Part 1: A quick and realistic plan for lower scores
Setting targets is a good first step if you’re looking to improve your golf this year; next is putting together a plan to achieve them.
Targets should be realistic and achievable. For instance, can a 20 handicapper get to a 10 handicap in a season? Absolutely. But, to do so a golfer will have to devote time and effort, alongside regular lessons, to make such a big improvement. And they'll have to work on their games smartly.
Your plan for improvement should be realistic too
For 99.9% of golfers the game is a hobby, enjoyed when possible, but fitted around work, family and other interests. A keen club golfer may play 1 or 2 rounds a week, with maybe a trip to a range or practice area fitted in also. Is that enough time to make a good improvement? Yes, but the key is using time productively.
Maximising your golf time
So, your improvement plan must be focused. Start by thinking about your game; what’s good and what’s not so good? Then, where can you make the biggest improvement? And, importantly, where can you make the biggest improvement quickly and realistically?
Improving your game quickly and realistically
This is where I think a lot of golfers go wrong. They get caught up in trying to chase more distance or trying to emulate the swings of the players they see on the TV. They’re striving for something probably unrealistic, both physically and in terms of how much time they play and practice.
By contrast, here are 3 key areas where there’s nearly always scope for quick improvement;
1. Putting and all short game shots
2. Course management
3. Mental skills
Without doing anything else, simply focusing on improving these areas this season would make a big difference. And none of the above require any great physical prowess either.
I always enjoy helping golfers develop their short game techniques, because I know that with a little technical know-how (and very often that’s simply all it is), they’ll save shots straight away. And, making 3 putts a rarity, eliminating the miss hit chips and pitches, having confidence from bunkers- all that adds up to lower scores.
And, from the many on-course playing lessons I’ve given, I know that golfers can save shots simply by managing their games better and improving their mental skills, so: smarter shot selections, selecting the right club, thinking about strategy, how they handle different lies, what they choose to focus on, pre-shot routines, and so forth.
So, if you’re looking to lower your scores this season, but don’t have a lot of time to practice, then these 3 areas are likely to be a good place to focus your attention.
