Instruction

Why your comfort zone is killing your golf game

Published

11 years ago

Jun 26, 2015

As the golf clock ticks we all get trapped in repeating habits, and a golfer’s “comfort zone” is most often below where he or she is capable of playing.

What people may not know about these repeating habits is that they often don’t recognize them, and acknowledging them is key because they shape what they can and can’t do. People become comfortable with these behaviors, and they end up running the show.

Most people are familiar with the idea of comfort zone: the space where your activities and behaviors fit a routine and pattern that minimizes stress and risk. It’s a comfortable place where people aren’t threatened and everything always stays the same, and that offers mental security.

The Comfort Zone Explained

There’s a lot of science that highlights why it’s so challenging to break out of your comfort zone, and why it’s good for you when you do it. With a little understanding and a few adjustments, you can break away from your comfort zone on the course…and this will lead to rewarding improvement in your game.

In 1908, psychologists Robert Yerkes and John Dodson showed that a state of comfort created a steady level of performance. They also highlighted that if you want to increase your performance, a state of relative anxiety is needed – a place where stress levels are slightly higher than normal. This is called Optimal Anxiety and it’s beyond your comfort zone. Further, they also showed that too much anxiety can produce too much stress, leading to performance drop-offs. So finding the right balance for you in your game is key.

You are not alone in the quest to expand your comfort zone. The leading professional golfers and other athletes I work with daily are constantly working to shift their comfort zone and find the place leading to higher performance. If you want to become a better player and see improvement, finding your own approach to shift your comfort zone is an important exercise for you too.

The Golf Treadmill

Let me give you an example of my first introduction to the comfort zone.

When I was growing up at the golf club, I did the scoring each year at the club championship. I stood at the scoreboard and marked scores of the membership. Players were categorized in four divisions (A, B, C and D) based on handicap index. I saw the same faces each year, and year after year the same players turned in basically the same scores.

I always wondered how it was possible that a golfer could play (and practice) the game for 10, 20 or 30 years and stay in the same division every year without any real shift in improvement. I saw little shift between divisions from year-to-year.

The answer is these players, over time, became comfortable with where they were and never addressed how they might shift their comfort zone and move to another level of play.

The longer you stay in the same comfort zone, the more it shrinks and the harder it is to expand it. And the more you continue to do the same things, make the same mistakes and engrain the same habits, the more your comfort zone shrinks – and you become THAT player – your identity.

What Causes You to Be in the Comfort Zone?

You’ve seen it many times. You or your playing partners start playing great or “out of your mind” and then whammo – a string of poor play occurs. This often happens when a player has some good play early and then subconsciously slips back to “where he or she should be.”

In your golf game, your comfort zone is determined by the range of scores you typically shoot – let’s say between 85 and 90. Whenever you play, you’d like to shoot a lower score, but you are expecting a result in your “usual” range. Inevitably, you’ll have rounds where you flirt with scores outside your zone; maybe you reach the turn at 3-over par, recognizing that a similar back nine will give you a score well under your normal zone.

Then what happens?

You start thinking about what could be. You start playing defensively, trying to “protect” your great round. Next thing you know, you’ve adjusted everything back to your comfort zone and the career round fades away.

I’m sure you’ve also seen the reverse happen. You are playing terrible and then a sudden surge of good play at the end of the round mysteriously puts you back in your comfort zone.

What are Your Roadblocks to Growth as a Player?

We all have roadblocks to growth. In spite of your efforts to grow and get better, certain walls can interfere with your progress. Here are a few that may be familiar to you:

Fear of growth (not feeling safe to grow): A major barrier is what is called the “I’m stuck” syndrome. “I’ve always played that way, so how could I possibly change?” You feel stuck at times, and when you do, you don’t feel great about yourself… or your game.

A negative view of yourself as a golfer: You see and know yourself as a “D” player or someone who struggles to shoot good scores, so that’s where you stay as a golfer.

Skepticism: You believe any steps you take to improve won’t work or will be a waste of time. “I tried that and it didn’t work.”

Uncertainty regarding how to begin or what direction to take: You don’t know how to get better, how to evaluate your game or what steps to take to do it.

