Last Updated on September 9, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
As golfers, we often hear about the habits we should avoid in our quest for improvement. But not all “bad” habits are as harmful as they seem. In fact, some of them can actually help your game if applied correctly. Let’s look at five habits that you might want to embrace despite what conventional wisdom says.
Being Aggressive and Going After the Ball
Golfers are often told to be cautious and avoid an overly aggressive swing. This concept is said to help prevent mistakes and keep golf shots straighter.
However, being aggressive and going after the ball helps to build speed and confidence. You are also more likely to compress your golf shot when you go after the ball.
As important as accuracy is in the golf game, hitting an 8-iron into the green is much different than hitting a 6-iron into the green.
Using the Same Club for Multiple Shots
You have four wedges in your golf bag, but every time you have a shorter shot, you choose your sand wedge. Sometimes, this likely hurts your game, but having confidence in your ability to hit your sand wedge is just as important as working on variety in golf shots.
If your sand wedge gets you close, keep using it.
Just be smart about times when a lower bump and run-type shot could help reduce some risk in a golf shot.
Playing Quickly
I’m a fast golfer so I can relate to this one. Playing golf quickly can lead to rushing your shots and that is why it’s considered a mistake.
However, learning to play fast may be a way to stop analyzing parts of your game that become too complicated. Some golfers get paralyzed by swing thoughts, and playing a little quicker helps to reduce this.
The only time being a fast player is going to hurt you is if you are skipping your pre-shot routine. You may also struggle on a busy Saturday if you get behind a terribly slow group.
The bottom line here is don’t let people tell you that you are rushing if you feel good about your pace of play.
Taking a Shorter Backswing
A shorter backswing is thought to give golfers less power and, therefore, shots that don’t travel far enough. However, sometimes, a shorter backswing can provide better control and accuracy.
With this combination of control and accuracy, there’s a chance you may hit your shot closer to the center of the face. This solid contact actually creates a shot that travels further.
Focus on making clean contact and it really doesn’t matter all that much if you don’t take the club back all the way.
Experiment with different backswing lengths and see if you can hit shots with more precision.
Playing with a Fade (Even If It’s Not Intentional)
Many amateur golfers play with a fade because they have a hard time squaring the club at impact. The fade is typically a weaker shot that finishes a few yards right of the target. However, it does stop quickly after it lands.
If this is your natural shot, go ahead and play it.
Certainly, learning how to hit a draw will help, but the fade should not always be considered a negative golf shot. Embracing your natural shot shape instead of fighting it may help you improve your consistency.
Who should say a habit is bad unless it costs you strokes on the course? Don’t eliminate all your bad habits if some can be tweaked slightly to make you a better player.
