Last Updated on September 10, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
It seems like watching professional golfers play would be good for your golf game. Unfortunately, there are a few bad habits that you may pick up from doing this. If you just finished watching the FedEx Cup Playoffs and noticed you are pushing for a little extra swing speed or taking several minutes to read a putt, here are some things to watch out for to ensure pro golf isn’t ruining your swing.
Don’t Overanalyze Putts
Pros are meticulous about their green reading. Most amateurs don’t understand that professionals are very specific about what they are looking for, analyzing, and reviewing.
The average golfer lacks the depth of knowledge the professionals need to analyze these aspects of golf greens.
If you try to spend this much time reading your putts, you’ll likely start second-guessing yourself and poorly executing the putt. Instead, trust your initial read and focus on pace and direction to get more consistency in your results.
Don’t Try to Match Swing Speed with Pros Like Scottie Scheffler or Bryson DeChambeau
Professionals swing with a lot of speed. This speed helps them gain distance, spin, and even accuracy. However, amateurs cannot replicate this because they haven’t been trained.
If you just start going after the ball at full force, chances are you’ll become less consistent and maybe even injure yourself. If you want more speed, go through a speed training program. Until then, focus on tempo, control, and balance.
Avoid Big Shots Out of the Rough
Golf professionals can muscle the ball out of thick rough. Chances are, you can’t. Professionals have strength and technique that help them handle tough lies. Most amateurs don’t have the power or precision. Instead, play safe. Use a club that you know you can manage out of the rough. Something with extra loft, like a wedge, is typically the best choice. Focus on getting the ball back into play.
Don’t Assume Pros’ Equipment Works for You
The equipment professionals use is highly customized for their games. It has a shaft, clubhead, and grip combination that makes it a perfect fit for them. If you try to use the driver Scottie plays with just because it works for him, it will probably not work for you. The same goes for golf balls. Instead, get properly fitted for equipment that suits your swing and playing style rather than blindly following what the pros use.
Avoid Following Their Aggressive Play Style
Golf professionals sometimes (not always) take aggressive lines off the tee or when approaching the greens. They know that they can usually pull these shots off. For amateur golfers, the statistics are not nearly the same. When you try to copy these high-risk, high-reward shots, your lack of precision will likely put you in double bogey territory.
Don’t Focus on Perfecting Every Swing Mechanic
The professionals may seem to have perfect swings. They make tiny tweaks to their swings or just a pre-shot routine that may seem to help with the path, wrist hinge, etc. Amateurs believe every technical detail in the swing needs to be worked on.
However, overemphasizing swing mechanics can lead to inconsistent performance. Amateurs should focus on a few key fundamentals and then trust the golf swing out on the course. If you want to get into the details, go to the range or take a lesson.