Challenging yourself emotionally: Force yourself to work on your weaknesses. It’s not an easy thing to do, and not as fun as the feeling of working on your strengths and seeing a good result.

It’s too late for me to change, I’m too old or I don’t have enough time: You use excuses that it’s not the right time to improve your game. This is a state of procrastination.

The most important factor for you to break out of your comfort zone is asking yourself why you are doing it. It can’t be for contrived or superficial reasons. You must be genuinely interested in improvement, and know what benefits you want to get out of it.

Build Slowly

Expanding the perimeter of your comfort zone by slowly and intelligently pushing your barriers will build confidence. The process should be methodical and progressive. Don’t run out and try to change your entire game overnight. Evaluate what needs to be done – physically, mentally and emotionally to move up a level – and create the steps to get there. It will be a gradual process and almost guaranteed won’t be a straight line.

Some Ideas to Start Expanding Your Comfort Zone

Face Your Fears: Stepping out of your comfort zone will probably cause some fear, and the dreaded “what ifs” are the downfall of many players.

What if I fail?
What if I really can’t do this?
What if I’m not good enough?

Stay in the moment and do things slowly and purposefully. A committed plan with reasonable milestones will give you the confidence to get to a new place.

Change Your Routine: You can begin growing your comfort zone through small changes in your approach to the game, adding 45 minutes each week in short game practice, taking one lesson per week working on building limitations, or getting to the course 30 minutes early to warm up. Break out of your normal routine to help break through mental barriers. Create a goal to perform a new swing movement, task, or practice regime each week.

Get Out of Your Own Way: See yourself in a new light, because you probably put self-induced limits on yourself. The truth is that sometimes you’ve just got to get out of your own way. If you begin seeing yourself as a better player, chances are you will be. Raise your opinion of your game and yourself and you will set the table for better performance.

Time to Change: Comfort feels all cozy and warm when you’re in it, but it’s also a double-edged sword. Stay comfortable for too long and you begin to get bored, lazy and too satisfied. If you want to improve, avoid being a walking golf zombie: just another “D” player that does what he/she has always done. Challenge your status quo, push your limits and you’ll see the game in a new light.

It won’t be easy, but I think you’ll like the results.

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John Haime

John Haime is the President of New Edge Performance. He's a Human Performance Coach who prepares performers to be the their best by helping them tap into the elusive 10 percent of their abilities that will get them to the top. This is something that anyone with a goal craves, and John Haime knows how to get performers there. John closes the gap for performers in sports and business by taking them from where they currently are to where they want to go. The best in the world trust John. They choose him because he doesn’t just talk about the world of high performance – he has lived it and lives in it everyday. He is a former Tournament Professional Golfer with professional wins. He has a best-selling book, “You are a Contender,” which is widely read by world-class athletes, coaches and business performers. He has worked around the globe for some of the world’s leading companies. Athlete clients include performers who regularly rank in the Top-50 in their respective sports. John has the rare ability to work as seamlessly in the world of professional sports as he does in the world of corporate performance. His primary ambition writing for GolfWRX is to help you become the golfer you'd like to be. See www.johnhaime.com for more. Email: john@newedgeperformance.org

19 Comments

kik hack spy tool

Oct 2, 2015 at 3:19 am

Many players often join to play with their friends who
are at a higher level and will have to play non-stop to get to a high enough level to join them.

Reply Report comment
Philip

Jul 3, 2015 at 5:49 pm

A lot of truth in the concept of comfort zones. I see it plentiful within myself and others around me. However, for golf it does not apply to me as I have deliberately decided a few years ago when I got back into golf to always push myself outside my comfort zone to prove to myself how good I could be at something if I worked hard at it, kept setting higher goals, and never quit. Occasionally, I think that it would be more enjoyable if I just settled into a comfort zone and cruised, but I already do that too much in my life. My golf journey is a catalyst to living and to stop just existing.

