How to Golf Better Without Changing Your Golf Swing
Every time you start looking into how to golf better, the first tip you'll see will be to change your swing. But is that the be-all-and-end-all of golf?
Well, not really. Though great technique will help you lower your score, there are plenty of other factors that come into play as well. As long as you know how to use what you do have, you can still improve your game.
Want to get better at golf without having to master your swing? Here are some tips that will help you play smarter and more efficiently!
Use Your Favorite Club
From time to time, every golfer struggles with contact. And when you're not hitting the ball well, it can wreak havoc on your confidence. The solution: go back to your favorite club for most shots, from the tee to the green.
Think about it this way: why do you have a favorite club? Chances are, it's because it feels good in your hands and allows you to hit consistent shots. If things are going south, use the old faithful to restore balance.
Take Advantage of the Wind
Windy conditions can be a key factor in your ball curving more than you'd like. To avoid that, tee off on the side opposite to the wind. For instance, if the wind is going left to right, tee off on the far left side of the tee box.
If you're struggling to remember this rule, always check the flag first. If the flag is on the left side of the pin, tee off from the left side. This is particularly important on short holes like par 3's and par 4's.
Take Advantage of Technology
There's a lot of great tech out there that can improve your game. Using a rangefinder, in particular, can be a big advantage. These tools show you yardage to various targets, making it easier to manage the course.
Technology also allows you to receive professional coaching from anywhere. Through video conferencing, it will feel like your coach is right next to your side, even if they're half a world away.
Keep Things Simple
If you always use your highest-lofted club, your scores could go out of control fast. To prevent that, give yourself as much room for error as you can. The best way to do that is to follow a simple shot selection chart.
First, putt whenever you can. If you can't putt, chip with whatever club will allow you to hit with a small stroke and control your airtime. Pitching involves a large swinging motion, so only use it as a last resort.
Calibrate Your Clubs
These days, many golfers carry four or more wedges in their bags. With so many options, it can be hard to choose the right club for a short-game shot. The solution: calibrate your wedges to gain more distance control.
To calibrate each club, hit five balls to a specific target and record the results. Average the yardage, then write it down on the shaft of the club. That way, you'll have a decent idea of when to use each club.
Have a High-Bounce Wedge
Speaking of wedges, there are plenty of sand wedges with a high amount of bounce. A wedge like that can help you avoid minor mistakes like closing the club face at impact. As such, it's a great choice for bunker shots.
Now, in general, you should aim to reduce mistakes as much as possible. The more swing consistency you have, the easier it is to make shots. Still, when you do make a mistake, a high-bounce wedge can minimize its effects.
Move the Flag Mentally
With most shots, there's no reason to see the flag as your target. Instead, look for the worst trouble around the green and pick a shot that won't land there. Then, move the flag in your mind to your preferred spot.
For example, if you're fading the ball, move the flag to the left of the green. Aim there, and your fade will drop you in the middle. If your shot doesn't fade, you should still be in a solid putting position.
Know When to Settle
When you practice golf, trying to make "hero" shots can be a lot of fun. In a real game, this will often be the last thing you want to do. Golf is all about playing safe, particularly if you don't have a consistent golf swing.
If you find yourself "needing" a big shot to save your score, it's often smarter to take your medicine instead. Play your ball into an easier spot to set up your next shot, and you'll likely live to fight another hole.
Stay Positive
Some golfers tend to react badly when they hit a bad shot. If it happens several times in a row, they'll often self-destruct for the day. To prevent this from happening to you, learn how to manage adversity calmly.
Like most things in golf, this is something that requires practice. One thing that can help is telling yourself that not every shot can be perfect. As long as you're realistic about your odds, you'll be able to enjoy the game more.
Use Your Handicap
Looking for another way to keep expectations in check? Use your handicap to bump up the par on all holes where you get a stroke. If your handicap is 18, for example, par 4's become 5's, par 5's become 6's, and so on.
What this does is help you approach tee shots as the first step in a longer process. With more shots, you can make smarter choices off the tee. Then, if you make a "real" par, you'll play better than your handicap.
Now You Know How to Golf Better
As the adage goes, golf is as much a mental game as it is physical. Even if you're struggling to improve your swing, your overall game doesn't have to suffer for it. The above tips will help you learn how to golf better!
Looking to put what you've learned into practice? Look no further than Panther Run, a premier golf course in Ave Maria, FL! Contact us here to book a tee time or learn more about our Panther Pass!