Embrace the Offseason: No Need to Panic

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Winter is here, and for many golfers, that means a break from the course. But rather than let the season slow your momentum, it’s the perfect time to take a beat and think about how you can level up your game. In this issue, we’re tackling a mindset shift that’s vital for any golfer looking to make progress—don’t panic just because you can’t hit the links every day. Instead, use this time to strategize, plan, and get better. Trust me, this offseason could be your opportunity to fine-tune your game and come back even stronger.

This article isn’t about freezing up when things seem out of your control; it’s about staying calm, staying focused, and making winter your secret weapon. So, dive in and see how you can turn this quiet time into an advantage. Plus, at the bottom of the newsletter, I’ve got something exciting for you: the first-ever episode of The Approach podcast, where I sit down with industry professionals to talk golf, growth, and the power of vision. You won’t want to miss it!

PERFORMANCE MINDSET

Don’t Panic: Plan Your Way to Better Golf

Panic rarely leads to progress—on the golf course or in life

When faced with an important decision, I’ve heard people claim they work best under pressure, performing their best when panic sets in. Maybe you’ve heard it too—or even said it yourself. But let’s be honest: does anyone really think clearly when they’re in full-blown panic mode? If you’re anything like me, the answer is no. Panic doesn’t lead to good decisions. It leads to quick, surface-level fixes that rarely solve the root of the problem.

The same holds true for your golf game. Say you’re struggling to find consistency in your swing, and the frustration is building. Panic might tell you, “Let’s just start over—rebuild the entire swing!” But a complete swing overhaul is rarely the answer, especially for those of us who play for fun, not for the PGA Tour. The better approach? Take a deep breath, pinpoint the issue, and craft a focused, step-by-step plan to work toward improvement.

For example, if your ball striking is inconsistent, start small. Work on making solid contact first. After all, ball flight doesn’t lie—it tells you everything about what’s happening in your swing. Once you’ve improved your consistency, you can move to phase two: controlling direction. From there, you might tweak trajectory or work on shaping shots. But none of this happens overnight. A strong plan gives you a roadmap, so you’re not scrambling to “fix” things every time you tee it up.

Here’s the key: trust the process. I know, I know—this phrase gets thrown around so much it’s almost lost its meaning. But in this case, it’s dead-on. When you trust your plan and put in the work, you can be confident that progress is coming. It might not feel like it immediately—golf improvement often happens in frustratingly small increments—but stick with it. Over time, those small changes add up to big results.

And here’s the perfect time to start: winter. If you’re ready to create a plan to get your game in order, now’s the time to do it. Work with your local golf professional to assess where your game is today and create a plan to make real progress before the next season rolls around. Whether it’s a lesson package, an indoor practice routine, or simply setting the right goals, this is your chance to prepare for your best golf yet.

Problems don’t have to send you into a tailspin—on or off the course. Pause, assess, plan, and trust the process. You’ll find clarity and confidence will show up when you need them most.

SPONSORED

This Winter, Make Your Golf Game Better Than Ever!
Panic won’t fix your swing—but a plan will. This winter is the perfect time to work on your game with Mike Quinlan Golf. Whether you're aiming for more consistent ball striking, better control, or a complete game tune-up, Mike can help you create a step-by-step plan to elevate your golf for next season.

Winter is the season for preparation. Let’s use this time to set you up for success next year. Reach out to Mike Quinlan Golf to get started on your plan.

Contact Mike »

PODCAST

The Approach Podcast - Episode 1: Improving Your Game with Jason Tipton

Discover the Secrets to Better Golf with Jason Tipton

In the debut episode of The Approach Podcast, we sit down with Jason Tipton, PGA, Director of Instruction at Chenequa Country Club. Jason shares his journey from baseball-loving kid to one of Wisconsin’s top golf instructors, offering insights into his teaching philosophy and how he customizes lessons to fit each player’s unique swing. From the importance of grip to understanding how your body moves, Jason breaks down practical tips and drills you can try today to play better golf.

We also explore the mental side of the game, discussing must-read books like Zen Golf and The Little Red Book that can transform your approach to improvement. Whether you’re struggling to hit fairways or just want to make the most of your practice time, Jason’s thoughtful advice will leave you inspired to keep working at your game. Tune in to learn how small, consistent changes can lead to big improvements—and why you should cut yourself some slack along the way.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Be sure to follow so you get all the latest episodes.