Reply Report comment
DrCRHop

Jun 30, 2015 at 11:03 am

Unfortunately, mice and rats are not humans. And even though they can and are used in studies, many of those do not translate to humans. Anxiety studies are notoriously wrought with issues trying to translate rodents to humans. So, although you quote the person from the NIH, and what they said is true in some instances, any study to do with the CNS (anxiety/depression/etc) are not translatable. Mice are not small rats, and rats are not small people. Quite a stretch the tie them together.

Reply Report comment
- John Haime
  
  Jun 30, 2015 at 2:03 pm
  
  Hey Dr.CRHop,
  
  Would be pleased to take this offline with you and explain. Conversation definitely getting away from the original intention. A focus on mice is not the focus to help GolfWRX readers with their game.
  
  As you know, Yerkes Dodson is the most quoted experiment in psychology in the area of optimal anxiety and the parabolic performance curve. If I am stretching this – some of the leading psychologists in history have also done the same thing – so I’m in good company (:
  
  Would be pleased to help you with your game and how you might play better.
  
  Cheers!
  
  Reply Report comment
Alex

Jun 30, 2015 at 9:03 am

This “comfort zone” theory seems to be true when you talk about amateur golf. I’m a lower single digit handicap so at my club I’m at the top of the pyramid. I feel ok about that. Could I play better? Yes, of course, but It’d imply working harder at my golf.

The bracket next to the top at my club always wants a more inclusive Club Championship. They say more players need to have a possibility to compete. That’s classic comfort zone. They don’t think “If I work harder I can reach the upper echelon”

In golf if you want to seriously improve you need to peel your ass off and you need to have goals to meet. Most amateurs don’t take lessons, they check on the internet for quick fixes, or they buy the magical club. That’s the path to failure.

It’s not necessary to be gifted to be an accomplished player. It’s all about attitude.

Reply Report comment
- John Haime
  
  Jun 30, 2015 at 4:06 pm
  
  Good points Alex. Yes, goals – defining them and the plan to reach them is a good step in expanding comfort zone.
  
  And yes, great point. Attitude is key.
  
  Cheers.
  
  Reply Report comment
other paul

Jun 28, 2015 at 10:47 pm

When ever i think that a hole is important I mess it up. I much prefer to write my score on a little piece of paper in my pocket and not actually read it. Then total it at the end.

Reply Report comment
May be typos

Jun 28, 2015 at 9:18 am

anyone can be great at golf,
They just need the right nail drill

Reply Report comment
- other paul
  
  Jun 28, 2015 at 10:44 pm
  
  Ha ha ha
  
  Reply Report comment
James Fairbank

Jun 28, 2015 at 7:34 am

The Yerkes-Dodson law is an outdated and simplified explanation of the anxiety/performance relationship. The notion of “stepping outside of your comfort zone” is not an original thought either, and has been replicated (I’m assuming unsourced) over and over on many different pop psychology blogs. I encourage anyone to google the phrases “comfort zone where the magic happens” or “your comfort zone real life” and notice the countless images that pop-up expressing these ideas to see what I’m talking about. I am curious to read more information and the expansion to the theory, which you offered in a comment above.

Reply Report comment
- John Haime
  
  Jun 29, 2015 at 1:55 pm
  
  Hi James,
  
  Thanks for the comments.
  
  As you know, there is only so much detail that can be included in a short article. The Yerkes Dodson experiment is a good illustration of the performance/anxiety relationship – and important because it was the initial structure for other work. Articles here are to inspire thought, consider the subject, consider how it might apply to you and create some action. My role here is to introduce, inspire further thought and give some potential solutions. I am hoping readers will consider the subject, see it is important and be inspired to learn more.
  
  Expansion of comfort zone is more relevant than stepping outside of a comfort zone. Everyone has a comfort zone – but expanding beyond the current state is the key.
  
  Please email me at john@newedgeperformance.org and happy to send you more detailed info related to this area.
  
  Thanks again James,
  
  John
  
  Reply Report comment
Alex

Jun 27, 2015 at 12:33 pm

Great article. It’s got me thinking…

Reply Report comment
4pillars

Jun 26, 2015 at 2:45 pm

The 1908 experiment By Yerks and Dobson was on mice,

Couldn’t you cone up with more relevant real data

Reply Report comment
- John Haime
  
  Jun 26, 2015 at 3:23 pm
  
  Thanks 4pillars.
  
