A Golfer’s Almanac: Common Sense Tips for 2026: Playing Better Golf at Quivira Golf Club in Los Cabos

New Year’s Resolutions rarely last. This is especially true for golfers. The best intentions often get lost along the way.

Here are several practical tips for golfers who want to improve their play and post lower scores in the New Year. It’s all a player can ask for at Quivira Golf Club, which presents a firm but fair test where the wind dictates the challenge.

1. Check your fundamentals. Make sure your grip, stance, and posture are in good form. Use a mirror at home to check. Invest in a pair of alignment sticks and use them at the range to make sure your shoulders, hips, and feet are square (parallel) to the target line. Good players focus primarily on two things: tempo and alignment.
2. Stay in play off the tee. It goes without saying that the fairway is where you want to be. If you tend to be wild with the driver (probably from swinging too hard to gain more distance), scale it back. Focus on keeping the ball in play. Use a 3-wood if necessary. The rough is fine, as at least the ball can be found and advanced.
3. Aim for the middle of the green. In the New Year, forget the pin and aim for the fat part of the green. Even the best players in the world adopt this tactic if a pin is tucked behind a hazard. Be prudent. Play the percentages. Hitting a safe approach shot into the green is golf’s version of addition by subtraction.
4. Work on your wedges. Spend some time on the range with your wedges and a rangefinder. Determine how far you hit your scoring clubs. Knowledge is power. Removing the guesswork will boost your confidence. The result will be more hole-high approach shots—and more birdie chances.
5. Practice short putts. The stats back it up—80s shooters gain more than half a shot over 90s shooters simply by making more putts inside 10 feet. Here’s a drill with proven benefits. Start with four balls on the practice putting green. Place each one at a different compass point, three feet from the hole. When you can consistently make all four putts, try the same drill from four feet. And so on.
6. Improve your balance. When it comes to the full swing, professionals stress the importance of balance and stability. You’ll rarely see a pro out of balance at the conclusion of his or her swing. Make a conscious effort in 2026 to improve steadiness. A grounded, balanced swing will lead to solid contact--and a picturesque follow-through.
7. Custom-fit clubs. Getting fitted for golf clubs (including a putter) used to be reserved for elite players. Not anymore. Professional fitting studios are widely available. Custom-fit clubs not only inspire confidence, they’re your firmest guarantee of improvement--and your fastest route to a better game.
8. Physical fitness. Golf is a game, but it’s also a sport. A golf pro can’t teach what your body cannot do. Get as fit as you can. Focus on exercises that increase core strength and flexibility. You’ll boost swing speed and suffer fewer injuries. A proper fitness regimen will improve your stamina and enable you to play golf reasonably well into your later years. After all, that’s why golf is called the “game of a lifetime.”
   
   For residents and guests at Quivira Los Cabos, golf isn’t just a round—it’s part of a broader coastal lifestyle shaped by nature, wellness, and time outdoors. Improving your game enhances the experience of playing one of Mexico’s most spectacular oceanfront courses.