DAWN PATROL - THE EARLY GOLF ROUND ROUTINE

Dawn Patrol

As our lives get busier and busier, we have to get our golf in whenever we can to fit our dynamic schedules; as the late great 2pac Shakur said “Get in where you fit in.”  I have grown to appreciate these early rounds, and one thing that has helped me gain consistency for these dawn patrol rounds is to follow a consistent routine.  I am going to share my routine and see if anyone else can benefit from it like I have. 

The Night Before

There is not much to do the night before, but a few minor details to take care of to set you up for success.  First, make sure you set your alarm with plenty of time to hit snooze at least 3 times.  You will also want to set out your golf gear in the guest bathroom so that you minimize any potential distractions from other members of the household.  No need for any distractions in the AM that could bring random tasks or a barrage of questions thrown your way while you are trying to get out of the house.  Text your golf group that you are excited for the round tomorrow and that you feel good about your prospects of “going low.” 

Up and Ahh-Tom

Roberto’s - Home of the second best breakfast burrito in America.

You awaken to the sweet, sweet melodies of the default ringtone within your iPhone.  You get a quick glance out your bedroom window and with no visible signs of the sun coming up you get inspired to hit your snooze 4 to 5 times instead of the 3 you planned for.   You do eventually get up out of bed, take your shower in the guest bedroom and determine there is plenty of time to get to the course.  However, a quick inner analysis has determined that you do not have time to make any breakfast.  So you begin to move a little quicker, pound your coffee, pop some advil, load the war sticks, and you are out the door.  As you pull out of the driveway, you begin hastily looking on your phone for the most convenient breakfast burrito spot, the more autentico the better.  If you have ever been to Las Vegas off the strip, the spot is most definitely a Roberto’s.  Which is home of the second best breakfast burrito I have ever had.  The best I ever had was in Las Cruces, NM – where a lady made handmade breakfast burritos and sold them out of an out of business gas station until she sold out; I digress.  Next while waiting in the drive thru, text your golf group “runnin late – save me some rangies.”  With Burrito in hand, you scarf it down while finishing your drive to the course.  You have an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment as a quick scan of your shirt reveals no evidence of food or sauce anywhere to be found.  Great Success! 

At The Course

You finally arrive to the course with just enough time to check in and loosen up.  As you check in to the clubhouse; first ask for the senior rate, and after the pro shop attendant denies it; quickly change the subject and ask something stupid like – “what’s the morning dew sitch” or “what ‘s the course record.”  Then, get out of there as fast as you can.  Find your comrades at the range, and disclose why you were running late.  It used be an easy, “I closed Maloney’s last night,” but no one will buy that one anymore; it will have to be something like – “I got to bed super late last night cause I stumbled across Road House (the original) on TNT and then was amped up till like 3 in the morning.” While disclosing this information, take about ten baseball style swings to stretch the back maybe work in a “these old bones” comment; and then step up and hit the balls saved for you.  This will be about 12 drives that are surprisingly well struck, maybe even displaying a baby draw.  Actually, these will be the best drives you hit all day.  Your group is called and you quickly stop on the putting green, drop 3 balls and hit each one once and then head to the tee box to join your group. 

On the Tee:  You and your friends are on the tee box together to sort out the breakfast ball policy and to decide which cash games will be played.  Then you spend the rest of the time critiquing the group in front of you’s swings and pace of play.  You wait till they are damn near on the green and you tee off.  All set to shoot anywhere from an 83-100. 

Hopefully you will find a routine like I have to help reach your peak performance.