Last Updated on July 9, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Do you ever feel like the golf gods are just against you? You go out there and think you are doing all the right things, only to find out that you were destined to shoot 105 that day. Have you ever stopped to think for a second that you could be the one sabotaging your own golf game? It’s 100% possible that there are mistakes you are making that are increasing your scores more than you can even imagine.
Playing with Cheap Golf Balls
Don’t scroll past this one without at least stopping to consider what I have to say. I don’t expect every golfer to play with a Pro V1; however, using low-quality or budget golf balls is just not worth your money.
I recently tested some of the lowest-quality golf balls against the mid-quality golf balls on the course.
The difference in distance, greenside spin, feel, and overall consistency is actually remarkable. I’m talking about seeing 15 to 20 yards more distance and much more accuracy on the short iron approaches.
If you currently spend $20 a dozen, try bumping it to $30 or $35 for a month or two and see what kind of difference it makes.
Not Warming Up
I need to take the launch monitor out one day, hit a few seven irons without warming up, and record that data versus a 7 iron I hit 25 minutes later. I can guarantee you the difference is at least 7 to 10 yards.
No, you may think that the first few holes will warm you up.
However, what is the point of that if you double-bogey the first two holes?
Spend a few minutes stretching, moving your body, and making solid contact. You’ll be glad you did when you get to the first tee box.
Forgetting to Consider There is More Than One Way To Play a Hole
Do you step up to the tee box and attempt to hit the same tee shot and approach on a hole over and over again? I’ve seen this so many times with amateur golfers who are approaching a par 5. They hit a long drive and then just try to smash the next one as close to the green as possible.
What ends up happening is they leave themselves with a 60 or 50-yard shot to the green.
Nobody hits’ these shots consistently.
Instead, consider leaving yourself a full pitching wedge or 9 iron into the green. You’ll have a better chance of hitting the target and may have less room for error in your approach shot to the green.
Looking at the Negative
Have you ever said things like, “Don’t hit it in the hazard,” or “Yeah, that one was good, but wait until the next one,” or “Look at this lie; I’ll never get out?”
If you have, then you are doing yourself a disservice. It’s very difficult to create something positive when you are only looking at the negative.
It’s common for amateur golfers to talk about their game negatively and expect the worst.
Try to be more positive. You can prepare for the worst; if you hit slices, aim a little down the left. However, don’t aim so far left that if you happen to hit a straight one, you are out of play.
The key is to keep a positive mindset and be smart about where you aim and how you play your shots. That’s what will get the job done.
Overdoing it On Swing Changes
True golf swing changes can take months to implement and adapt into your game. Some golfers are known for overdoing this. They start with one basic concept, move to another and another, and never seem satisfied. The problem, of course, is that you cannot stay consistent without a consistent swing.
Instead, find a golf coach who knows what they are doing and ask them to tweak you. The coach’s improvement tips can drastically change your perception of what needs to be done in your swing.
In other words, you’ll hopefully learn that less is more!
Final Thoughts
These changes do not take much work or time to implement; you may see improvement immediately. Stop sabotaging your own golf game with these easy things so you get the best results on the course.
