Want to Become a Golfer? 4 Signs You’re the Next Annika Sörenstam

Golf has a reputation for being quick to pick up but difficult to truly master. So if you want to become a golfer like Annika Sörenstam, one of the most successful female golfers in history, it’s going to take a change of mindset and lots of practice.

For Sörenstam, winning 89 worldwide victories required a great deal of hard work. So do you have what it takes to become a golf champion? Check out these four signs to see if you’re destined for success on the green.

1 You have great visualization skills.

One skill that separates you from the average player is the ability to think ahead about your shot. You strategically choose shots that are recoverable, even if the delivery is a little off. GolfDigest says thinking positively is important, but more is needed for professional players. “A tour player will visualize where he wants his tee shot to go, but his next thought is about where he doesn’t want it to go.” Even if you land off the fairway, you manage to stay out of the water and away from sand traps.

2 You are an eager learner and take feedback well.

To transition from golf amateur to golf pro, many players must make adjustments to their swing or break bad habits formed while learning the game. Naturals at golf will recognize the power of continuous improvement and will look for opportunities to fine-tune their swings. Their practice sessions are deliberate and productive.

READ MORE: It’s Never Too Late: 10 Hobbies You Can Start in Your Twenties and Love for Life

3 You are discerning and easily minimize distractions.

Rather than get caught up in the latest golf fads or obsess over the quirks of the latest top players, you recognize the importance of perfectly honed basics like stance and posture. While experimenting with new equipment or techniques can be a great way to get a feel for what’s right for you, too many or too frequent changes can become a distraction. When you step up to the tee, you leave your worries and past mistakes behind so you can concentrate on the shot in front of you.

4 You have extraordinary patience.

Building a great golf game takes hours of practice, repetition and focus. Arnold Palmer, a retired professional golfer, famously joked, “It’s a funny thing, the more I practice the luckier I get.” While having an inherent skill at golf sets you up for success, you know nothing can replace valuable practice time at the driving range.

If these four signs seem to match you perfectly, you should pick up golf right away. Head to the driving range, borrow some clubs and get started with your first lesson.

READ MORE: 5 Benefits of Horseback Riding for Men and Women

Benefits of horseback riding for men and women.