Instruction
Seven tips to help shave 10 shots off your game
For golfers, the change from being a 95-shooter to scoring in the low- to mid-80s is huge. It changes the way they feel about the game and opens their eyes to their true potential.
I remember when I made that jump and how it fed into my lifelong love for the game. I’ve heard more than one new student say that they aren’t scoring well and are not enjoying the game enough to continue playing, and the recipe below has helped them lower their handicaps by as many as 10 shots in a season and enjoy the game again. You’ll notice that none these steps has anything to do with crafting the perfect swing. A few of them won’t take much time at all. And these steps are not just for 18 handicaps; they will help players of every level.
No. 1: Assess Your Skills
Your coach should be able to assess your putting, short game and ball striking, and determine where you stand relative to your goals. If you’re a 12 handicap, want to get to an 8 and your short game handicap is 15, that’s probably the area you need to focus on most. ShotByShot.com, one of golf’s leading analytics company, allows a coach to handicap every skill area. Together, the coach and student can prioritize their work on the areas that will lower scores and boost their confidence the fastest. Doppler radar launch monitors like my Flightscope X2 and Trackman are also incredible teaching tools. They help show players exactly how far they hit their clubs, how accurately they hit them and even how weather changes affect ball flight.
No. 2: Assess and change your clubs
Most new students have at least two clubs in their bag that actually hurt them. They often have too little loft, or shafts that are too long and too stiff or have the wrong playing characteristics. Shafts, grips and club heads all need to suit your swing and your skill level, and they need to be fitted to your specs. Every club in your bag should suit the conditions you play most and your clubs need to be properly gapped so you can hit more greens. The only way to know how to gap your clubs accurately is to use a launch monitor.
No. 3: Work on keeping your tee shots in play
Contrary to popular myth, distance is not as important to an average player’s improvement as it is to PGA Tour players. Peter Sanders from ShotByShot.com has an extensive amount of data on how regular golfers play the game. Statistics that he has collected for 20-plus years indicate that a shot in the fairway can be worth as much as 50 yards versus a shot in the primary rough for the average player. That means that most golfers cannot control a 9 iron out of the rough (or from behind a tree) as well as we can control a 6 or 7 iron from the fairway. If you play the proper tees, keep the ball in front of you and hit it at least 220 yards, you will score much better.
How do you do that? First, get a properly fitted driver with a loft and shaft that will help you get the most out of your swing. Second, understand that hitting your driver is only necessary a handful of times a round if you play from the correct tees. Lastly, find a coach who can help you develop a balanced, repeatable swing that will allow you to generate speed and make solid contact with a square club face. The “5 Simple Keys” system allows players to clarify their thought process and focus on making a better, more athletic motion.
No. 4: Work the Wedges
The PGA Tour average for greens hit in regulation is just more than 12, but regular golfers hit fewer than five a round. The best players in the world keep their momentum by getting the ball up and down, which they have to do five or six times a round. Unless you are an extraordinarily gifted amateur, you have to do it more often than the pros, and whether you’re successful will determine the direction of your round.
The best way to do this is mix technical training with “transfer” training. The first step is learning good pitching technique. Keep your weight on your lead foot during the entire stroke. Play the ball no farther back than the middle of your stance and farther forward if you want to hit a higher shot. Aim the face of the club at your target and open your stance more or less depending on how high you want to hit the shot. Then just fold your trail elbow in the backswing, turn your chest through impact and feel like you’re dropping the club head on the back of the ball. Finish on your lead leg facing the target and let your arms softly fold in the follow through. This technique leads to great distance and trajectory control, the two key elements to pitching the ball around greens. Practice it around a putting or chipping green, but don’t be afraid to drop balls in different spots during casual rounds. Remember that shotmaking is basically improvisation, which you must develop through on-course transfer training.
