After years of writing a golf blog, I have come to realize that most players do not have the time or inclination to practice their golf game. Many do not have the time and that is just part of life. Others find it boring and would rather accept the results when they play. Regardless of where you stand on the topic, Rick Shiels suggests there are a few things that you can do that will improve your game without hitting the range. Is this really possible? Well, lets find out!

If you lucky enough to play golf once a week, the likelihood of drastically improving your game are slim. Yes, you can lower your score from time to time and that is always a good thing. The video below offers suggestions on how you can gain a few strokes a round to lower your golf score. They are simple and easy to replicate, hence it might be worth a look:

After watching the short video, each of his seven suggestions have merit. The three that I like the most will have a direct impact on your score because the tips focus on simple habits that you can change to improve your overall score.

First is to watch the ball until it comes rest. I cannot impress upon you the importance of this skill. I play golf with anyone and many beginners fail to watch were their ball finishes. Good or bad shot, they are picking up their tee or divot long before their ball comes to rest. Then the ask the annoying question of “did you see where my ball went?” Talk about a frustrating time for their playing partners. If you are a golfer, it it is important that you always watch were your ball finishes so you can find it and save those couple of strokes for a lost ball.

Second would be to clean your equipment after each shot. A dirty club face will prevent consistent contact with the ball. Debry can cause improper spin on the ball, knock your ball off line, or reduce the distance your ball can travel. I do not understand why players do not clean their clubs, but it is a definite no-no. If you do not have a cleaning brush or a small retractable brush in your pocket, I recommend you get one. I is inexpensive and will save you stokes in the long run.

Lastly, watch your opponents putt on the green. You should be paying special attention if your line to the hole is similar to yours, but even if it is not. You can glean a great deal of information from their putt even if you do not thinks it is likely you will. Things to look for are speed of the greens, how the ball is rolling (flat or bumpy) and which way your opponents ball falls at the hole (it will tell you the break). All of these things will help you judge your line and speed of your putt. It is something simple that will help lower your score.

Playing better golf without practice is possible. Adopting the seven tips from Rick Shiels is a great place to start. Not everyone has the time or inclination to practice their golf game. Only you can determine your golfing journey and making minor changes to your game might be possible in order to garner some positive results. All you need to do is decide which path you want to follow.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!