Tips For Lowering Your Scores

In golf, the ultimate aim is to improve one’s scores, and every player strives to achieve their personal best with each game. However, most golfers often fall short of their potential. But worry not, as I have been the “on the course crash dummy” for a significant portion of my life, and I have acquired various tips and tricks that you can incorporate into your gameplay today to help you unlock your full potential!

1. Know Your Game

One of the remarkable aspects of golf is that there is no single right or wrong way to play the game. This unique quality allows players to utilize various methods to achieve their desired outcomes. It is crucial to play to your strengths and not fall into the trap of playing to your opponent’s level, which can result in poor performance. Ultimately, no one is concerned about your golf game, as everyone is focused on their own game. Trying to execute shots that are not part of your skill set will not result in lower scores. Instead, it’s crucial to know your strengths and utilize them to your advantage, disregarding everyone else’s abilities. Impress others with your final score, not the individual shots you hit. It’s essential to remember that the scorecard contains no pictures, and nobody cares about how you got the ball in the hole; the only thing that matters is the number of strokes taken.

2. Have A Stock/ Go To Shot In Your Bag

Golf is an incredibly challenging game, with multiple obstacles to overcome on the course. Therefore, it’s essential not to make it harder for yourself. Developing a go-to shot that you can rely on is crucial to improving your scores. For instance, having a reliable 4 iron or a trustworthy hybrid in your arsenal can come in handy when struggling to hit a fairway with your driver or when facing a tricky tee shot with hazards on both sides. Knowing that you have a club that will deliver the results you desire is music to any golfer’s ears. Therefore, it’s recommended to visit the range and identify your go-to shot, so you can confidently use it when it matters the most.

3. Know Your Yardages

Golf is a game that heavily relies on distance, and it’s crucial to understand how far you can hit each club. However, what matters most is your carry distance, as it’s the only number you can genuinely rely on. Once the ball leaves the clubface, you are no longer in control, which makes knowing your carry distance all the more crucial. To get this number dialed in, it’s advisable to visit a trackman or simulator room to accurately measure your yardages. Understanding your yardages will boost your confidence when dealing with hazards and ultimately help you get closer to the pin.

4. Practice Your Short Game

When was the last time you devoted some time to practicing your putting and chipping before a round? It’s common for golfers to rush to the first tee after hitting a few drives at the range, only to wonder why their scores didn’t match their expectations at the end of the round. However, more than half of your shots are taken from 150 yards and in, with most of them being on or around the green. Therefore, practicing your putting and chipping skills will allow you to get a feel for the green speeds and conditions of the day. This will help you understand how your chips will run out and the speed of your putts. Additionally, it will help you get into a rhythm, which is crucial for consistent putting. Once you have your tempo in check, you can expect to land those chips closer and watch your putts drop, ultimately resulting in lower scores.

5. Don’t Try And Fix Your Swing On The Course

When you ask skilled golfers about their thoughts on the course, they will often tell you that they don’t think about anything in particular. While they may have a single swing thought in mind when hitting a shot, that’s typically all they focus on. The golf course isn’t the time to fix your swing; that’s what the driving range is for. Instead, during your round, simply focus on getting the ball in the hole in the fewest number of strokes possible. Leave swing mechanics for the range, where they are better addressed.

6. Commit To Each Shot

Doubting yourself on the golf course is a surefire way to run into trouble. Instead, decide on the shot you want to hit before you approach the ball, and then commit to it. Whether you’re aiming for a layup, a shot to the middle of the green, or an aggressive attempt at the pin, choose your strategy and stick with it. Hesitating or second-guessing yourself while standing over the ball will only lead to mishits, lost balls, and frustration. Focus on making smart club selections and then confidently execute the shots you have planned.

7. Take Your Medicine

To avoid compounding your troubles on the golf course, it’s crucial to prioritize quick escapes when you find yourself in a tight spot. Resist the temptation to play hero shots that have a low success rate and can often lead to more trouble. Whether you’re in the trees, fescue, or a bunker, your best bet is to punch out or get out of the hazard and back in play, giving yourself a realistic chance at saving par. While bogeys are manageable, big numbers can be devastating to your scorecard. So, take your medicine and eliminate those high numbers by making smart decisions when you’re in trouble.

8. Have Fun!

Remember to have fun when you’re out on the course. It may sound like a cliche, but it’s true. Getting frustrated or angry won’t help you play better, and you need to be focused and clear-headed to do your best. Don’t worry too much about your score, just swing freely and enjoy the experience of playing golf. After all, that’s what it’s all about.