No. 5: Focus on putting and get fitted for a putter
If they actually practice putting, many golfers grab a sleeve of balls, go to the putting green and hit putts of random length and break until they feel they have finished their lap. Whether this occurs in the minutes before teeing off or for the 15-to- 20 minutes after a long-range session, neither provides effective practice. You need to have a strategy for getting better, and that means going to a teacher who can give you the tools you need because he or she is trained to teach putting and to fit you for a putter. According to industry data, fewer than 10 percent of golf lessons are on putting, so choose wisely.
The U.S. Open at Pinehurst is coming up, and many of us remember the role the SeeMore putter played the last time the Open was held there in 1999. Fifteen years later, the SeeMore Putter Institute has more than 300 certified instructors all around the globe who can custom fit you to a putter and teach you the system that helped numerous major champions.
No. 6: Go through a ball fitting
The ball you play and its compression matters a lot. The only way to know definitively is to go through a ball fitting with a qualified professional. There’s a debate now on where a proper ball fitting should start. Should golfers place more importance on the performance of their ball around the green or off the tee? Bridgestone has it right. First, the science shows that compression matters. Here’s an example why: Bridgestone makes the low-compression U.S. Kids Golf Yellow ball and a junior golfer can gain as many as 15 yards by simply switching from a high-compression adult ball. That could be a three-club difference when it comes to a junior’s approach shots, which is the difference between loving golf and being discouraged by its difficulty.
Bridgestone offers different compression balls with different spin options to satisfy your feel needs around the green. Start with your swing speed and then make your choice about how you want your ball to spin and feel on short shots.
No. 7: Focus on scoring, strategy and your target
Hogan said that “placing the ball in the proper position for your next shot is 80 percent of winning golf.” Most players get enjoyment from hitting the ball pretty well and scoring well. If you don’t think about golf strategically, there’s no way you’ll get to the second part and your frustration will probably prevent reaching the first part sooner rather than later.
Everyone, even golf pros, have limited time to practice and play. Keeping expectations reasonable and focusing as much as possible on the tangible, real things that will allow you to play the shot at hand as well as you can is the best use of that time. For “real-life” golfers, the game is simply not about hitting the most glorious drive you’ve ever seen then trying to get it close with a wedge. It’s about creating a more complete toolbox of skills and scoring with strategic choices and well-executed shots.
The LPGA Tour is kicking off its 2026 season this week at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, and the pros are dealing with something most Florida golfers rarely face: freezing temperatures.
“It’s colder here than in the UK at the minute, which is a first,” said England’s Charley Hull during Wednesday’s media day at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
Even Lydia Ko, who lives at Lake Nona, seemed surprised by the cold snap. “We’re pretty much getting to below zero in celsius here, which maybe in other parts of the country they would be thankful, but when you’re in Florida it is a little bit of a surprise,” she said.
If the world’s best players are adjusting their games for cold weather, recreational golfers should, too. Here’s how to play smart when the mercury drops.
Understand What Cold Does to Your Game
Before you change anything, you need to know what you’re fighting against. Cold air is denser than warm air, which means your ball won’t fly as far. Period.
Hull noticed this immediately during practice rounds at Lake Nona. She mentioned hitting a gap wedge into the 18th hole during a previous win but needing a 4-iron during Tuesday’s practice round. That’s a difference of four or five clubs for the same shot.
Action item: Expect to lose 5-10 yards on every club in your bag when temperatures dip below 50 degrees. Plan accordingly and don’t be stubborn about club selection.
Layer Up Without Restricting Your Swing
Hull admitted she wore three pairs of pants during practice. While that might be extreme for most of us, staying warm is critical to playing well in cold conditions.
Your muscles need warmth to function properly. When you’re cold, your body tightens up and your swing gets shorter and faster. Neither of those things help you hit good golf shots.
Action item: Wear multiple thin layers instead of one bulky jacket. Look for golf-specific cold weather gear that stretches with your swing. Keep hand warmers in your pockets between shots. And don’t forget a good hat because you lose significant body heat through your head.
