Are you a player who is open to suggestions on how to fix your golf game? Do you try to improve your game through advice from other players? I will bet that every one of us has tried a tip or two from someone as they ‘observe’ our game. Although I do not think this is a bad thing (in a limited capacity), it is important to understand that not all suggestions are worth the paper they are written on. Why is that you may ask, well it all comes down to one thing: consider the source!

If you hit the internet, especially Youtube, there is an endless supply of videos offering ways to improve your game. Although many of the sources appear to legit, it is important to know that the source of the advice can be sketchy. I am not suggesting that there is no merit to the information, but what you do with that information becomes a challenge. Watching a video and then trying to emulate that information on the golf course can be extremely challenging and very few golfers have the ability to transfer what they say to a skill. Even I have challenges and I consider myself to be an above average player.

Interestingly, I do help other players improve their game. Most of the time, I can offer a small suggestion to improve their swing, but most of the time I focus on how to play golf. I feel my strengths (as a low single digit handicapper) are centered around course management instead of swing mechanics. I know this sounds albeit hypocritical, but I think I stay in my lane and do not overreach when trying to help my fellow golfer. So, I will continue to help players if they ask.

If this is the case, where do we go to gather and find that reliable source of information in order to improve our game. Well, first I would go to your local professional. More often than not, this is the best resource amateurs have readily available in order to improve their game. If that source is not sufficient enough, then I may suggest another avenue such as a more specialize golf trainer.

My friend, Andre Martel, is a great example of going to the next level. Andre is a TPI certified instructor living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (Find Andre’s link to his TPI page here) Andre a self-admitted golf nerd who has always been eager to learn new things about his favourite game! With all the time on my hands during the Covid19 pandemic, he decided to change the direction of his golf game. Being in his early 50’s with 40+ years experience, Andre spent time with golf-specific fitness, stretching and other aspects of golf and that led him to TPI. Therefore, if you are looking to reach your next level of your golf game, then someone such as Andre would surly help your achieve your goals.

My point for today is to understand where you are gathering your information. From a buddy or the internet is acceptable at the lowest level in order to improve your golf game. However, if you are looking for more, I recommend seeing your local professional or someone like Andre who are trained to offer golf advice. The choice is yours!

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