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 start the season right, we asked local PGA instructor Erica Quinton how to adjust your physical setup, manage course conditions, and find your swing tempo to avoid early-season injuries.
1. Expect Softer Conditions
"Returning to golf in spring can take some adjustments for golfers who haven't played since last summer," Erica notes. "The golf course can still be soft from the winter rain, resulting in less run on the fairways and shorter overall distances." Adjust your club selection accordingly and don't expect mid-summer rolls just yet.
2. Play Stress-Free Golf
"Golf isn't an easy game. There is no golfer in the world who can take an extended period of time off and pick up where they left off," says Erica. Her advice? Dial back the hero shots. "Consider playing more stress-free golf by not taking as many risks, chip out from the trees, play a chip and run instead of the flop shot, lay up short of the water and don't go for that long par 5 in 2 shots. Once you start to find some rhythm, then you can consider expanding your shot selection."
3. Prioritise Your Warmup over Swing Changes
When it comes to your actual swing, Erica advises against making drastic early-season tweaks. "I wouldn't necessarily change your setup or tempo, as your body moving with more freedom is going to result in higher swing speeds and more distance, which is going to help your game." However, she stresses one crucial step: "I would highly recommend ensuring you complete an adequate warmup to ensure your body is ready to fire."
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 Glen Waverley and Oakleigh Golf Courses.