Written by: Jimmy Shaw

No statement is used more than, “I just want to be consistent,” when clients state their motivation for getting a lesson. Usually the statement is followed by a further explanation of exactly what part of their game they want to be consistent with. Driver accuracy and compression with their irons are the most common parts of the game that “need to be more consistent.”

To properly discuss this subject in a time efficient and simplified manner, I am going to split this topic into two separate articles. This will allow me to adequately present each part of this subject matter, and keep the length and complexity to a minimum. First, I am going to Define and Re-Define what being consistent is in the game of golf, and then make it easy to understand the reasoning behind the re-definition. In another post, I will discuss the steps to apply and attain ultimate consistency.

 

Define and Re-Define

con·sist·ent

[kənˈsist(ə)nt]

adjective

1. acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate

• unchanging in nature, standard, or effect over time
• compatible or in agreement with something

There is the definition that one would fine if they went to look up what consistent means. When looking at the definition, one notices that the word is an adjective. It isn’t a noun, and it isn’t a verb. It is a word that is used to describe someone or something. Most golfers desire to have that adjective to be used when describing their golf game.

However, most golfers use the word incorrectly. In a way, most golfers try to use the word as a noun. “My game is consistent.” Meaning, the quality is the same each day, and the differential between their highest score and lowest score is minimal. In some respects, many golfers would be content with scores between 80-85, if their worst score were 85, even though their best score is only 80, because the differential is a mere 5 strokes. I would agree, if a student came to me with that kind of report on their game, I would say that they are playing at a consistent level. However, if I were to say that, then I would be just as incorrect as the player coming to me wanting their game to be consistent. Go back to the definition. Where in the definition does it say, “Perform the same each and every time”? It doesn’t have one definition alluding to performance, or results.

 

It is also unreasonable to ever expect a person to truly be consistent. We are human beings, growing older each day. In 2017, during the third round of the US Open at Erin Hills, Justin Thomas shot a record setting 63 (-9), six shots lower than his round on Friday. The next day, finding himself in the final two groups and just one shot out of the lead (he started the third round T24 and 5 shots off the lead), Justin shot a five over par round of 75. Justin shot a final round that was 12 shots worse than the round before. He averaged a 9 shot differential between rounds on round 2, 3, and 4.

Would anyone reading this article describe Justin Thomas, at that time in his career, as an inconsistent player?

No. He is merely human. The conditions changed. The circumstances changed. Justin Thomas, for all intents and purposes, was more than likely very consistent in his preparation after each round, and before each subsequent round, yet, he got very inconsistent results. We have to quit using the word Consistent with the results of our game.

So, let’s re-define, or maybe relabel, what people are talking about. From now on, when a player is referring to parts of their game, instead of saying that they desire to be consistent, they should strive for a “higher standard of performance.” So, let’s define what it is to play to a higher standard of performance.

 

higher·standard·of·performance

adjective

achieving the same results each outing

• reliability in the ability to execute the required shot
• minimal differential between the highest and lowest scores
• the difference between the weakest and strongest parts of the game are minimal

 

Referring to the example of Justin Thomas at the 2017 US Open, while using our new phrase of having a higher standard of performance, let’s use it in a sentence: “Justin Thomas did not perform at as high a standard on Sunday as he did on Saturday.” If we’re going to change the terminology from desiring our games to achieve a level of consistency to achieving a higher standard of performance, then we should change the definition of Consistent to:

 

con·sist·ent

[kənˈsist(ə)nt]

adjective

one’s continual adherence to the process of achieving a higher standard of performance

• focus is securely on the execution rather than the result
• remaining disciplined to the process even as the results are not currently up to standard
• equal attention paid to improving the weaknesses as there is to improving the strengths

 

Understand

Now, that we re-defined what it is to be consistent, let’s understand what the new definition means. The main focus of the new definition of being consistent is: one’s continual adherence to the process of achieving a higher standard of performance.

“Focus is securely on the execution rather than the result”

Results have no determination on whether or not the player is either consistent or inconsistent. If it did, Justin Thomas would not have gone onto win the 2017 PGA Championship two months later at Quail Hollow. Rather, being consistent is determined by how well the player can focus on the execution of the shot, no matter what previous results have occurred, nor future success and glory from successful execution. Most people would classify this type of action as being disciplined. I don’t disagree, but many people will be hard pressed to find a person that is disciplined without being consistent about their routine:

 

“Remaining disciplined to the process, even as the results are not currently up to standard”

 

Listen to a post round interview when the interviewer asks a Tour player about the round or a spectacular shot. More often than not, when the player describes the highlighted shot, they will say, “Probably my best swing of the day.” When I hear players with handicaps of at least 5 or more, inevitably, when describing the best shot of the day, I hear, “Man I hit that right where I wanted to.” Notice the difference? Swing versus result. Who is more consistent?

Anyone can be consistent when the results are what they desire, but a player who is truly consistent is one who can stay the course when the results are continually less than desirable. Understanding consistency is about routine and process, and not about results, is the key to attaining a higher standard of performance.

Step One is to have an accurate perspective on what it means to truly be Consistent, and then Step Two is learn how to adequately apply these new findings to our preparation.

 

 

Jimmy Shaw is a seasoned golf coach specializing in junior development, competitive golf, and the mental game. With years of experience coaching, he blends expert instruction with a deep understanding of player psychology to help golfers unlock their full potential. Through his online coaching programs and exclusive in-person training, Jimmy provides tailored guidance for golfers of all levels. Jimmy’s students have quickly accumulated wins, including 85 Junior wins, 12 Amateur wins, and 1 Collegiate win. Jimmy has also assisted more than 16 student athletes in securing college scholarships. Jimmy also still competes as a professional golfer, earning 3 wins and a T-4th at the 2021 US Open Local Qualifier.

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The post Becoming Consistent Part One: Define/Re-Define & Understand appeared first on V1 Sports.