The air has a distinct chill, the evenings are drawing in, and the golf course is starting to look a little… well, Irish in autumn. For many of us, October feels like the end of the road. The temptation to clean the clubs one last time and toss them in the garage until spring is powerful.
We get it. The days of chasing daylight for an evening 18 are gone. The weather forecast looks more like a dare than an invitation. You’re facing plugged lies in soggy fairways, mud balls that fly with a mind of their own, and absolutely zero run on your Sunday best drive. “Winter Rules” are in effect, and meaningful WHS rounds seem like a distant memory.
It’s easy to see this as the time to go into golfer hibernation. But we’re here to tell you that’s the biggest mistake you could make for your game. October isn’t the end; it’s the beginning of your improvement season.
Assess the Season You’ve Just Had
Before you can plan where you’re going, you need to know where you’ve been. Now, while the highs and lows are still fresh in your mind, is the perfect time to conduct a proper post-mortem on your golf season.
Grab a notepad or open an app and be honest with yourself.
- What went well? Did you finally start hitting that draw? Was your putting a lifesaver?
- What were your biggest struggles? Was it the driver? Finding the green from 100 yards in? Three-putting?
- Look at your scores. Where did you consistently drop shots?
This isn’t about beating yourself up. It’s about identifying the one or two key areas that, if improved, would make the biggest difference to your scorecard next year.
Develop Your Winter Game Plan
Once you know what to work on, you can figure out how. A winter without a plan is just a cold break from golf. A winter with a plan is a launchpad.
- Book Lessons: Now is the ideal time to see your local PGA Pro. They’re not as rushed as they are mid-season, and you can work on fundamental changes to your swing without the pressure of a competition at the weekend. This is the time to rebuild, not patch things up.
- Schedule Practice: Whether it’s the driving range, a practice green, or even working on your takeaway in front of a mirror at home, commit to it. A focused 45-minute session once a week is far better than three aimless hours once a month.
Gear Up for Glory (and Savings!)
The off-season is a golfer’s shopping paradise. It’s the perfect time to take stock of your gear and get ready for some serious bargains.
- What’s Missing from Your Bag? That 3-hybrid you kept borrowing? A lob wedge with fresh grooves? Do your research now. Read reviews, watch videos, and figure out what you want. You’ll be ready to pounce when the end-of-season and Black Friday sales hit.
- Wardrobe Audit: How did your waterproofs hold up during that last squall? Are your winter tops looking a bit tired? A good base layer or a new rain suit can make winter golf genuinely enjoyable.
- Ask Santi: That’s right, start making that Christmas list! Give your loved ones a heads-up on the gear you actually want. A new rangefinder beats another pair of socks every time.
Set Your Sights on 2026
Finally, use this momentum to set some concrete, exciting goals for next season. Vague hopes won’t get you anywhere, but specific targets will give your winter practice a real purpose.
Don’t just say “I want to get better.” Make your goals specific:
- “I want to lower my handicap from 18 to 15.”
- “I want to break 90 for the first time.”
- “I want to win my club’s matchplay championship.”
- “I want to average fewer than 32 putts per round.”
Write them down and stick them somewhere you can see them. When it’s cold and wet outside, remembering what you’re working towards is the best motivation you can have.
So, don’t put away your club. See October for what it truly is: the first step towards your best-ever golf season. The work you put in now is the secret to the success you’ll enjoy next summer.
