is not achievable should people spend much time doing blocked practice?
Would it make more sense to play more on the golf course and get more used to adapting different thoughts, images, expectations, skills etc to the differing demands of each shot?
If each shot on the course is like playing a different game why would you want to be consistent on the driving range? It is very very rare that you face the same type of shot twice in a row on the course, so consistency is not a skill that is required (?).
