From Practice to Performance: Goal Setting for Junior Golf Success

By Ben Esposito, Professional Golfer & Founder of In The Golf Zone

I know this is most likely not the first article or post you have seen about goal setting in the early part of the new year. However, it is critical for golfers to set an intention when planning for the upcoming season. These goals not only act as milestones but also as inspiration for practice and putting the hours into all parts of the game (including ones that may not be their favorite).

I will break down the different types of golf goals and how players can structure them to get the most out of the upcoming season.

Types of Goals for Golf

If you look closely, the best players in the world outline many types of goals when sharing their plans for the upcoming year. Even for people at the highest level, achievement can revolve around simple accountability. The best types for a junior golfer are process and accountability, followed by performance/stats. In time, the results and scores will follow. Having a healthy variety of goal types is the best strategy, as some process-oriented goals will become building blocks and techniques for achieving others; a list is found below:

Result goals

Simple goals that name a desired outcome are the most common type of goal for many players and people in general. For example, “win a specific tournament”. However, these goals often bring other competitors into the equation and lack clear steps for player achievement.

Scoring/Ranking goals

Examples: Improve my world ranking by 250 spots or achieve a 73 scoring average for the season. Result goals that are based on individual player results/numbers.

Performance Goals/Stats Goals

Examples: Average 12 greens per round; improve strokes gained putting by 1 stroke; increase my driver launch angle for more carry distance in events. These goals focus on executing shots at the individual level. They ask: Are you performing in tournaments by hitting high-quality shots? If a player starts performing at the shot level, scores follow. It also helps with where to focus attention in practice plans.

Process Goals

Examples: Complete a full shot process for all shots, hit at least 90% of my shots with full commitment throughout the season, work on breathing during on-course decision-making, and start using a yardage book. Players have control over these goals; commitment to these is something to be proud of. These goals help players focus on what their responsibility is (what they control) and allow players to break through any self-imposed limitations.

Accountability Goals

Examples: Eat better, create a structured practice plan, practice 6 days per week, commit to a golf fitness/performance training program.

Incremental Goals

Smaller micro-achievements that serve as stepping stones toward larger goals. Examples: outlined below.

How To Structure Your Goals

Once you have a range of general goals, it’s time to structure them so a player has a roadmap to achieve them. It’s best to break a player’s goals into smaller, incremental ones, then focus on the specific drills and practice strategies to achieve each. As hinted above, goals can influence one another, overlap, and become part of a cohesive plan.

Also, one can use the popular and effective SMART goal system. This involves setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Getting specific and setting a deadline helps drive motivation. For example, I will increase my clubhead speed by 3 mph by the end of March.

Finally, goals do not need to be set in January. Goals can be set at any time, and it’s good practice to evaluate them and identify opportunities for improvement consistently. A monthly evaluation can keep a player on track.

Structure Your Plan and Practice Around Your Goals

Once a student breaks down goals, it will typically set the groundwork for a solid practice plan. Some of the incremental goals involve drills that players must work on to meet statistical targets. My advice is to identify which drills and practice games deliver the best results, and build around them. They will become your foundation.

Example

Scoring Goal: average 73.5 or better by the end of summer 2026 →

Performance Goal: Hit 12 or more greens per round →

Incremental Goals:

Get 8/10 golf balls in iron zones on the driving range during practice
- Reduce dispersion with irons
  - Improve angle of attack at impact → (Swing drill) 4x per week
  - Work on a stock shot 3x per week
- Work on wedge distance control
  - Mock wedge combine 2x per week
- Commit to the shot process in practice
- Work on irons every day I’m at the range

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