It's safe to assume that anyone playing the game of golf is interested in improving. Many golfers, however, don't have a clear picture of how to go about doing it. It's important to remember that no one measure or approach will transform your game. Rather, an array of facets of your game should be focused upon to get long-term improvement.
Equipment
Two of the things that you can do to improve your game revolve around your equipment. Teaching pro Michael Breed advocates getting a set of clubs to fit your unique physical characteristics and swing type. Playing with anything else, he reasons, is like running a race with the wrong-sized shoes. Additionally, it's important to your game to change your club's grips before they become dry and difficult to hold onto. Both club fitting and new grips can be found at many pro shops or golf specialty stores.
Mental Approach
Legendary golf teacher Harvey Penick points out that sharpening your focus and mental skills on the golf course will help you to save strokes during a round. He recommends developing a pre-shot routine -- a consistent series of steps used before hitting each shot to create familiarity and comfort. Such things as taking a full deep breath, 3/4 speed practice swings and club waggle help you prepare for every shot you take. Course management also helps you improve your game. Course management has to do with making the best, most realistic decisions about the shots you choose to play based upon your ability and what a miss will tend to leave you.
Get Fit
The website Play Golf America points out that there's a reason that PGA Tour and LPGA Tour pros devote considerable time to fitness off the golf course. The grind of 18 holes can wear you down before the end of a round, resulting in poor shots at the most inopportune moments. By increasing strength, flexibility and stamina, you give yourself a better chance to hit good shots from beginning to end in a round of golf.
Lessons and Practice
Harvey Penick also recommends that golfers consult a qualified teaching pro. It's not uncommon for people to practice things in their games that don't address their real needs. The trained eye of a golf professional will isolate on your weaknesses and give you a plan for improving. Once you do set to practicing, do so with purpose. Focus on one thing at a time in order to make real progress.
Long Irons and Hybrids
PGA professional Rick Martino suggests trading in your long irons for hybrids. He points out that with the low-spinning modern golf ball, long irons are harder than ever to hit effectively. Hybrids -- a cross between irons and woods -- make it far easier to get the ball up in the air and manage solid contact with regularity. Most touring pros even carry hybrids for the ease of play they provide.
Short Game
Harvey Penick reminds us that most of the shots you hit during a round of golf will come from 100 yards and in. That being the case, he strongly suggests that the bulk of your practice time be devoted to the clubs and shots that fall into that range. Pitching, chipping, putting and bunker practice is the quickest way to knock strokes off your handicap and move your game to the next level.
Have Fun
Penick also points out that at the end of the day, golf is a game. If you carry such anxiety and frustration about your game as to prevent enjoyment, something is wrong. It's easy to lose sight of this in determined pursuit of improvement. Consequently, make it a point to find the fun in practice and rounds of golf. Enjoy the good shots and putts and let go of the ones that tend to frustrate you.
Posted in: Golf