Game improvement seems to be a top concern with golfers of all levels. As much as some of us say “We’re only out there to have fun and relax”, there’s still the desire to play well. How strong is that desire? Well, it definitely matters on the person’s will and drive to be better.

Recently, a buddy and I took our clubs out of hibernation and made our way to the local driving range. Here’s where I started to recognize players that are trying to improve their game and those that are not. Personally, I fall somewhere in the middle. After viewing a couple of golfers that were obviously good (at least they were consistently hitting straight and had good swings) and a couple that probably just saw “Happy Gilmore”, I have made some connections between the two.

1. The Turf Mat
And this is where the connection ends. I over heard the two better players discussing how they really don’t get an accurate read on club distance from a turf mat but, it’s the beginning of the season and they’re looking to get a few swings in.

I look a few stalls down to Adam Sandler & co. and watch. First of all, they are barely connecting on most shots because turf doesn’t divot. Moreso, they are high fiving each other not realizing if they shot from grass it would probably make them cry. And secondly, they use the rubber tee on some iron shots for what reason, I don’t know.

2. The Golf Ball Collection Cart
The better players seemed to continue with their session and act as if that armored golf cart isn’t even out there, maybe even take a little water break. The other two begin to squeal with joy and change clubs to better suit the bombarding. They wager on who will hit the guy first and totally couldn’t give a crap about working on their swing.

3. Club Selection
The better players had $500 tour bags with all the bells and whistles and $1000 custom clubs nestled in there. The other two opted to select from the driving range’s collection of fine clubs, what some believe should be in the Golf Hall of Fame somewhere.

4. Bucket Size
The better players modestly purchased a medium sized bucket knowing that it is the beginning of the season and all they are trying to do is get a little workout in. Sparky and Killer, being the big men they are, purchase a super-sized supreme mega bucket each. Now, a quarter of the way through they realize what a mistake it was but finish it anyway. Can’t you just smell the Ben Gay?

5. Shot Distance
Figuring out how far you hit the ball is a little misleading on a range. The real shooters use the yardage markers and pretty much can figure out how far they are hitting. Now, Friggin’ John Daly and Babe Ruth (because his golf swing was a perfect rendition of the Babe’s baseball swing) somehow think that they are dropping bombs. They literally thought they were hitting over three hundred yards until the manager there explained the different colored flags and the distances associated with each. So much for a chance on the tour…