2022 is here and let’s have some fun this year. I’m going to make three lesson points that are simple and easy to apply to get your golf year off to a productive start.

But first, some local news. The Winter Tour was in its second educational week, just prior to Christmas when the weather got tough. The temperature was 51 degrees and there was a wee breeze to “freshen things”.

Players, caddies and fans showed up and participated in cold and light rain: Michelle Williams, (caddie/mom), Jasmine Williams (sister/supporter), Aalayah Hawkins (sister/supporter), Aria Hawkins (player), Macy (caddie/mom) and Giovanni Calderon (player), Delray (caddie/dad) and Jamal Riley (player), Chris (dad/caddie) and Andrew Patton (player), Evan Christina (mom/caddie), Carter Burnette (player), Ben (dad/caddie) and Lyles Heritage (player).

Recognizing the caddie first makes golf sense for many reasons. First, none of the players can drive to the course, so the parents had to completely endorse the holiday afternoon golf idea. Second, in poor weather, the caddie should sacrifice their comfort for the players. So in short, it’s a doubly tough day for the caddie.

There were many more not recognized in this column. The event was shortened by the rain and the complete roster was not available at the time this article was submitted.

Now for the lesson.

Early in my golf experience, I had three world-class experts all say the same thing in different ways: Just figure out how to touch a club frequently, daily if possible, and it will make a huge difference in your performance.

For home practice, hold a club and grip it softly so you can feel the grip handle in your hands. Swings are really not necessary. Your mind is magical so hold on to a club softly. Grip just as you would for a normal swing. Simply holding the club can inspire a sense of familiarity. The relationship between your body and the club is sacred. You want a familiar feeling to be in place with your club so when it’s time to practice or play, the club doesn’t feel foreign. It feeds your golf confidence and trust.

If there is time after achieving this and there is enough time to make a couple of swings, start with the smallest easiest: the putt. The next is the chip. It’s not necessary to even hit a ball. Just make a couple of small strokes, visualizing a ball rolling or flying. If audio is possible, add the imaginary sound of solid contact impact while making the rehearsal swings.

Go through this process three to five times a week. It should only take three to five minutes a day if you take your time. A little bit of golf every other day will make for fun when you get to play.