Last Updated on September 7, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
As a scratch golfer, I can tell you that there are no shortcuts or true secrets to becoming a better golfer. You have to put in the time. However, there are some tips and tricks along the way that will make the journey a bit easier. If you want a few of these under-the-radar secrets from better golfers, I’ll give you mine.
The Right Golf Shoes Make a Difference
Better golfers invest in higher-quality golf shoes. I’m all for a good sale, but when I started seeing the difference in the shots I could hit with stable shoes vs. cheap shoes, it was eye-opening.
Ground forces are so important for generating power and consistency. I really need to be able to push off the ground during my downswing.
If I don’t have the right shoes on to support that, I lose a little power. The next time you see a pair of golf shoes on sale, at least make sure they fit properly and are strongly rated for support.
Better Golf Balls Make a Difference
If I’m playing a casual round with the kids, I can throw any golf ball into play and actually enjoy the differences. Sometimes, I love a distance ball just to see what I can do off the tee. However, in the end, if you don’t play with a urethane-covered golf ball that has responsiveness around the greens, it could be costing you strokes.
Yes, you can adjust to the ball you have in play.
However, since golfers already have to make so many adjustments on the course, why not eliminate one?
Regular Exercise Makes You Better
Moving your body through stretching, strength training, and even cardio can be really good for your golf game. Stretching improves range of motion, cardio helps increase stamina, and strength training can increase power.
Work with a trainer or research golf-specific exercises so you don’t do anything that hurts your game.
Course Management is More Important Than You Think
Sometimes, the best golfers are those who just know how to get around the golf course the best. They don’t care about 10 extra yards; they want to be in the middle of the fairway. They don’t care about the pin tucked in the back left corner of the green with water behind it and sand in front. They go for the center of the green. They don’t care about flop shots when they make no sense or one putting from 60 feet.
Think about these things when you play and ask yourself how smart you really are out there.
Mental Composure is Something you Can (and Should Practice)
It’s very easy to think your round is over after a double bogey on the first hole. However, great players can stay in the game and improve their mental toughness.
A double is just two more birdies you have to make.
You have time to make these birdies.
Don’t push it. Just keep moving forward and hitting one great shot after another.
Club Fitting Matters More than the Clubs Themselves
I will take a $300 driver fitted to my swing over a $650 driver any day. Golf club fitting is not about investing in the most expensive equipment; it’s about finding clubs that fit your game perfectly.
One of the most important factors in club fitting is lie angle. It could be the reason you are hitting shots left or right of your target. It’s worth the money to pay for a quality fitting. The best fitters will look at your current equipment and be able to make tweaks instead of trying to rebuild your entire golf bag with new equipment.
Although these may seem like simple or obvious tips, golfers who are looking to improve need to follow them to see real progress.
