When it comes to improving your golf game, setting the right goals can make all the difference. Cal Women’s Golf Coach Sofie Aagaard recently joined a College Golf Experience Instagram Live to break down the key distinction between process goals and outcome goals—and why focusing on the right ones can help you achieve long-term success.

Players will have the opportunity to engage with Coach Aagaard in person at the AJGA Mizuno West Coast Classic Tournament Prep Camp in Santa Rosa, CA, on March 16. This camp is a chance to engage with College Coaches, receive direct feedback, and refine your game for tournament success.

What Drives You? Understanding Your Goals

“Well, I think there are many parts to your goals. It’s again what drives you,” says Coach Aagaard.

She explains that there are two types of goals:

1. Outcome Goals – “You want to be on a certain team, you want to win a certain tournament.”

2. Process Goals – “What are the actions that you take to get to those things?”

While outcome goals are exciting and motivating, it’s the process goals — the steps you take daily — that truly determine success.

Why Process Goals Matter

“A process goal can be something that you’re taking action on,” says Aagaard.

She emphasizes the importance of consistent daily improvement:

“We keep saying ‘one day better today’—do something today that will drive you to your outcome goal.”

Unlike outcome goals, which often depend on external factors, process goals are entirely within your control. They help you focus on actions that lead to results, rather than just wishing for success.

Lower Scores & College Golf Exposure

For junior golfers looking to compete at the next level, lowering their scores is a major focus. But how do you actually achieve that?

Coach Aagaard explains:

“Something that’s not necessarily in your control, but it can be something that really excites you, is having a lower score. Because you know it might get you into tournaments, it might get you more eyes from College Coaches.”

This is where process goals become essential. Instead of fixating on a final score, players should analyze their game, set specific targets, and work on small improvements daily.

Using Data to Set Smarter Goals

One of the best ways to refine your process goals is by tracking statistics and performance metrics.

“That’s when a process goal becomes really important, because you don’t have to go in blind,” says Aagaard. “Look at your statistics—where are you today? What are the numbers that support potential improvement and how do you get better?”

By breaking down your stats, you can identify areas for improvement and set bite-sized, actionable goals to work on each month.

Small Steps, Big Results

Coach Aagaard believes that monthly process goals are a great way to build momentum toward long-term success.

“Monthly goals are really great for the process goals that then drive you to the future goal.”

By setting and consistently achieving small process goals—whether it’s improving putting accuracy, increasing greens in regulation, or refining course management—players set themselves up for greater success in the long run.

Learn more from Coach Aagaard at the AJGA Mizuno West Coast Classic Tournament Prep Camp

Want to learn more directly from Coach Sofie Aagaard? She will be one of the College Coaches at the upcoming AJGA Mizuno West Coast Classic Tournament Prep Camp in Santa Rosa, CA, on March 16. This is a unique opportunity for junior golfers to receive hands-on coaching, learn how to improve their game, and gain insights from College Coaches.

Final Thoughts

Success in golf isn’t just about dreaming big—it’s about taking action. By setting process goals, tracking progress, and focusing on one day better today, players can steadily improve their game and reach their biggest ambitions.

💡 Want to train with College Coaches like Coach Aagaard? Sign up for the AJGA Mizuno West Coast Classic Tournament Prep Camp on March 16 and start setting the right goals for your success!