Over the past summer, I have started to get back into the game of golf. After a few solid rounds that reminded me of a former dream, I got the itch to jump back into the sport. I was getting in 18 each week at first, then two rounds; while the kiddo and lady slept, I hit the range before the sun was able to dry the morning dew. I practiced putts in the living room and chipped in the backyard whenever I had time, but my performance did not see the changes that I was expecting. I focused a ton of energy and time on the game, yet it still was not translating. It wasn’t until I read a few books around the game that I began using my time better.
After all the time spent and books read, I ended up with three things that I took away from it all. There are simple but effective.
1. Understand Swing Mechanics
Possibly the best piece of advice I can give any golfer. Stop looking for “Perfect Swing”; it doesn’t exist. Look back at all the swings in the PGA Hall Of Fame, some are similar, and others are anything but your “Textbook Swing.” Instead, do some actual research and challenge yourself to understand what is supposed to occur during the swing, not how it is supposed to look.
If you take the time to understand all the swing components, you will get better. It is inevitable.
Take the time to break down your grip, posture, how your hands and arms begin your backswing, and how you rotate your hips and shoulders through the process. All of the pieces go into the final product of your swing, be sure that you are performing each one correctly. I can’t tell you how many times I stood in my living room with a 9-iron doing 3/4 swings working on my hip rotation. Understanding how the swing mechanics work is crucial and will deliver almost instant results the next time you are on the course.
2. Eliminate Hazards From Your Play
While this may seem like a tall order for some, it’s pretty easy once you wrap your mind around the process. Keeping your ball out of tough lies allows you to move the ball around the course much more freedom and, in turn, builds your confidence. I played two rounds this year before I started tracking each shot. In those two rounds, I vowed to focus on course management each time I played to give myself the best chance to break the milestones I wanted.
To give an example of how this approach can change your game, I can highlight a stat around one specific hazard; sand traps. Through the 2021 season, I recorded my strikes for 26 fulls rounds. From that data, I was able to see a fantastic stat, in my opinion. Through the 97 hours I had spent on the course this past year, I was only in the sand for an astonishing eight swings.
How did I accomplish something like this? I emphasized hitting past bunkers or short of bunkers. Chipping or pitching from around the green is far better than trying to get out of a sand trap and keeping it close. I know very well that my play from the sand is anything but stellar, so each time I line up a shot to the green, I am sure to check all the yardages for what I call safe areas. For me, a safe area is anywhere within 30 to 40 feet from the pin with green leading to the hole. Something that I can grab a wedge or high iron and have a chance to leave the ball in one-putt range.
3. Be Fully Committed To Your Shot
When stepping up to the ball, if there is any doubt about your shot, you have chosen wrong. You must be comfortable with your skillset. Do not try to extend yourself by attempting shots that are not in your wheelhouse. Be honest with your assessment and step up to the ball with confidence and clarity. Know what you are looking to accomplish, and more importantly, know that you can achieve it.
These three tasks lowered my score on a very consistent trend. Starting the year averaging around 100 on the scorecard to knocking on the door to break 80 is owed entirely to mental changes and focuses I put in place early. The craziest part about all of it is the simplicity. Focus on how the swing operates instead of trying to match your favorite pro. Focus on dodging hazards instead of hitting a once-in-a-round shot that splits the bunkers and runs onto the green. Focus on your commitment and confidence in the swing and approach you are about to make.
I wish you all the best of luck the next time you hit the course, and I hope that my experiences can help you in any way!
