How to Improve Your Golf Game

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Practice the 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. 

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!