One of the toughest things to do in golf is break the cycle
you’re in and permanently enter a new cycle or players bracket i.e. a 100’s
shooter becomes a 90’s shooter or a 90’s shooter becomes an 80’s shooter or an
80’s shooter becomes 70’s shooter. Sure, anyone can catch fire one day and
break out of their “Norm
Zone” to have that career
day. But the question is how do you take that “career day” and make that your
new “Norm”.
It starts by making up your mind that the process is not
going to be instantaneous; there is some work to be done to attain such goals.
Like most, wanting to get better is what keeps us coming back, the carrot
dangling in front of us that many never actually get to eat.
If you’re like most, you eventually want to take a bite of
that carrot but in order to do so you need a plan. But where to start……First
give yourself about a month (give or take depending on how often you play) to
gather data on your game, you need to hone in on exactly what is holding you
back but to do so you need to chart your consistent weaknesses. In that first
month try not keeping score because at this point it’s irrelevant. Instead use
your scorecard to track key areas of your game. Here’s what I suggest you
chart; 1. Number of putts taken on each hole 2. Fairways hit on each hole 3.
GIR (greens in regulation) 4. Number of up & downs. These categories will
help you truly see where you deficiencies are and help determine where your
practice time should be spent.
During your “data gathering” phase, it’s also good to get in
some range practice time. However, utilize this range time to re-calibrate your
club distances and really get to know your distances for each and every club;
right it down and keep it in your bag…nothing should be left to guesswork or
chance.
Once you feel you have gathered enough data (a month or so give or take) take the
time to compile it all into one big spread sheet which will include the 4 areas
you have charted PLUS the number of holes played during that time. Convert your
data into percentages and this will then let you know what your next course of
action should be. Rank your 4 charted areas weakest to strongest and let that
dictate your practice regimen in the coming weeks. It’s kind of like radiation treatment for a tumor; you don’t shoot
radiation all throughout the body typically. Instead, if the tumor is
identified to be in a specific location you deliver heavy doses of treatment to
that specific location. Your golf game is very similar in that if you want
to rid your game of the things that weaken it, you need to concentrate heavily
on removing those weak areas. Remember, permanently improving your game is a
process and a time consuming one at that. If you’ve been stuck in the 100’s, 90’s,
80’s or even the 70’s give this system a try. It’s both time tested and proven
and if executed properly will help you take your game to the next level.
ADDITIONAL GAME IMPROVEMENT IDEAS TO BREAK THE BARRIERS
-
From time to time play 9 holes with a putter and
one other club. You will soon learn to hit a variety of shots that you
otherwise probably wouldn’t hit. The more varying kinds of shots you are
capable of hitting, the better golfer you will become.
-
When practicing, challenge yourself. Any
pressure you can put on yourself will pay off in the long run. Putting against
your buddy for a quarter a hole adds purpose to your practice. That type of
practice is 10 times better than a practice that is just “going through the motions.”
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Have your clubs checked to see if they “fit” you.
The old adage is true “It’s not the arrow it’s the Indian.” However, if the
arrow is crooked even the most skilled Indian will be at a disadvantage.
Now it should go without saying that once you have
identified your weaknesses it might not be a bad idea to schedule a lesson or
two with your local professional. After all, there’s a reason why your weaknesses
are actually your “weaknesses.” If you have the patience to stay the course you
will soon be in a new “players bracket.”
Blog written
by Vince-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy
