Play more.
It sounds obvious but if you want to improve your golf the easiest way could be to get out and play some extra.
My golf was going nowhere a few years back. I was busy with work and frustrated at my inconsistent scores. I was also wasting an expensive golf membership so I decided to commit to playing two times per week. For me, this meant playing Thursday and Saturday morning. In effect I was at least doubling the amount of golf I played at it really helped hone my game. Within a few months I’d lowered my handicap and was playing some of the best golf of my life. The part that helped the most was really locking in the automatic principles and getting comfortable applying them on the course. Automatic golf essentially became, well, automatic.
I understand that not everyone can squeeze in an extra game each week. Family and work commitments will throw a spanner in the works – but any extra practice you can muster will definitely help;
[green_tick_2_list width=”100%”]
- Putting on the carpet at home
- Chipping in the backyard
- A quick 9 holes before/after work
- Swinging in the backyard for a few minutes
- Put a net in your garage and get some sneaky practice when nobody is looking
If you can integrate the automatic learning principles into your game then the improvement process is simple.
The more you play and practice the better you will get.
If your golf is not yet where you would like it to be, then maybe you need to find a little extra time each week. I’m convinced that the extra time will serve you well and this will probably be my first response to those seeking help via email/phone. Sometimes the most obvious answer is the best.
What are your thoughts? Are you able to find some extra time to work on your game?
10 Comments
Lukey
October 17, 2012I concur Cam I play my best golf when I’m playing more but weather and work have curtailed that for the past few months.Hopefully though with improving weather that may change.
Cam280
October 17, 2012G’day g’day, my regime at the mo is play a couple of balls usually a comp between titleist vs srixon, then when I miss a couple of putts do some putting practice then when my chips don’t go in well a bit of chipping practise; followed up by playing an imaginary Major once I have lost one of my balls.
Today however, I had to visit the pond on the second as the water was down and a clear view to the bottom it was like robbing a wishing well. In the space of 20 minutes I plucked over 230 golf balls and I might say a dozen AAA rated Pro-v’s & a dozen Callaways.
On another subject I recently bought 100 videos dated from 88 to 92 including a Skins game between Arnie, Jack, Lee and Rodriguez at a course in Hawaii. If anyone would like a copy let me know. You have to see it to believe it!.
Cameron
October 18, 2012Cam280: Here’s a little game that will test ya. Try playing “2 ball worst ball”. Play two shots from the tee and then choose the worst of the two. Repeat this process until you find the hole. It’s a deceptively evil game….
First drive goes down the middle but the second finds the rough – you’re playing from the rough
You hit a great shot to 10 feet but the second ball lands in the bunker – you’re now in the sand
You hit a great chip stone dead but the other ball finishes 10 feet – you now have a 10 footer for par
You make a the first putt but miss the second – you’ve just dropped a shot.
I wouldn’t play this all the time (it will drive you mad) but it will really highlight any issues with concentration and consistency. Give it a go and let me know how you go.
Videos: Interesting. Wonder if we can place some footage on the website. Would be awesome to do a review of it.
Cam280
October 18, 2012Good call Cam, I will definitely be playing that game once a week from now on!. Today I was playing 2 balls as usual but I am getting sick and tired of the second one going astray. Its like I can’t believe I can play golf so I choose to fail. I think I have highlighted one thing thats holding me back and thats my putting. I tend to shy away from the second putt, instead of driving it into the cup. Its no time to be a woos!.
Cameron
October 20, 2012Cam280: you need to focus on each shot. Some golfers think that automatic golf will turn into a slap happy affair – it’s far from that. You actually have a very strong system each time you hit a shot. It takes a lot of discipline and it’s something I see lacking in a lot of golfers.
Steady
October 19, 2012@Cam280
2 Ball worst ball – my dad and i use to play this all the time in summer. Statistics say that it takes approx $200000 to raise a child, I think that’s what i paid out in bets back to my dad.
It’s a great game as it teaches consistency under pressure. That is what comp golf is.
Cam has given us the skillls to play the game just like 2 ball worst ball.
Ta Steady
PS- I’d be interested in grabbing some copies of those tapes youn have ta.
email me on – jrstead@gmail.com
Troy Vayanos
October 21, 2012I have found if you don’t play or at least practice regularly you can easily forget a lot of the basics of the game.
When you’re out their playing golf the fundamentals get drilled into your brain and become habit.
In particular I think the short game can suffer if you’re not getting out and playing regular golf.
Cameron
October 22, 2012If you learn skills to the automatic level then I don’t think you forget them. You may be a little rusty but you never lose them. This is more in line with how we do other stuff like riding a bike – I haven’t ridden a bike for 2 years, but I know I’d be able to ride the thing without falling off.
I’m also convinced that many of us play poorly because we think we have lost it or lack practice. Then there’s the regular phenomenon of golfers having a great score after a layoff – probably because they played with lack of too many expectations.
adam
May 11, 2013i agree with this except you need to be able to enjoy the process. Otherwise golf becomes boring.
Leave A Response