Take More Club Than You Think You Need
This is where ego gets in the way of good scores. When it’s cold, the ball doesn’t compress as well off the clubface. Combined with denser air, you’re looking at serious distance loss.
The pros at Lake Nona are dealing with a course that measures 6,642 yards but plays much longer this week. If they’re adjusting, you should too.
Action item: Take at least one extra club on every approach shot. In temperatures below 40 degrees, consider taking two extra clubs. It’s better to fly the ball to the back of the green than to come up short in a bunker.
Adjust Your Expectations on the Greens
Cold weather affects putting in ways most golfers don’t consider. The ball is harder and doesn’t roll as smoothly. Your hands are cold, making it harder to feel the putter. And if there’s any moisture on the greens, they’ll be slower than normal.
Ko mentioned that she still sometimes reads the greens wrong at Lake Nona despite being a member for years. Cold weather makes that challenge even tougher.
Action item: Hit putts more firmly than usual. The ball needs extra speed to hold its line on cold greens. Take a few extra practice strokes to get a feel for the speed before you putt.
Embrace the Mental Challenge
Hull said something interesting about cold weather golf: “I like the mental toughness of it.”
That’s the right attitude. Everyone on the course is dealing with the same conditions. The player who stays patient and doesn’t get frustrated by the extra difficulty will come out ahead.
Action item: Lower your expectations by a few strokes. If you normally shoot 85, accept that 90 might be a good score in 40-degree weather. Focus on solid contact and smart decisions rather than perfect shots.
Warm Up Longer and Smarter
This might be the most important tip of all. Cold muscles are tight muscles, and tight muscles get injured easily.
World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul revealed she’s been protecting a wrist injury that bothered her late last season. Cold weather makes those kinds of injuries more likely if you don’t prepare properly.
Action item: Spend at least 20 minutes warming up before your round. Start with stretching, then hit easy wedge shots before working up to your driver. Keep moving between shots on the course to maintain body heat and flexibility.
The pros at Lake Nona this week will adapt and compete at the highest level despite the cold. You can do the same at your local course by following these tips and keeping a positive attitude.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour, and whether you love him or hate him, the guy knows how to win when it matters. After his LIV Golf stint, the five-time major champion returns this week at the Farmers Insurance Open.
What makes Koepka fascinating? He doesn’t fit the mold. His swing isn’t textbook. He doesn’t obsess over mechanics. Yet he’s won three PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens, regularly making it look easier than guys with prettier swings.
So, what can average golfers learn from someone who treats the game so differently? Quite a bit.
Stop Overthinking Every Shot
Koepka describes his approach as “reactionary” rather than mechanical. While most tour pros grind over swing thoughts, Brooks sees the target and hits it. No mental checklist.
This might be the most valuable lesson for weekend golfers who’ve watched too many YouTube swing videos.
How to actually do this:
On the range, hit five balls where you stare at the target for three seconds prior to addressing the ball. Don’t think about grip or stance. Just burn that target into your brain. You’ll be shocked at how pure you hit it when your brain focuses on where the ball is going instead of how you’re swinging.
Next time you play, give yourself a rule: Once you pull the club, you’ve got 15 seconds to hit. Koepka is one of the fastest players on tour because he doesn’t give his brain time to sabotage him.
If you feel tension in your hands at address, you’re trying to control too much. Koepka’s grip pressure is famously light. Loosen up until the club almost feels like it might slip, then add just enough pressure to hold on. That’s your swing thought: soft hands, see the target.
This approach works better under pressure. When you’re standing over that shot with water left and OB right, the last thing you need is a mental checklist. See it, feel it, hit it.
Play to Your Strengths (Even If They’re Not Pretty)
Koepka uses a strong grip that wouldn’t pass muster in some teaching circles. But he’s built his game around what works for him, elite driving distance and recovery skills. He doesn’t try to be someone he’s not.
