golf advice

Do you have the ability to score in golf?

This question has many dimensions. Each player will have a different answer on which aspect of golf is important enough to enable them to consistently score lower. This question has nothing to do with establishing a handicap or periodically having a great round. No, this is not course management either; although course management is extremely important! The question focuses on consistently identifying moments in a round where strokes can be saved.

How exactly does an amateur golfer excel at identifying these important moments? To understand the ability to score, answer the following questions:

When looking at a shot from the middle of fairway, do you examine all your options?
When in the rough, do you look at the grain of the grass before selecting a club?
When just off the green, do you use different wedges depending on the slope of the green?
When on the tee, do you visualize how to play the entire hole?
When on the green, do you understand the importance of a lag putt?
On your approach shot, do you focus on more than just yardage before club selection?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you have the ability to score in golf. The mental aspect of the game is equally, if not more important than being able to hit the ball a country mile. Focused attention to the finer points of playing golf will definitely lower your score.

If you’re wondering how to gain this skill, well it starts by asking the above questions. This was not an all-inclusive list, but the start of the many finer points that élite golfers pay attention to while walking the links.

So, I ask again; Do you have the ability to score in golf?

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

Generating more power in your golf swing usually equates to greater distance. And who wouldn’t want more distance off the tee and fairway. Would increasing your distance off the tee by 10-20 yards make that much difference in your game. Most golfers would yell a resounding YES! Unfortunately, most amateurs do not have the skill to just change their swing and generate that extra power needed to move to the next level.

After a quick search, answering the question – how to generate more power in your golf swing – may not be as easy as it seems. There are many reasons for not generating power in your golf swing and Professional golfer Micheal Campbell outlines six possible reasons:

Reverse Pivot
Sway or Sliding
Early Turn
Over Turn
Collapsing at the Top
Rolling Arms

If you are novice player, you are saying okay….but…..how do I tell if any of these reasons apply to me? These six points are very important and he provides solutions that make sense. I am sure there are other reasons, but to list everything that can possibly go wrong is not really helpful for the weekend looper.

So, where do we start? What exactly are we doing wrong? How do we know if it is helping? Where do I find the answers? These are all great questions.

The first step is to set a goal. Through the winter, I traditionally set three. The first for this year is to focus on generating more power to consistently gain 20 yards off the tee.

Second step is to do the research. Reading golf blogs like Hitting It Solid by Troy Vayanos or All About Golf by Brian Penn, provides an endless supply advice on a wide variety of topics. Personally, I find this very helpful. I enjoy reading and trying new tips, skills and ideas to improve my swing.

Last step is to use your newly learned skills on the range. In my case that will be next March! Unfortunately, an eight-month golfing season is the price you pay for living in an awesome country like Canada. Regardless, using the skills is a vital step to improving your game.

One last point, if you do not know where to turn, try taking lessons from a pro. It definitely provides a positive environment with a knowledgeable instructor that will improve your game. Going to PGA members like Rick Williams at mindbodygolf.com may be the best investment you make in a while!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links….in four months!