Golf is a sport that will reward patience almost every time. Given the world we live in today, where everyone wants everything quick and easy, this secret really holds true. Most players just do not have any patience. Golfers want to birdie that first hole. They want to go for that par 5 in 2. They want to have the lead after day 1. They want to keep up with their playing partners on every hole. They want to hit it through that small crack in the trees and complete the miracle shot, instead of punching out to the fairway safely. They want to drive that par 4 in 1. While there is a place for this kind if thinking, it will not help you most of the time.

TV has actually hurt the average golfers perspective on this subject. TV will usually only show the highlights, especially on a Thursday or Friday. This means if you are sitting at home watching, you're getting hit with great shot after great shot. While this is great entertainment and advertising for the sport, it isn't reality. Tour players make plenty of simple golf shots that go unnoticed. They do this because in the long run, that is how they shoot their lowest scores. Even if they are capable of playing a different shot, they make the smart play and remain patient. If you go to an event to watch live, and follow only one group throughout the round, you will notice how patient and conservative these guys play. They rarely fire at pins; they fire at the center of the green. They keep it simple and avoid mistakes.

Here are some of the biggest mistakes amateurs make when they aren't patient:

• They hit at the pin and not the middle of the green.
• They hit too many drivers off the tee box.
• They think they must birdie immediately to make up for a bogey.
• They try to hit miracle shots instead of making the safe play.
• They try to hit long shots over water instead of laying up.

The biggest objection I get when I recommend patience to the average golfer is that golf is no fun when you are patient all the time. Sure it's fun to go for that par 5 in 2 or hit that par 4 green with your drive. But you know what's even more fun than those, shooting a great score! I love all aspects of golf, but there is nothing that I get more satisfaction out of then shooting a great score. I remember some great rounds where I didn't play so well, yet still had some great fun with friends and family. There is nothing wrong with having fun on the course that is for sure. But patience will improve your score every time. You must have patience if you want to shoot lower scores.