The wattle is blooming and the winter chill is fading, but expecting to step onto the first tee and pick up exactly where you left off is a recipe for a frustrating arvo. Spring golf down under requires a specific approach to shake off the rust without doing your back in.
The Spring Trap (And The Mistake Everyone Makes)
Warmer weather naturally loosens your muscles, but your mind-body connection has been hibernating. The biggest mistake returning players make? Rushing the tempo.
Because the sun is out and you feel looser, the temptation is to smash the ball at 100% effort straight away. When you abandon your sequencing to swing out of your shoes, your body stalls, your arms take over, and your ball striking completely suffers.
The Mental Reset
It is incredibly frustrating when your early-season scorecards look more like cricket scores. To keep your confidence high for the first 3 to 4 rounds back, change your definition of success:
Ditch the Target Score
Forget playing to your handicap this month. Set process goals completely within your control, like "I will hold my finish until the ball lands on every swing."
Treat the Course Like a Practice Ground
Re-acclimate to outdoor stimuli (like shifting breezes and fairways firming up after a soggy winter) rather than treating the round as a competitive test.
Use the 10-Second Reset
Bad shots are inevitable. Give yourself 10 seconds to process a topped ball, then use a physical trigger (like re-tying your golf shoe) to signal to your brain that it's time to move on.
Pro Insight: Tips from a PGA of Australia Professional
To help you transition smoothly into the warmer weather, PGA Professional Jenna Hunter shares how to approach your physical and mental reset.
Focus on the short game: Jenna highlights the biggest mistake golfers make when heading back out after a winter break,
“Spring weather gets everyone motivated and excited to get back out on the grass and in the sun. But the biggest mistake returning players make is jumping straight into playing round after round without practicing. When you're coming off a break, always focus on the basics first. Spend as much time as possible on the short game area before you expect your full-swing scoring to return”.
Play without expectations: For golfers frustrated by early-season scores, Jenna recommends setting aside the scorecard for a few rounds,
“Don't set a score goal at all. Just focus on enjoying being out on the course with your group. I actually just came back from a 4-month break myself, on my first 9 holes back, I had 2 birdies and 3 bogeys, and my driver felt like I was hitting a 5-wood distance-wise! But I didn't stress about the distance or the card; I was just having fun playing again. Drop the score expectations for a few rounds while your touch catches up”.
Make warm-ups compulsory: To adjust to warm weather and avoid injuries, Jenna highlights the need for a gradual warm-up: Jenna highlights the biggest mistake golfers make when heading back out after a winter break,
“Make a warm-up routine compulsory before every single round. Give yourself enough time to hit 20 to 30 shots on the range. Start slow with controlled half-swings to dial in your contact, then gradually work up to full swings, finishing with a smooth whipping speed through the ball. Getting your body gradually primed on the range will save you from early-season strains on the first tee”.
Need a pre-round routine? Take a look at our complete Warmup Article for more information and get your body ready for your next tee time at Riverside Golf Course.