Last Updated on July 21, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Let’s stop for a minute. We are always looking at the things that low handicappers do right. When, in reality, maybe we should look at the things they never do wrong? There is a difference.
Mid-to-high handicappers can’t always focus on the right things to do because they haven’t done them before. Yet, when we call out some of these mistakes, it may sound like a typical round. As a golf pro and +2 handicapper, here are the mistakes that low handicappers never make.
Guessing Yardages
I’m all about feel and making sure I have a good natural sense of how far I am from the golf hole. However, when it comes down to executing a perfect shot, I need a yardage.
Let’s face it: the professionals have exact yardages every time they swing.
It’s important.
Don’t guess your yardages and assume you have enough room to punch out or layup with your 7 iron. Instead, measure, use a rangefinder or GPS, and get some accurate yardages.
Aiming at Trouble
I don’t care how big your slice is. If you aim at the lake on the left-hand side of the hole expecting your slice, it will go in the lake 100% of the time. This is just an unwritten rule of golf.
If you tend to hook or slice, you can play for it a bit, but low handicappers will never put themselves in a spot that would punish them if they hit the perfect shot. It just makes no sense.
Hit It Over The Water From A Bunker 250 Yards Out
It’s the hero shot. Low handicappers play the percentage shot, not the hero shot. The hero shot is the one that really sounds amazing, but you just never pull it off.
High handicappers do this all the time.
They think that even though they have never hit the ball 185 yards in the air with their 4 hybrid, that they will today when they hit over the water.
It won’t happen.
Stop with the risky shots.
Not Evaluating Lies
Low handicappers look at the golf ball and the lie. They carefully analyze how the way the ball is sitting will impact the shot’s results. If it’s in the rough, on hard pan, soft grass, etc., the way that it plays is much different.
Low handicappers adjust their stance, the club, and approach to the lie.
High handicappers or average golfers just get up there and hit at the ball. If you are still doing this, take an extra second to see if there is anything you must know about the lie before you swing.
Skipping The Pre-Shot Routine
Low handicappers have a pre-shot routine that they stick with every time they swing. Skipping this routine just feels off and makes them feel like they are missing something.
The pre-shot routine sets the brain up for what it is supposed to do next.
Ignoring the Fact That It’s Been Raining for a Week
Golf courses are highly impacted by conditions such as rain and wind. If you are not paying any attention to these conditions, you are costing yourself a few strokes.
Typically, after it rains, the course becomes softer and slower. You’ll probably leave some putts short and have longer approaches into the green.
If it’s been hot and dry, expect some extra roll and distance.