  Yes, Yerkes/Dodson – two noted psychologists originally conducted the experiment on mice. It was to start the argument that stimulation up to certain levels increases performance – but stimulation above certain levels can cause decrease in performance. Directly related to comfort zone and finding your own space to expand you comfort zone. Based on this initial reseach – the introduction of the concept of “Optimal Anxiety” was introduced, many others have validated that this is indeed relevant in performance.
  
  The Yerkes/Dodson work points out the roots of the work – much expansion since then.
  
  Would be pleased to provide more info if required.
  
  The idea of comfort zone is a great topic and has been looked at closely in performance.
  
  The best to you,
  
  John
  
  Reply Report comment
  - John Haime
    
    Jun 26, 2015 at 3:36 pm
    
    One more quick note 4pillars – directly from Live Science …
    
    The reason rodents are used as models in medical testing is that their genetic, biological and behavior characteristics closely resemble those of humans, and many symptoms of human conditions can be replicated in mice and rats. “Rats and mice are mammals that share many processes with humans and are appropriate for use to answer many research questions,” said Jenny Haliski, a representative for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.
    
    Mice also make efficient research animals because their anatomy, physiology and genetics are well-understood by researchers, making it easier to tell what changes in the mice’s behaviors or characteristics are caused by.
    
    Reply Report comment
  - John Haime
    
    Jun 26, 2015 at 4:06 pm
    
    4Pillars – one more piece of info FYI – that might help … research often begins with mice to demonstrate ideas …
    
    A primary reason mice are used as models in medical testing is that their genetic, biological and behavior characteristics closely resemble those of humans, and many symptoms of human conditions can be replicated in mice and rats. “Rats and mice are mammals that share many processes with humans and are appropriate for use to answer many research questions,” said Jenny Haliski, a representative for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.
    
    Mice also make efficient research animals because their anatomy, physiology and genetics are well-understood by researchers, making it easier to tell what changes in the mice’s behaviors or characteristics are caused by.
    
    Reply Report comment
ca1879

Jun 26, 2015 at 10:00 am

Nice little fantasy, but most people play at the level that their talent and preparation allow. The reason you saw the same faces in the same groups year after year is dead obvious. They weren’t in their comfort zone, they were in their talent zone. All the pop psychology in the world isn’t going to turn a duffer into a club champion.

Reply Report comment
- MHendon
  
  Jun 26, 2015 at 11:00 am
  
  Not entirely true. I for one tend to start playing poorly when I have a few holes left and I’m a shot or two under par at that point. I’ll swear I’m not feeling the pressure but it happens almost every time. One of my best examples of that is a few years ago going into the 18th a par five at my home course I was 3 under thinking par ties my best, birdie gives me a new best. I ended up quadruple bogeying it. The crazy thing is the week before and the week after when it didn’t matter I eagled the hole.
  
  Reply Report comment
- John Haime
  
  Jun 26, 2015 at 11:30 am
  
  Hey CA,
  
  Thanks for the comment and perspective.
  
  FYI – shifting comfort zone is not a fantasy. I do this every day with leading athletes and we generate results and change levels.
  
  I agree that someone with limited physical talent can jump to a level of club champion – but, if patient, with the right process, they can significantly shift their ability level.
  
  I think your comment really highlights the roadblocks I highlight in the article. If you don’t think you can do it – you never will. The subconscious mind is incredibly powerful and what you feed into it – comes out the other side.
  
  Thanks again for adding to the conversation.
  
  Reply Report comment

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Instruction

How to play your best golf when the temperature drops

Published

3 months ago

Feb 3, 2026

Brendon Elliott

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!

Instruction

3 lessons from Brooks Koepka that’ll actually lower your score

Published

3 months ago

Feb 2, 2026

Brendon Elliott

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.

Instruction

What we can learn from Blades Brown’s impressive American Express performance

Published

3 months ago

Jan 29, 2026

Brendon Elliott

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.