Look I get it, lowering your handicap may seem like it’ll take forever or not even possible. But trust me when I say you can lower your handicap, have more fun, and take your friend’s money!
I’ve compiled a list of 10 useful tips to help your lower your handicap!
1. Tee it forward
First up on the list is something that not a lot of people want to do. But if you ever want to get better at golf you have to swallow your pride. Now moving forward a few tees doesn’t have to be permanent but it will help you improve your score.
The main reason you’ll want to move forward a few tees is this will force you to keep the big stick in the bag. Statistically, you lose the most amount of shots with the driver. By keeping the big stick in the bag you’ll be forced to use your 3 wood or an iron off the tee and this will allow you keep the ball in play.
2. Sharpen Your Short Game
While hitting the ball far is great and all there’s a saying, “drive for show, putt for dough”. And this is very true. If you want to get better at the game you’ll need to practice 100 yards and in. Figure out what your 100, 75, 50, and 25 yard clubs are. Practice different flights so you can hit into the wind or with the wind.
Around the green is where you’ll pick up the most shots. Practice your pitching and chipping getting your shots as close to the hole as possible. This will help you save those elusive pars and erase double and triple bogeys. One tip I’ll say is to keep a light grip around the green and try to feel the club.
The next thing you need to work on is…putting. Now if you’re not a good putter, just know that you can become one with a little practice and some fundamental tips. The thing I always try to remember is, “What would Tiger do?” And guess what you can find it in his book “How I play Golf”. Things to keep in mind is that you’ll want to have light hands. Think like your holding a baby bird. Keep your grip pressure light. Now I like to see the target, by keeping your eyes on top of the ball allows you to see the target line.
If you take only one tip from this article you’ll want to practice your short game.
3. Mind over matter
The third tip I’ll cover isn’t related to swinging a golf club. That is the few inches between your ears. Whenever you watch a golf tournament on tv do you notice how the pros don’t get too excited when they drain a big putt or too depressed when they miss a crucial shot. It’s because they understand that to play high level golf you need a level head. Now I’m not expecting you to be perfect (not even the pros are perfect). However, what I want to understand that golf is just a game. The way you play or the score you record doesn’t correlate to what type of human you are. And that goes both ways. Playing well doesn’t mean your a better person than someone who plays poorly. However, keeping a level head can help you score better.
Also golf is a long game (sometimes it can take 6 hours). Staying in the zone for 6 hours is almost impossible – unless your name is Tiger Woods. Take your mind off te game in between shots, catch up with your playing partners, or eat a sandwich.
4. Hit the Range
During the offseason – up here in the PNW the offseason can be 3-4 months. When it’s the offseason up here I try to go to the range and just swing the club about once or twice a week. Golf takes time to get good at, but you need to get the reps in – go to the range.
Here is my range practice routine.
5. Tune Up Your Equipment
Now this tip I’m not too much a fan of. Golf is expensive. Tee times, clothing, and yes equipment. This may only apply to people who have clubs that are 10+ years old. If your in this category I’d think about upgrading your clubs. There are ways to keep the costs down like shopping second hand on eBay or Marketplace. If you are going this route the next tip will be crucial.
6. Get Fitted
If you’re serious about getting better at golf you need to get fitted. Now you don’t need to get the top of the line golf shafts but what you need to understand is that everyone’s body is different. Different arm lengths, different heights, different swing speeds. Getting fitted will give you the best chance to shoot the lowest scores you can.
7. Play a variety of courses
This tip will help you get exposed to different course architecture. Playing different courses allows you to see the game in different ways. For instance up here in Oregon and Washington we have so many courses to choose from. From Bandon Dunes (the mecca) to Chambers Bay to city courses like West Moreland golf course. Getting exposed to a variety of courses will one help you determine what type of courses you like it also helps you develop different part of your game.
8. Fitness, fitness, fitness
This can help more than just golf. Getting into shape will work wonders not matter if you’re riding or walking. Working on your fitness will help you hit the ball further and more consistently.
9. Develop a consistent game
Developing a consistent game may seem like you just need to play more and your not wrong. Playing more golf will help you develop a consistent game. However, you can practice consistently too (which is free). Try to swing a club everyday in the garage or living room. Practice the motion, visualize the shot, and see the ball going in the hole.
10. Get a Coach
This one might be difficult for those who can’t afford to get a golf coach. But trust me when I say getting a golf coach can slash years of bad golf. My tip would be to find a PGA trusted golf coach in your local area and see if they offer a free consultation. Ask questions, establish goals, and really take it serious.
There’s a lot that goes into getting better at golf. These tips alone won’t lower your golf scores and handicap but it’ll definitely help.
