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Going from a 15 handicap to a single-digit will require shaving about 10 strokes from a typical round. Don’t panic. It can be done with a commitment to improving and setting specific goals. No matter where you are with your game, focusing on five areas — driving, putting, chipping/pitching, course management and putting it all to use — is the key to becoming a better golfer.  1. Driving: Develop a go-to shotWhether you’re a long, medium or short hitter, keeping the ball in play is paramount. It doesn’t matter if you hit a draw or a fade as long as you do it consistently. When you practice with your driver, focus on the shots that result from the most repeatable swings and do your best to emulate those. On the course, don’t focus on working the ball in different directions and hitting it different heights. Stick with your bread and butter to give yourself ideal scoring chances.  2. Putting: Master the short onesThe fastest way to improve your putting is to become good from inside 10 feet. Start by becoming an expert on 3- and 4-foot putts and gradually work your way back on the practice green. Every time you practice, try to break your record for most made putts in a row from various distances. Creating some competition, especially with yourself, is good for your focus. Here are a couple of great drills: The first is simple: How many 3-footers can you make in a row? Establish a personal best and try to break it every time you practice. The second is to putt 50 or 100 3-footers and keep track of how many you make. Your goal is to make at least 90 percent of them, because if you can stand over a putt and know you have at least a 90 percent chance of holing it, the stroke is a little easier. 3. Chipping/pitching: Let it roll Some situations call for the ball to spin quickly, but there isn’t any guarantee that it will. Thus, plan for roll on every wedge shot. Regardless of the club, pick a spot on the green where you want the ball to land before it rolls toward the cup.  There’s no need to get fancy. Mastering these three types of common chips will help you immensely: • The chip shot that rolls farther than it flies (left). Use a pitching wedge or even an 8- or 9-iron, pick a landing spot and let the ball roll to the hole. Remember, nothing rolls like a ball. • The 50-50, which flies and rolls about the same distance (middle). Use a gap wedge or pitching wedge. While there is a technical difference between a chip and a pitch, you can employ the same method to hit all of these shots. • A short pitch that flies further than it rolls (right). Again, pick a landing spot and plan for some roll. Hit this one with your most lofted wedge and maybe even open the blade a little to increase loft. 4. Course management: Three simple rules • Take advantage of any opportunities the course gives you and minimize the damage when there are challenges, because a bogey is a good score in some instances. • Getting out of trouble is the top priority. As you analyze a situation, ask yourself if you have the ability to hit the shot you want. If you can do so seven or eight times out of 10, go ahead and do it. If you can’t, play more conservatively. • Always give yourself a chance. Think like the football team that’s trying to stay close in the fourth quarter. Having a chance is much better for your emotional state than taking yourself out of the game. Plus, if you’ve improved your short game and putting, you’ll always have a chance to post a solid score. 5. Putting it all to use: Other points of emphasis • Have a purpose every time you hit the ball, whether on the range or the course. This will help improve your focus and concentration. Don’t rush through range sessions, and on the course focus on visualizing your desired result. • Set up schedules for practice and competition. Try to set up a realistic but targeted practice schedule, and be sure to impose limits on specific areas. For example, when you work on your chipping, set a limit on time or the number of chips. This will allow you to achieve some success even if you haven’t perfected your technique. Doing this over and over will help you achieve your ultimate goal. Success breeds success, so make your practice sessions successful. • One thing that makes working on your game easier is competing in tournaments. This is important for three reasons: it helps you focus on practice and preparation; it creates some excitement; and it allows you to measure how successful your practice has been. • Play with better players, because this will force you to play better. You could even try a friendly game against a better player without using your handicap strokes. |
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Tom, what are your fees for lessons? I have heard your name from a few good players. Lookng to improve on what I currently have.
| Comment at 8/13/2010 |
took 2 series of lessons from Tom when he was head pro at Yorba Linda C.C. At the time I was a 6 handicap, and 45 years old. I am now 66 and a 2 handicap. I think Tom's principles of golf are a major reason I am still a pretty fair player.
| Comment at 7/19/2011 |
TOM, MANY THANKS FOR THE CHECK!! BILL
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