Here’s how to build your game like Brooks:
Look at your last five rounds and figure out where you’re actually gaining strokes. Bombing it off the tee, but can’t hit greens? Lean into it. Play courses where distance matters more than precision. On tight holes, grip down on your 3-wood instead of trying to thread a driver through a keyhole you’ll miss seven times out of ten.
Koepka knows he can scramble, so he’s not afraid to miss greens. If you’re deadly from 50 to 75 yards, start leaving yourself those distances on the par 5’s instead of going for them in two every time.
Know when to take your medicine. Koepka in the trees at the PGA? He’s punching out to 100 yards, not trying to bend a 6-iron around three oaks. You’re in the rough with a flyer lie and water short? Hit your 8-iron to the middle and move on. That’s not playing scared, that’s playing smart.
Save Your Best for When It Counts
Here’s a wild stat: Koepka’s putting average in majors is often more than a full stroke better per round than in regular events. He elevates when pressure is highest.
How does an amateur tap into that gear? It’s not about trying harder, it’s about caring differently.
Here’s what actually works:
Decide which rounds matter to you. Club championship? Member-guest? That annual trip with college buddies? Circle those dates and treat them differently. Koepka doesn’t care much about regular tour events, but majors? That’s when he locks in.
Two weeks before your big round, change your practice. Stop beating balls mindlessly. Play nine holes in which every shot has consequences. Miss the fairway? Hit from the rough on the next hole too. Three-putt? Twenty push-ups. Koepka’s practice intensity ramps up before majors because he’s rehearsing pressure, not just swings.
Develop a between-shot routine that resets your brain. Koepka is famous for his blank expression after bad shots. Try this: After any shot, take three deep breaths while walking, then find something specific to notice, a tree, a cloud, someone’s shirt. That’s your reset button. By the time you reach your ball, the last shot is gone.
The Bottom Line
Brooks Koepka’s return reminds us there’s no single path to success in golf. His “substance over style” approach proves that results matter more than looking good.
You don’t need a perfect swing; you need a reliable one that holds up under pressure. You don’t need to hit every shot in the book; you need the shots you can count on. And you don’t need to play great every time; you need to play great when it matters.
Welcome back, Brooks. Thanks for the reminder that golf is ultimately about getting the ball in the hole, not winning style points.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
Blades Brown made a big impression last week in the California desert, and not just because he’s only 18. He put up numbers that would catch any weekend golfer’s attention. Most of us won’t hit 317-yard drives or find 86% of our greens in regulation, but there’s a lot to learn from how Brown managed his game at The American Express.
Here are three practical lessons from his performance that you can use on your own course this weekend.
Step 1: Give Priority to Accuracy Over Distance Off The Tee
Brown’s driving stats are impressive. He averaged almost 318 yards off the tee, ranking 12th in the field. More importantly, he hit 76.79% of his fairways, tying for fourth place in the tournament.
Think about that ratio for a second. Brown could have swung harder, chased more distance and tried to overpower the course. Instead, he played smart golf and kept his ball in play.
Your Action Item: Next time you’re on the tee box, ask yourself a simple question before pulling the driver. Do you need maximum distance here, or do you need to be in the fairway? If there’s trouble lurking or the hole doesn’t demand every yard you can muster, take something off your swing. Grip down an inch. Make a three-quarter swing. Do whatever it takes to find the short grass. Brown’s approach illustrates that fairways lead to greens, and greens lead to birdies. He made 22 of them last week, along with an eagle.
The math is simple. When you’re hitting three out of every four fairways like Brown did, you’re giving yourself legitimate looks at the green with your approach shots. That’s when scoring happens.
Step 2: Commit To Hitting More Greens
This is where Brown really separated himself. He hit 62 of 72 greens in regulation, an 86.11% clip that tied for first in the entire field. Read that again. An 18-year-old kid tied for the lead in one of the most important ball-striking statistics in professional golf.
How did he do it? By keeping his ball in the fairway (see Step 1) and giving himself clean looks with mid-irons and wedges.
