Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Average golfers are the first to complain about their game. They say they can’t believe they shot 97 again and felt like they were getting closer to being a better player. They are shocked when they three-putt and are the first to toss a club when it takes three swings to get out of the bunker. Yet, average golfers typically make the same mistakes that cause them never to get better. If you are tired of the fact that you never get better at golf, here are the
Ineffective Driving Range Practice
How effective is your driving range practice?
I know you go to the range for a few hours a month, but are you working on improving your skills or mindlessly hitting balls without purpose?
It’s important to take a more structured approach to driving range practice. Bring your rangefinder and work on distance control, course management, and visualization.
Having a list of go-to drills you can work on (typically simple things with an alignment stick) is another great way to get better. Incorporate these drills, track your rounds and your progress, and you’ll see them have a bigger impact on your score.
Lack of Time
It takes time to be a great golfer. Even those players who can shoot low with only practicing an hour a week likely put in a lot more time at one point to lower their scores.
Golf takes time.
If you cannot extend a day, there are a few things you can do to maximize your practice time.
The first and most important is to start tracking your rounds. You’ll be surprised by what you learn about your strengths and weaknesses.
Make sure you focus on short game practice, golf fitness, and other high-impact areas of your game.
If you are three-putting, spend your practice time on the greens.
In addition, see if there are any at-home stretches, exercises, or even short game and putting practice that you can add in. Even if it’s just a few minutes each day, the time will add up and make a difference.
Ignoring the Fundamentals
For some reason, many amateur golfers think they are above the fundamentals of the game. If you want to get better, revisit the fundamentals of the game on a regular basis.
Take some lessons if needed, and ensure that your grip, setup, and alignment are as good as they can be.
Even the professionals work on these areas of their game and make sure their fundamentals are perfect.
Truly, there is no reason to swing the club back if your fundamentals are not perfect.
Lack of Funds
Golf is expensive. Having a lot of money can help you pay for new equipment, lessons, technology, and even great golf courses.
If you don’t have the funds to get custom fitted for a brand new set of clubs or sign up for a series of golf lessons, there are still ways you can save some money.
Look for group lessons in your area. Upgrade your equipment piece by piece, not all at once, as a set. Read some golf books and implement the changes on your own. Consider used golf equipment. Finally, watch the pros and learn from what they are doing.
Yes, it may take you longer to reach your goals if you find golf too expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t.
Neglecting the Mental Game
The mental game matters, even when you are an average golfer.
Average golfers fail to commit to the mental aspects of golf. You have to focus on confidence, strategy, visualization, positive self talk and pre shot routines.
If you can’t accept this, it will be hard to get better at golf.
Like anything else in the game (sand shots, draws, and one-putts), you must practice your mental game.
Try reading some books, watching YouTube videos about the mental game and how to practice, and even taking a course on golf psychology.
You’ll eventually find what works for you and be able to use it to lower your scores. The first step is acknowledging that even though you are an average golfer, you must start paying attention to your mental game if you plan to get better.
Stop accepting that you will never get better; make the changes today and let us know how it goes!
