My golf game is a series of good shots mixed with a bunch of bad shots and a whole slew of average shots. On any given day, ratio between all three changes. The result definitely affects my score, but that is the nature of my golf game. On the days where my poor (bad) strokes seem to creep up on the ‘oh please stop’ meter, I think I have found a couple of ways to stop or at a minimum reduce my increasing stroke count. They are not profound, but help me right my sinking ship.

The first step to understanding hour ball striking is the results of each shot. This potential failing is on a moveable scale depending on the quality of your game. For me, missing the green, at any time, from within 150 yards is considered a poor shot. When this happens a couple times in a few holes alarm bells start sounding off in my brain tell me that I need to focus on how to fix my poor shot making. In this case I would aim for the back center of the green. The extra club would facilitate a smoother swing with lots of distance to carry onto the green.

Another way to make my series of poor shots stop is to hit my two favourite clubs. The first is my 7 iron. As the best club in my bag I sometimes will loose the distance I want and replace it with solid ball striking. The second is my three hybrid. Surprisingly, this long club is simple to hit. Either of these clubs (if hit several times in a row) will help correct my round. Of course, depending on the number of holes left, it may not be sufficient enough to make a difference.

Lastly, if all else fails…..stop trying so hard. Just select the proper club for the shot and swing away without regard to the result. This ‘devil may care’ attitude works from time to time. I does not work as often as my 7 iron and 3 hybrid, however it is a plan of sorts. Mostly, I would use this process when I have about 3 holes left and my game is coming off the rails anyway. I am not opposed to grinding out the round, but sometimes it is okay to let the chips fall where they may.

Trying to stop poor ball striking is a challenge at the best of times. Without some sort of coping strategy the process seems overwhelming. My three strategies work of my game….most of the time. It is possible that they do not work at all during some rounds and if that is the case I live with the results. Regardless on how you approach fixing poor shots, I recommend you make it your own.

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