Your Action Item: Start tracking your greens in regulation. You don’t need a fancy app or a statistics degree. Just mark down whether you hit the green in the regulation number of strokes. Par 3s in one shot. Par 4s in two shots. Par 5s in three shots.
Once you know your baseline, set a goal to improve it by 10%. If you’re currently hitting five greens per round, aim for six. The beauty of this approach is that it forces you to think strategically about club selection and shot shape. Brown’s strokes gained approach number was positive (0.179), meaning he was better than the field average. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be on the dance floor more often.
When you hit more greens, you eliminate the need for heroic short game shots. Brown only had to scramble 10 times all week, and he got up and down 70% of the time. That’s solid, but the real story is that he rarely put himself in scrambling situations to begin with.
Step 3: Minimize Mistakes And Stay Patient
Here’s the stat that jumps off the page: Brown made only three bogeys all week. Three. In four rounds of professional golf against the best players in the world.
He also made just one double bogey. That kind of clean card doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you play within yourself, avoid the big miss and trust that pars are never bad scores.
Your Action Item: Before your next round, decide that you’re going to play boring golf. No hero shots over water. No driver on tight holes just because you can. No aggressive pins when there’s a safe side of the green.
Brown’s performance shows us that consistency beats flash every single time. He didn’t lead the field in any single strokes gained category, but he was solid across the board. That’s how you post numbers and cash checks.
Give these three steps a try. Your scorecard will thank you.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “The Starter” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
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B
Jun 3, 2014 at 3:09 am
Just the article I needed to read this morning! Range or multiple rounds daily? I hit the driving range with approximately 50 balls then play 18. What I do on the range does not transfer. Any advice?
Paul Kaster
Jun 5, 2014 at 7:53 am
We need to learn technique and play golf to get the most out of our game, but I would err in the side of playing more golf and spending a smaller percentage of time on the range. We don’t play golf on a perfectly flat lie with multiple tries a the same shot. My best advice is find a qualified coach who can assess your skills and target instruction to the areas that need the most help.
Adam
May 30, 2014 at 8:01 am
I Think the article is right on point on everything except the title and the numbering (if the list is hierarchical). If we’re talking about 10 strokes saved, based on 7 things, we’re talking about 20+ handicappers or we’re talking about a lot of time. The 20+ handicapper needs something to get them back on the range, which is number 3 the long straight drive (with a driver- no new golfer brags about a 200 yd straight 3 wood). If we’re talking about going from a 15-5 we’re essentially in the world of cliché- “do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall?” “practice, practice, practice.” Hierarchical list: 3,5,1,6,2,4,7.
Paul Kaster
Jun 1, 2014 at 9:27 am
Thanks Adam. The list isn’t hierarchical – all of these are going to depend on what a individual player’s strengths already are. Obviously keeping tee shots in the fairway is very important, but it may not be as important for you as it is for another player. That’s where the assessments come in. If your swing speed is 85 mph and you’re very straight, playing a lower compression ball could help you gain 2 clubs on shots from the fairway which is a big deal for scoring…
Wayne L
May 29, 2014 at 10:40 pm
Paul, I think your article is spot on. Focusing on #3 has taken me into the low 80’s with a legitimate chance of getting into the 70’s. Short game work, especially greenside bunker play has made the game “fun” again. For most of us weekend warriors, solid wedge play helps on days when ball striking isn’t quite there.
Paul Kaster
Jun 1, 2014 at 9:29 am
Thanks Wayne! Glad you’re improving and enjoying your golf. Getting better at short game and putting can really change our golf outlook. If we can get the ball up and down and make putts, we start to believe we can play the golf of our dreams.
Martin
May 29, 2014 at 9:27 pm
It’s a good article, I did most of those things(not a putter fitting) and it took me from a 23 to a 15.
