Golf Goals for 2026 is a short golf blog post that looks at the kind of things that can easily improve your new golfing season.
As the calendar turns to 2026, many golfers are already looking at their kit bags, eyeing those winter sales, and dreaming of the first dry, sunny Saturday morning on the tee.
But as a PGA Fellow Professional, I’ve seen it all before: the January “swing overhaul” that becomes a February “swing crisis.”
If you want this 2026 to be different and actually see your handicap drop and your enjoyment rise—it’s time to move past the generic “I want to get better” and get strategic.
On graemefish.com, I always advocate for a holistic approach. It’s not just about the hours you spend; it’s about the intent behind them.
Here are my updated “Pros Resolutions” for your 2026 season:
1. The 2026 “MOT” Equipment Check
Before you change your swing, change your perspective on your gear. Playing with ill-fitting or worn-out equipment is like racing a car with bald tyres.
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Grips & Grooves: If your grips are slick, you’re holding the club too tight. Fresh rubber allows for light grip pressure.
Similarly, check your wedge grooves; if they are rounded off, you’ve lost your “stop” on the greens. -
Loft, Lie & Shafts: Over time, forged irons can bend. Have your Loft & Lie angles checked to ensure your gapping is consistent.
Ensure your shaft flex and length still match your current swing speed and posture—what worked three years ago might be costing you distance today. -
The Ball Fitting: Don’t just play what you find in the woods. A ball fitting ensures your spin rates and launch angles are optimised for your specific launch monitor numbers.
It’s the only piece of equipment you use on every single shot—make sure it’s the right one.
2. The “Quality Over Quantity” Practice Rule
Stop hitting 100 balls with your driver on the range and calling it “practice.” Most amateurs practice until they get it right; professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong.
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The Resolution: Every practice session must have a goal. Spend 50% of your time on the “Scoring Zone” (100 yards and in).
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Pro Tip: Try the “Gate Drill” for your putting. Two tees, just wider than your putter head.
If you can’t start the ball online, the fanciest 2026 driver in the world won’t save your scorecard.
3. Become a “Student of Your Stats”
You can’t fix what you don’t measure. In 2026, I want you to look beyond your total score.
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The Resolution: Track three key metrics: Fairways Hit, Greens in Regulation (GIR), and Putts per Round.
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Why? If you realise you’re hitting 10 fairways but only 3 greens, we know your mid-iron play is the culprit, not your tee shots.
This allows us to tailor your lessons to what actually matters.
4. Commit to a “Functional Fitness” Routine
You don’t need to be a gym rat to play better golf, but you do need mobility. As we look toward the 2026 season, your body is your most important piece of equipment.
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The Resolution: 10 minutes of golf-specific stretching three times a week. Focus on thoracic rotation and hip mobility.
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The Result: More clubhead speed with less effort and, more importantly, fewer injuries.
5. Play with “Course Management” Intent
Most golfers lose 3–5 strokes a round simply by making poor decisions. Aiming at every flag is a recipe for a “double.”
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The Resolution: Play to the “Fat Side” of the green.
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Pro Strategy: If the pin is tucked left near a bunker, aim for the centre. A 20-foot putt for birdie is always better than a 20-yard bunker shot for par.
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The “Best 3” Shots for 2026:
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The ‘Boring’ Iron off the Tee: On tight Par 4s, the best shot is the one that stays in play. A 4-iron in the fairway beats a driver in the gorse every time.
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The Low-Runner: When you’re near the green, stop trying the ‘Phil Mickelson’ flop. A low-running chip with an 8-iron or 9-iron has a much higher margin for error.
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The ‘Middle of the Green’ Approach: On any approach over 150 yards, stop hunting pins. Aim for the heart of the green.
If you hit it, you have a birdie look; if you miss slightly, you’re still on the surface.
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A Final Thought for 2026: Golf is a journey, not a destination. Don’t let a bad front nine ruin your day. My role as a PGA Fellow Professional is to help you find the “why” behind the “what.” Let’s make 2026 the year you stop “playing at” golf and start playing golf.
What are your thoughts about Golf Goals for 2026??
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I’d love to hear what you’re working on this year. Catch me on Twitter @fishypro, Instagram fishypro_golf, or Facebook graeme.fish.3 and let’s get your 2026 season off to a flyer!