Persistence Management: Are You a 14 Hole Player?
by Dr. T.J. Tomasi A Legacy Post by Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research (1940-2023)
Golf is usually contested over five hours or so, and therefore a high level of persistence is difficult to maintain. And since golf is a series of tasks (shots) to be accomplished one after another, a golfer, without knowing it, can set a limit to the number of sequential tasks they can handle before persistence is lost, becoming what I call a “14 hole player” who can never quite finish the round. They play all 18 holes, but only 14 well. Basically, the persistence tank runs dry, and they crash and burn. Conventional wisdom says that persistence is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets. And, like a muscle, persistence fatigues as you pursue one task after another. What limits persistence? It’s two-fold: (1) blood sugar and (2) habit.
Physical: Brain Food
Your entire body runs on sugar, and that includes a brain that can’t go even a few minutes without blood sugar. Since your brain cannot store sugar, it must be delivered via the bloodstream from outside sources. This is why you see golfers in the know, like Tiger Woods, munching on bananas and energy bars, especially over the last few holes when there is a good chance that their blood sugar levels are dropping. Basically, persistence trends with blood sugar levels.
Psychological: Habit
While it may be common for humans to lose their task completion capabilities as the number of tasks in the sequence grows, it is not inevitable — you can train yourself to regulate your store of persistence in order to handle long chains of tasks. First, you learn to focus on the point-A to point-B task chain for three holes, then nine, and then 18. One of the skills a tournament player must learn is how to play tournaments of varying lengths – 36, 54, 72 holes while maintaining their persistence task chain performance for each day.
Persistence Management in Golf
In golf, persistence is more than just a virtue; it’s a cornerstone of success. Golf is more than hitting a ball down the fairway or 2 putting on the green. Golf is about continual improvement and practice that demands unwavering commitment, patience, and resilience. Each missed shot, bunker mishap, or stray ball into the rough isn’t a failure but rather an invitation to improve. Every challenge on the course, whether it’s navigating a tough green or correcting a swing flaw, presents a chance to grow as a golfer. Golf requires physical skill and mental endurance, testing your ability to stay focused even when the game seems to conspire against you. It’s in those moments of frustration and doubt where true progress happens, as persistence pushes you to refine your technique and rethink your strategy.
What separates a good golfer from a great one is how they handle adversity and setbacks on and off the course. Golf is more of a mental game than it is a physical one. Learning to maintain composure through challenges is what defines a great golfer. Each swing is an opportunity to improve, to learn, and to challenge yourself to do better. It’s not just about hitting the perfect drive or sinking that clutch putt—it’s about mastering the art of patience and determination when things don’t go your way. The most successful golfers understand that setbacks are part of the process and embrace them as stepping stones toward improvement. When you step up to the tee, remember that golf mirrors life in many ways; it’s not just about the victories but about how you manage the frustrations along the journey that ultimately lead to success.
How to Be More Consistent in Golf
To be more consistent in golf is no easy task. Consider focusing on building a solid routine for each shot. Also, incorporate training or practice routines for your grip, stance, and alignment. Practice your swing mechanics regularly, paying attention to maintaining a smooth tempo and balanced posture throughout your motion. Another aspect for success is improving your short game. Work on your short game often, as putting and chipping can significantly lower golf scores. Stay mentally disciplined by focusing on each shot rather than dwelling on past mistakes or future outcomes. Finally, consider developing a structured practice plan that targets all aspects of your game. When creating your plan, try to ensure that you’re consistently targeting each area of your game or areas that need more attention to continue to hone your skills on and off the course.
Watch a video on the College of Golf YouTube channel from Ken Martin, a PGA Certified Professional Instructor, to learn more about consistency in your golf game.
Takeaway
Persistence management is a learned skill, just like chipping or bunker play.
Tiger has already counted his clubs and is now checking on his snack supply to make sure everything he likes is on board.
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Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, we can elevate your game to new heights together. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.