When I went from to an 8-10 player though, distance did matter. The past couple of years due to a chronic knee problem I have lost about 10 MPH off the driver and instead of hitting 6 iron in I often am hitting 3 hybrid. Puts a lot of pressure on the short game.
This year, I switched drivers, went to a R shaft, I moved up tees last year to the whites, not sure I will be able to maintain a single digits handicap only hitting the ball 200-210 off the tee though.
Daniel Kidd
May 29, 2014 at 3:06 pm
Nice article Paul and thanks for writing. I agree that trying to perfect the full swing is not the most effective way to trim 10 shots off someone’s score. It’s so sad to watch guys hit balls for an hour, with mostly their driver, and then go hit 5 chip shots and a couple of putts and think they put in a good practice session. Focusing the vast majority of practice time on short game and putting will knock strokes off the quickest, like you said in tip #4 and #5. I love the idea of #7, players are usually too mechanical on the course and almost always will benefit from focusing on target and thinking about strategy.
I can’t agree with you on #6 though….I really can’t see how much difference it will make for a 20 hcp to get properly fit for a ball. As long as someone isn’t playing a ball that’s bounced off the cart path a few times, it’s not going to make much difference whether they use a ProV1 or B330 or Pinnacle Gold. Obviously feel and spin around the greens will be affected, but the golfer can adjust to that, especially if he plays the same type of ball all the time. Have you actually seen players knock shots off their score by getting ballfit?
Paul Kaster
May 29, 2014 at 10:29 pm
Thanks Daniel, it’s my pleasure. My point about ball fitting is that typical golfers don’t have high swing speed, which means they will benefit from a lower compression golf ball with the correct spin characteristics for their swing. If, for example, you have an 8 iron in your hand from a fairway lie instead of a 6 or 7 because your drive went 10 or 15 yards further, that changes the way you think about scoring.
Ryan
May 29, 2014 at 12:06 pm
I really liked the article, I can see a lot of my game here and where to improve.
I just hate how the solution is always just to get fit. It’s expensive, and I am still skeptical on how effective this is.
Mark M
May 29, 2014 at 12:45 pm
I share the same sentiment about fitting. I’m sure it will help, but I’m not confident I could find a reputable fitter in my area. My hesitation is that the “fitter” won’t know more than I do and will simply be trying to sell me whatever he is pushing at the time.
Paul Kaster
May 29, 2014 at 1:48 pm
Getting fitted for clubs doesn’t always mean buying a completely new set. I assess my students’ clubs and take them through a fitting to determine if there is something out there that can help them. They pay for my time but often times we only change a couple of clubs. Gapping irons and wedges is enormously important and usually doesn’t require a lot of investment.
This is a great place to start when you’re trying to find good fitter: http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/2013-05/100-best-clubfitters
Mark M
May 29, 2014 at 11:21 am
Great article. I especially agree with the advice on improving the short game and putting. That is where I know I need a lot of work personally, and from what I see with others that is where they fall short as well.
I also agree with the points about distance being overrated. Keeping it in the fairway will shave more strokes than 20 more yards every time, in my opinion. I think we have a tendency to fear hitting long irons and fairway woods or hybrids (whatever works best for you) as the second shot but if you practice practice practice it’s not that big a deal. I think people tend to favor the short irons on the range as a confidence builder: I know I do
ParHunter
May 29, 2014 at 10:14 am
Quote: “Contrary to popular myth, distance is not as important to an average player’s improvement as it is to PGA Tour players.”
Interesting, Mark Broadie, the Inventor of the Strokes gained stats comes to the opposite result in his book ‘Every Shot Counts’. An extra 20 yards of the tee gives and PGA professional only 0.8 Strokes/round while for an 100 golfer it would be 2.3 Strokes gained. PGA (0.8), 80-golfer (1.3), 90-golfer (1.6), 100-golfer (2.3) 115-golfer (2.7).
