Many of us say we want to get better at golf, but actually committing to that notion is a whole other thing. To get good at golf, you have to make a plan — a plan with several different actionable steps that can help you achieve success. Here are 10 ways you can get better at golf.
1. Make Goals
As with all things in life, making goals is hugely beneficial. Start with one big goal — “I want to shoot under a 100 on 18 within the next year.” After that, start breaking down that huge, hulking goal into manageable steps. “I want to start taking one golf lesson a week,” or “I want to start going to the range twice a week.” Small goals like those can be great for your golf game.
2. Hit the Range
One of the best ways to improve your golf game is to attend the range regularly. Going to the range doesn’t just mean getting a small bucket and whacking your driver fifty straight times. No, this means really taking time to focus on the mechanics of your swing, slowing down and holding yourself accountable to each shot.
Pretend like you’re on the course and pick a specific target to aim at. Hold yourself to it. It can be all too easy to start hitting wildly on the range without any real target in mind. Though this may give us a sort of inflated sort of confidence about our swing, we’ll likely struggle when we get out on an actual course.
3. Get Fitted For Clubs
Most of us are probably playing with the wrong-sized golf clubs, and it may be hindering our game. If you can afford it, check out one of the local golf shops near you to get measured and fitted with the right set of clubs. This simple step can do wonders for your golf game.
4. Play New Courses
It’s tempting to play all the courses we’re familiar with. You probably know all the curves and bends of your local course, where the water is and the right club to use on each hole. Picking out a new course will force you to challenge yourself and in the process it will heighten your golf game.
5. Take Lessons
Throw your pride out of the way and take those lessons. Golf is a complicated, complex game, but with some help from a knowledgeable instructor, you can soon start to see improvements in your game. One of the most challenging aspects for golfers is that they don’t know what they’re doing wrong.
If you don’t pinpoint it, you can repeat the same issue for years — even decades! Take that lesson and you’ll be sure to start seeing advantages quickly.
6. Stretch
Flexibility is integral to the game of golf. With a great range of motion, you can improve the strength, accuracy and control of your swing. Some simple stretches each day will help you build that flexibility and make you more dangerous on the course.
7. Improve Your Endurance
Even if you’re using carts in most of your golf rounds, you’re still using full-body motions for each golf swing, activating your core, your upper body and your legs. You’ll be repeating this same swing for hours during a round. If your endurance is suffering, your golf swing will likely start to decline as the round progresses.
Improving your general endurance will allow you to get the most out of your rounds. If you do decide to walk it, you’ll be ready.
8. Create a Routine
Your golf round starts even before you hit off that first tee box. To get into a rhythm, try creating a routine for each round. This could involve a series of stretches before you even reach the course or a certain range routine to warm up your muscles.
Choose whatever routine you’d like and stick to it. It will give you some momentum going into a golf round and a certain level of comfort.
9. Make Full Golf Swings
Whatever you do, don’t start lacking on your golf swings. When you start moving from your golf swing, you start to develop bad habits that could potentially affect your game. Stick to your full golf swing with a full follow-through, and don’t resort to laziness if you start playing poorly. You can always work yourself out of a bad round by simply sticking to what you know works.
10. Get Out More Than Once a Week
Your routine Sunday golf round is better than nothing, but it probably won’t do much to help your game. To really get better at golf, you need to practice or play several times each week. This will help you get a good feel for your swing and build momentum on good rounds. Part of golf is simple muscle memory, and it takes a while to feel comfortable with your swing.
11. Keep Your Score
It’s fun to simply play golf. It can be a calming, wonderful time. You get to enjoy nature, get some exercise and play an age-old game. If you’re looking to improve, however, it’s essential to keep score during the round. Hold yourself accountable and set goals for what score you’re looking to target.
12. Find Your Handicap
Make sure you find your handicap. Everyone is at a different skill level, and the handicap helps you find your place among other players and on courses. It’s an essential step for taking your golf game seriously and working to improve.
7 thoughts on “How to Get Better at Golf”
Comments are closed.