How to Improve Your Golf Game: 10 Tips

Frustration seems to be an inherent part of golf, but becoming accomplished in the sport is a good feeling. Part of the allure is the personal development required to play competitively. 

You can improve your game — it just takes effort. Don’t keep doing the same old thing, though. Instead, commit to trying new things and advance your experience on the links. As with anything, you’re going to have to get outside your comfort zone to become a better golfer. 

1. Take Lessons

There’s always something more to learn in golf, which is why instructing golfers on how they can improve is an entire profession within the sport. Working with a golf pro, you will uncover things you never realized you were doing wrong. There’s so much technology out there now to help you advance your game. If you haven’t taken a lesson, it’s time to sign up for one. You’ll be impressed at how much you learn. 

It’s possible to improve your golf game on your own, though it’s almost always better with a private instructor. Private golf instruction often can include single or multiple-session options, with a PGA professional helping to guide golfers of all experience levels in a comfortable learning atmosphere. Private instructors are especially helpful if there’s a part of your golf game that isn’t getting better with personal practice.

2. Play With Others

It’s always a good idea to push yourself by playing with more advanced golfers. It might seem intimidating at first, but remember, they started in the same position you are. After a few rounds, you’ll have an idea of where their game differs from yours, and you can ask for some advice about how they improved in one area or another. 

3. Stay out Longer

How much golf do you play in a week? One game? Three games? Golf can be time-consuming, but if you want to be your best, you’ve got to spend more time on the links. If you’re someone who frequently walks nine or 18 holes, consider investing in a cart and tacking an additional nine or 18 holes onto your typical round. The extra swings will drastically help move your development forward. 

4. Practice the Short Game

As fun as it is to hit the driving range, some golfers neglect to refine their short game. So how do you improve your short game in golf? As a practice of habit, start rolling a few putts before teeing. Before working on longer shots, dedicate yourself to picking up a putting drill and practicing the short game before or after every round. Even mini-golfing with the kids can help you practice your short game.

Scores come down to your chips and putts. While it can be enticing to spend all your practice time at the driving range, you’d do far better to spend it at the putting green and working on short-range shots that constitute most of the game. They might be less glamorous, but they’ll have a more significant long-term impact on your scores and ultimately make you golf better as a whole. 

5. Work on Your Weaknesses

Every golfer’s weaknesses are unique. As such, it’s crucial to identify yours by keeping simple statistics of your playing. Track your greens in regulation, fairway hits, total putts and other counting stats. There are even sites that help you electronically track golf data while providing a handicap for each part of your game. It’s easier to improve your golf game when you know which areas are of pressing importance.

6. Clubface Control

Clubface control often separates players regarding skill. You can work on this control by practicing form. Assume a standard grip, twist your bottom hand, so it’s facing away from you and then act as if you’re wiping your palm across a table. This form of practice will help you face toward the ball more quickly in the downswing.

7. Torso Rotation

Looking for how to improve your golf swing specifically? It all starts with the torso. Your torso is like an engine for your swing. Torso rotation plays a huge role in generating speed and power for the swing. A correct backswing requires establishing your spine angle by turning your torso away from the target.

Position your left shoulder close to being over your right leg, maintaining this same posture throughout the backswing. When starting the downswing, rotate the torso toward your target, up until your right shoulder is closer to your left leg than the right. Keep these tips in mind to establish your torso as a major factor in generating speed and power.

8. Upgrade Your Equipment

Old equipment may be preventing you from getting the most out of your practice. For example, if golf grips are disintegrating in your hands, you will lack grip. In this case, it’s time to upgrade your equipment. Similarly, if the grooves on your wedges are worn down to the point of being invisible, it’s time for new equipment. If you can, it’s also a good idea to get fitted for clubs, so you can ensure your equipment fits your body and swing.

9. Study the Best Golfers

Watching golf, both in person and on television, is a great way to gain enthusiasm for the game of golf, as well as teach you some things about form. Some professional golfers even have tutorial videos on YouTube that showcase form tips. Watch golf tournaments and seek out tutorials from experts to constantly improve your game.

10. Travel to New Courses

You’re probably used to playing the local municipal course, or maybe you’ve got one at your country club. If so, you’ve already made one smart choice that will let you play more. Now, how about traveling to a friend’s favorite practice space? 

Do you travel on business? If so, bring your clubs! Make it a vacation to visit a famous course with your buddies and play there. Find opportunities to play in new settings, because these will force you to recognize the strengths of your game and where you can improve. 

Tips to Improve Your Golf Game Quickly

Now that you know all the secrets, you’ll be a scratch golfer in no time! Except, no, that’s probably wrong. Golf is a lifelong endeavor, and even the best golfers spend decades reinventing their swings. But you will get better, and part of the magic of the sport is the self-exploration that comes along the way. So book that next tee time today!

Originally posted 5/5/20 – Updated 10/14/24