Last Updated on August 13, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
When you are on the golf course, do you think like a pro or an amateur? Some of the amateur golf strategies that have been developed through the years are not exactly what the founders of the game had in mind. In fact, some are likely hurting your golf score instead of helping it! Here are 8 amateur golf strategies that pros secretly laugh at. Make sure you are not doing them.
Trying to Hit the Driver Lower
Many amateurs believe that teeing the ball lower and trying to hit the driver low will help them get more distance. The good news is we have launch monitor technology to prove to us that this just doesn’t work.
Low tees and low drives cost you distance and sometimes even create unpredictable ball flights. Pros optimize their launch, and they tee it high and let it fly!
Hitting a Fairway Wood from a Difficult Lie
When your golf ball is in a difficult spot, take out an easier club to hit. The goal is not to hit the ball as far as you possibly can from this lie. The goal is to get the ball back in play. If that means a swing with an 8 iron, that’s completely acceptable and the smarter play. The better you get at golf, the better you will get at analyzing each lie.
Overly Complicating the Golf Swing
The golf swing is complicated, but unless you are a great player, you can stick with the basic swing dynamics. Golf pros work on things like setup, grip, and stance more than anything. They want to make sure they are comfortable and ready to make great contact with each shot. Pros even work on aiming, where amateurs are brushing up on one plane vs two plane golf swing.
Aiming Directly at the Flag Every Time
Amateurs tend to fire away at the pin without taking into consideration the trouble that surrounds it. Professionals understand that aiming for the middle of the green is often the best option. For amateur players, aim for the spot that accommodates your miss and gives you the best chance for success, not directly at the pin!
Relying on ‘Hero’ Shots to Save the Round
A hero shot is a high-risk shot. This is the one where you’ve already hit a shot in the water, and now you are going to do it again because you just know you can carry this 230-yard shot.
Pros don’t do that.
They look at the reward and its necessity and then make a smart decision. If they played for the high risk each time, they would be in a terrible position to go low.
Ignoring the Importance of Course Management
Amateurs often focus on hitting the ball as long as possible without thinking about the trouble that can get them in. Pros know they have to pay attention to angles and yardages and manage the courses just as much as they manage their golf swing.
Choosing Clubs Based on Ego, Not Ability
Play with the clubs that fit your game. If that means you are using a senior shafted game improvement iron – so be it! Golf equipment is supposed to help you become a better player, not hurt your golf game. Find golf clubs suited to your ability so that you can improve both your consistency and your confidence.
Believing That More Practice Automatically Leads to Improvement
Practice is great, but simply hitting balls will not make you a better player. If you really want to improve at golf, you must address your specific weaknesses.
You’ll need to then take this information you have learned out to the course with you. Hitting balls on the range doesn’t get your golf game anywhere. Learning, developing, and implementing can really change the type of player you are.
Hopefully, you can see why these things are something that a professional would laugh at. If you find yourself making any of these mistakes, go ahead and stop today!
