Turning the corner into more serious golf

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By Benjamin F

  • 1 Like
  • 7 Replies
  1. Benjamin F

    Benjamin F
    Virginia

    Good afternoon,

    Brand new TT member here, and I'm starting to get a bit more serious as a player.

    A bit of background, I'm 27 and I played a bit around the time I was in middle school, and then was reintroduced during 2020. During that time (2020-2023), I improved quite a bit, being able to regularly score in the low 90s on most courses. Life got in the way, and I wasn't able to keep up my playing until now, where I have the schedule to allow playing or range time much more frequently.

    I can still shoot about 92-96 (I have no idea what that translates to in handicap), but my best friend is getting married next summer, and I want to be at least into the 80s by the time his bachelor party comes around. Any advice to shave off a few strokes and build consistency? Or is it simply range time and playing rounds that helps?

    I know the answers are varied, and I can provide more relevant information if needed.

    Thank y'all,

    Ben

  2. nancy s

    nancy s

    Military
    Have you taken any lessons? Have you taken any rules classes? Learning course management will help you save a few strokes as well. You would be surprised what a lesson can do for your game. At first it might be frustrating until you hone that advice the Pro gives you.

    Nancy
  3. John G

    John G

    Ben, find a PGA teaching pro and take lessons. A good foundation of the golf swing, short game and putting you will receive from your lessons will put you on the correct path to shooting in the 80s. John
  4. Frank P

    Frank P
    Port St. Lucie, FL

    Military
    INSTRUCTION !!!
  5. Erich F

    Erich F
    NY

    If you have a place to practice your short game, do it! Being able to get up and down from around the green is the best way to lower your scores. Chipping and putting well will serve you well, especially if you are having a struggle with the long game. If the driver and irons are on, you can go low, if the driver and irons are a bit balky, you can rely on your short game to save your round.
  6. Keith M

    Keith M
    Acworth, GA

    I saw a recent instructional video with Gary Player, he said the #1 advice he would give to amateurs is don't waste your time fiddling with your swing on the range, spend all your time on the practice green and chipping area. You'll find more strokes there than anywhere else.

    Like the others said, working with a PGA Professional on setup, grip, and fundamentals will help the overall swing and consistency of contact.
  7. Eric H

    Eric H
    Ridgway, PA

    Hey Ben, all of the best teachers and players say the best way to save shots is to practice around the green. Its alot of fun to hit drivers nad 7 irons at the range, and that is definitely required to improve, but getting better around the greens is key! Get better at chipping and putting can eliminate strokes quickly! Spend some time around the practice green and get soft hands!
  8. Benjamin F

    Benjamin F
    Virginia

    Thanks for all of the responses. I think it's definitely time to get a lesson or two down.

    I just played my first 18 of the year yesterday, shot 92, with front 9 score of 41. Back 9 was a bit rough, hit a couple unfortunate OB shots and certainly not my best putting (even though the front was my lowest9 ever.

    I do feel at this point my biggest weak link is between 50 and 100 yard shots, I found myself flying or coming up short from that range. Full iron swings and within 30 yard chips have been pretty on point. Maybe a lesson with a focus on those approach shots is in order.

    Thanks,
    Ben

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