Paul Kaster
May 29, 2014 at 1:42 pm
Thanks ParHunter, I’m aware of Mr. Broadie’s work and think it’s very valuable for understanding how TOUR Players play the game. I guess my point is that recreational golfers are different. The work it will take a typical 100-shooter to gain 20 yards is not worth the 2.3 strokes…There are other more efficient ways to skin the cat. If someone is shooting 100, it’s usually because they need help in a lot of different areas. These are the things I do with those kinds of players to get them better, faster so we don’t lose them to other forms of recreation.
ParHunter
May 29, 2014 at 5:48 pm
I agree, chipping and putting is the easiest way to cut strokes (when you are rubbish at it) but it won’t save you 10 shots
IH8
May 30, 2014 at 9:59 am
Totally agree here. I get that short game practice helps (especially, as ParHunter says, when you suck at it), but I think ball striking is undervalued. I play with guys who struggle to break 100 and they’ll say their scores would drop with short game practice. Sure, they have lousy short games, so it would definitely help, but getting rid of those o/b slices and water balls would help even more. A duffed chip costs you a stroke, a fat 7 iron into the creek costs you 2. Pretty simple math there.
IH8
May 29, 2014 at 10:01 am
I’m actually a high 80’s-ish shooter and am currently working on many of the things referred to in this article. It’s all well and good, but I don’t think it matches up with your original premise, i.e. people quitting. If people are quitting because golf is too hard (which is a fair opinion to have), I don’t think coming back at them with ‘Well just drop a couple grand on equipment and lesson and you’ll improve by summers end’ is going to convince them to stay. Your points are totally valid and I’m sure many people on this site are totally down with what you’re writing (myself included), but lets keep in mind that we are a choir here and you are indeed preaching to us. These types of tips would only work for someone who’s pretty thoroughly invested in the game.
Paul Kaster
May 29, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Thanks for the comment and glad you are working on many of these aspects of your game. This isn’t how I sell my programs (new students come to me mostly by referral), it’s what I actually do with my students. To get better at golf, you have to be invested. One of the problems with the culture of the game is the idea that there is a quick fix or route to becoming a much better player.
G
May 28, 2014 at 10:34 pm
Stupid article. The most reasonable reason 95ish golfers can’t shoot in the 80s is because they are inconsistent. At driving, at irons, at chipping, at putting. One inconsistency per round can cost you an 80ish…
Paul Kaster
May 28, 2014 at 11:12 pm
Thanks for your constructive criticism…Numbers 3,4 and 5 addressed the things you mentioned.
Jeff
May 29, 2014 at 3:34 am
Really good article. I’ve basically done what you’ve outlined and with the help of other wrx writers/ statisticians articles from guys like Rich Hunt, I’ve tried to find a Money Ball approach to improvement.
SBoss
May 29, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Actually, it’s not a stupid article at all. Sometimes it helps to remind yourself of some of the finer points of the game that can make a difference. Just working on chipping properly is one great way to lower scores. First, if you have the right chipping motion it’ll make you a better ball striker and second it’ll shave some strokes around the greens every round.
I always marvel at short sighted people who throw out comments like “stupid article”…like they’ve got it all figured out. Actually, nobody forces anyone to implement any advice. And it’s typically somebody that can’t play the game at a decent level making the comments.
Cris
May 28, 2014 at 7:41 pm
I’d take hitting a 9 iron from the light rough over a 5 iron from the fairway any day all day. That would be the 50 yards gap between my clubs.
Paul Kaster
May 28, 2014 at 7:59 pm
You don’t always get a decent lie in the light rough when you miss a fairway though Chris…
paul
May 28, 2014 at 2:20 pm
I found that not hitting driver off the tee, and learning to hit straight irons shot was the key to success. And a laser to know distance.
Daniel V
May 28, 2014 at 12:58 pm
People often worry about having a picture perfect swing, buy cleaning up your short game, can really shave off some strokes.
Paul Christianson
May 28, 2014 at 11:58 am
Check out http://www.scorerings.com if you are looking for a quick and easy solution for making target circles on the golf green.