Last Updated on June 11, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Golf professionals and great players like to give advice about the best things you can do for your game. Maybe you’ll implement a few of these, or maybe you’ll leave them behind. However, if you can at least avoid the worst things you can do for your golf game, you should save yourself a few strokes. As a golf professional and former teaching professional, I can tell you that these things will impact your game more than you realize.
Trying to Swing Like Someone Else Without Understanding
Even if Scottie Scheffler’s footwork looks really good to you, don’t try this at home. You have to know what you are doing when you make swing changes.
Simply trying to copy what others are doing just isn’t going to work.
You don’t have the understanding required to implement these changes. Everything in golf is a chain reaction, so if you make a change, it could throw other things off. Instead, talk to a professional or research before simply making the game.
Buying New Equipment Before Knowing What You Need
Golf equipment is expensive.
It’s even more expensive if you buy the wrong thing and don’t get to use it!
When purchasing new clubs or gear, make sure you are working on getting these properly fitted. You must understand your needs and know if you need certain shafts, lie angles, or lofts.
Don’t buy golf equipment haphazardly; it’s one of the worst things you can do for your golf game.
Only Playing Without Practicing
Golf takes practice. If you don’t dedicate time to your practice, you will have limited ability to improve certain aspects of your game.
For instance, if you slice the ball off the tee for three rounds straight, spend a little time at the range to work it out.
Working out an issue while on the course is difficult, and it typically doesn’t work. Play and practice and set up a balance that works for you.
Aimlessly Hitting on the Driving Range
When you go to the driving range, put some time in to actually get better. I worked with HackMotion on this driving range practice plan, which is incredibly beneficial and can help you gain control over your golf practice routine.
Driving Range Practice Plan – All Handicaps – All Time Commitments
Most importantly, when practicing at the range, do not forget to line up every shot.
Poor alignment is a major concern; if you aimlessly hit on the driving range, you are wasting your time. (aside from burning a few calories)
Pretending You Are Good Enough at Chipping and Pitching
I’ll tell you right now that you are likely not good enough at chipping and pitching to get your game to the next level. Amateur golfers are lucky to hit about 8 greens in regulation. For many, it’s only 4 or 6.
You can stand there all day and work on your approach shots, but you may still only get to 10 greens in regulation.
What happens on those other holes?
You’ll have to pitch or chip the ball up to the green.
If you think you are amazing at chipping and pitching, you must be getting up and down 9 out of 10 times.
Chances are, that isn’t the case.
Hitting your pitch or chip on the green and two-putting will lead to many bogeys and even doubles. Start to hone in on chipping, not just getting the ball on the green but getting it close enough to make the putt.
Skipping Warm-Ups
I know running to the first tee is the norm for many golfers. I do this myself sometimes. After a day of work, I know I have a limited window, and when that first tee box is empty, I make a run for it.
These first few swings hurt, and by the time I get to the third or fourth hole, I finally feel warmed up.
It’s not worth it.
Do some stretches in the morning before you play, take some practice swings, and make sure you are loose and ready to go.
Not warming up before a round can result in stiff muscles, poor performance, and an increased risk of injury.
Playing Through Pain
Finally, one of the most difficult ones to let go of, but probably the most important tip on this list, is to stop playing through pain.
Not only will you make your symptoms worse, but you will likely pick up an issue in your golf game that will then have to be dealt with.
So many people go out there and try to baby their elbow or their knee because they are in pain. They end up with a club that is no longer on plane and a host of other issues on top of it.
Final Thoughts
If you want to start following all the advice to get better at golf, now you can. Once you stop these 7 worst things you can do for your golf game; you will be well on your way to lower scores. What other things do you see people do that destroy their games?
