Golf is a sport that relies heavily on repetition, as golfers are constantly striving to improve their performance and achieve better scores. Although it may seem that there is limited control on the course, there are certain actions one can take to maintain consistency and enhance their skills. With ample experience playing golf and the privilege of being around exceptional golfers, I have observed several patterns common among great golfers. Take a look at the following habits that can aid you in lowering your golf scores!
Get Professionally Fitted For Your Clubs
It is advisable to develop a routine of seeking a professional fitting when purchasing new golf clubs, even though it may be expensive. Opting for the right club fittings can improve your ball striking ability and ultimately lead to lower scores. I particularly suggest prioritizing putter fittings, as most novice golfers are unaware of their significance. Putting accounts for approximately a third of all strokes during a round, hence getting fitted for a putter can be a game-changer. I encourage you to get fitted for not only your putter but also other clubs, allowing you to sink more putts and enhance your overall consistency.
Playing The Same Golf Ball
Maintaining consistency in performance requires using the same golf ball throughout your play. While it may seem cost-effective to use any ball you find on the course, using the same ball can significantly impact your game. Leading golf companies spend millions of dollars to produce high-performance golf balls. Therefore, it is advisable to stick to a specific ball type or consider getting fitted for a ball that best suits your game and ball flight. Although it may come at an added expense, the investment can ultimately lead to improved consistency and overall performance.
Having A Pre-Shot Routine
In order to improve your golf game, it is imperative to establish a pre-shot routine. I developed mine many years ago, and it remains an essential part of my game to this day. Implementing a consistent routine can assist in keeping your mind and body relaxed and focused before taking your shot. This approach eliminates negative swing thoughts and allows you to concentrate on the task at hand. Experiment with different routines to determine what works best for you and your game, keeping it simple and easy to remember. Once you find a pre-shot routine that is effective, make it a habit to perform it before every shot.
Staying Positive
Adopting a positive and open mindset while on the golf course can yield more benefits than you might expect. Playing golf presents numerous challenges, and harboring negative thoughts only adds to the difficulty. A positive outlook can help you recover from bad shots and overcome mental errors. Remember, golf is a challenging game, and no one is perfect. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid being too hard on yourself. When talking to yourself on the course, ensure that you maintain a positive attitude and keep things lighthearted. After all, we are not competing for a green jacket, and positivity can enhance your overall performance.
Be Present
On the golf course, it’s common to get ahead of yourself and worry about what’s next. However, this approach is counterproductive, as you have no control over future events. Instead, concentrate solely on the shot at hand, as that is the only aspect of the game that you can control. After hitting the shot, forget about it and move on to the next one. The most critical shot in golf is always the next one, so it’s vital to stay present over the ball and avoid worrying about past mistakes. Don’t get too worked up over bad swings and shots, as you always have the opportunity to redeem yourself with the next shot.
Having A Strategy
All successful golfers have a plan or strategy for attacking the courses they play. Understanding the hazards and identifying areas where it’s okay to miss is crucial for achieving lower scores. It’s important to determine when to hit a driver and when it’s prudent to lay-up on a par-5 instead of going for it in two shots. Even top golfers and professionals don’t hit every shot perfectly or as intended, but they know where to leave the ball for an easy up and down to save par in case things go wrong. Develop a solid plan and stick to it, even when things don’t start out as intended. Knowing your strategy and remaining disciplined can help you achieve better outcomes on the golf course.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practicing more often than playing is a common trait among great golfers. The driving range is where you can work on technical swing drills and thoughts. Practice with a purpose and avoid just swinging away aimlessly. When you’re at the range, try to visualize playing a round of golf and execute those shots as if you were on the course. Experiment with different shots and aim at specific targets.
In addition, great golfers spend numerous hours on the putting and chipping greens, perfecting their short game. Since more than half of your strokes are taken around and on the greens, having a precise short game is essential for improving your scores. Find shots around the green that work for you and practice them before and after each round. Your short game can save you when everything else is not working, so arrive at the course 30 minutes early to practice putting and chipping before your round.
Set Goals
Establishing specific goals for yourself can help you improve your golf game. Instead of solely focusing on your overall score, set goals for things like making 8-10 pars during a round or completing 6 up-and-downs. These mini-challenges can make the game more enjoyable and help you shift your attention away from your scorecard. Next time you’re out on the course, try setting goals like hitting more fairways or greens in regulation. By changing your mindset and setting clear objectives, you’ll see your golf game flourish.
Be Adaptable
The ability to adapt quickly on the golf course is a common trait among great players who consistently shoot low scores. No two rounds of golf are the same, with changing weather and varying pin locations, providing a new challenge each time you tee it up. Top golfers can adjust rapidly to the conditions, find what works, and execute their shots accordingly. If they’re struggling with the driver, for example, they may switch to a 3-wood off the tee to keep the ball in play after a few holes. Adapting to the challenges of the course is crucial for improving your game and achieving lower scores.
Review Your Performance
Tracking your progress on the golf course and during practice is essential for improving your game. Consider keeping a record of your scores, fairways hit, greens in regulation, putts, and up and downs during each round. Analyzing this data can help you identify areas where you need to improve and track your progress over time. When practicing, keep track of your carry distances and take note of the shots you can make consistently. This information will help you to know what to focus your practice sessions on which will ultimately improve your skills. Make a habit of regularly reviewing your stats and data to stay aware of your strengths and weaknesses to continually help improve your game.