All golf enthusiasts know that they are never done perfecting their drives, putts, chips or any other swing in their game. Here are eight tips to lower your scores and improve your golf game.
1. Set Goals
If you want to improve your golf game, the first thing you should do is set goals for yourself – both short term and long term.This will help you pinpoint exactly what parts of your game you want to work on.
Take the time to write down specific, measurable goals. No missed fairways off the tee, hit 80% of greens in regulation, only two three-putt holes per round, break 90, 85 and 80. Overtime, you will be able to look back at them and see just how far you’ve come.
2. Get Fitted
Having the proper equipment can significantly impact your game. Maybe you need a stiffer shaft, more loft on your wedges, or softer golf ball to help stick approach shots on firmer greens. Getting fitted for proper golf clubs and balls can enhance your swing.
Take advantage of what your home club has to offer. Many of the top equipment companies provide demo days for their members, and their staff can help you discover all the amazing advancements in golf equipment technology. Keep in mind significant technology improvements in equipment usually only happen after a five year period.
If you visit a professional fitter, you will discuss your different swings, unique playing style, and get measured to determine the right golf clubs for you. Oftentimes, this simple fix can make even your most challenging shots a bit easier. It may even take a few strokes off your score!
3. Experiment with your swing
Many times, golfers get so caught up in a single approach trying to perfect their swing that they forget to try other techniques. Don’t be afraid to try something new with some of your golf shots, and consider scheduling a lesson with a golf professional at your club. A simple adjustment on how you bring the club back (your takeaway) can significantly improve distance and accuracy. Ultimately, making slight tweaks to your current swing may feel more comfortable and improve your overall game in the end (even if it feels a bit awkward at first).
4. Swing more
Ben Hogan once said, “The secret is in the dirt.” So what did golf’s all-time ball striker mean? Simple… practice, practice, and more practice. With golf, you can do this by trying new drills that focus on increasing the number of shots you take. A great drill to try is “the worst ball drill.” Here, you set up a scenario, hit two balls, and play the next stroke from the “worst” one.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to find time to make it out to the golf course or driving range as often as the game demands. When this is the case, do your best to practice your swing at home. Find an open area and take 100 practice swings a day. Not only will this improve your technique, but it will also make you stronger and improve your overall endurance.
Many of the top professionals in the game use a heavy weighted club when warming up, which helps their flexibility, thus providing the body with more torque during the downswing.
5. Focus on Fitness
By the time you make it to the 18th hole, you may become fatigued, causing your golf swing to fall apart. In order to prevent this, it is crucial to work on your fitness outside of the golf course. One way to start is by simply walking more. This can increase your level of endurance, not to mention the added health benefits you’ll see off the course.
Building strength should be another area of focus. This will add power to your drive, improve accuracy, and allow your body to have more stamina towards the end of your round. Power from your legs and core are vital to your golf swing. Check out these exercises from Golf Digest to help get you started.
Lastly, don’t forget about the importance of stretching, specifically your hamstrings. In golf, this muscle plays a vital role in your swing. If not stretched properly, it can lead to a serious back injury –– keeping you from enjoying the game you love.
6. Create a Routine
Golf is a sport that requires a great deal of discipline and is very much a mental game. You may have already noticed that many of the top golfers in the world have a routine that they follow before every shot. If you want to improve your golf game, you may want to consider creating a routine for yourself to build that muscle memory. This can help you develop discipline in all areas of your game, and help your mind relax during a critical shot.
Be sure to follow this routine with every shot, whether it be at home, on the range or in practice games. Then, when the time comes to compete, you will have the confidence in your ability, even if you feel nerves start to creep in.
7. Hold your pose after every shot
The way you finish your golf swing can tell you a lot about your technique. In a proper finish position you should feel balanced, your belt buckle should be facing the target, and your back heel should be completely off the ground. After hitting the ball, hold the pose and check for these three indicators of a skillful swing. Follow-through and do not decelerate your swing before or after striking the ball. Move your hips! Be sure to add this tip to your routine and watch how your ball striking improves over time!
8. Play more practice rounds
It may sound like a no brainer, but if you want to improve your golf game, you’re going to have to play more practice rounds. No amount of time on the driving range can replicate the mental and physical experience of playing a competitive round of golf. Plus, during your round you are often hitting off of a sloping surface more akin to playing in a tournament, rather than the comforts of a flat driving range. After you play, take some time to reflect on what you did well and areas of improvement. Write down your missed shots and opportunities. This can help you come up with a plan that focuses on the parts of your game that need additional work.