Sometimes, you take those three pieces of wood from the rough and try to hit it over the water hazard onto the green. When this happens, you know you are sabotaging your own golf game. However, there are other times that you may be doing this, much less intentionally, without even realizing it. If you want to stop sabotaging your scores and play better golf, be aware of these five ways you may hurt your own game.
You are thinking about distance on every hole
Stop worrying about distance. If you normally hit your driver 250 yards, but today it’s only flying 240, that’s ok. It can be the weather, the way you slept last night, the ball you are using etc. However, if you start to focus on distance and trying to hit the ball further, it’s probably going to hurt your game. Start focusing less on distance and more on accuracy.
You are stuck on past mistakes
Every round of golf is different.
If you step up to a tee box and think about the last time you hit the ball out of bounds from this tee box, expect to see some ugly results. Don’t do this.
Try to start each hole and each shot as if it’s a new opportunity. Don’t get stuck on what happened in the past. Instead, stand up there with some confidence and work on hitting the middle of the fairway.
You don’t know how to pull off the shots you are trying to pull off
The Phil Mickelson flop shot is a great thing to have in the bag from time to time, but it’s not for amateur golfers to pull out on a regular basis. Don’t use it unless you have hit these shots on the range and understand what you need to do to complete them! Only play the shots you are confident in.
You aren’t adjusting for course conditions
If the course is wet, or it’s windy, or the greens are rolling fast you have to make adjustments. Part of what makes golf so hard (and fun) is that you aren’t presented with the same golf course every time you go to play. Adjust to ensure you are playing the golf course to the best of your ability. Equipment tweaks, swing adjustments, alignment, etc can all be used to help you lower your scores.
You are using the golf course as a driving range
Finally, stop using the golf course as a place to think and work on your golf game. It’s not! The more time you spend worrying about your swing and how it’s going to impact your score, the higher you’ll shoot. Try to keep swing thoughts limited. Use a pre-shot routine and practice at the range before and after your round.
Give yourself a fighting chance!
The next time you head out for a round of golf, try not to make any of these mistakes that sabotage your scores. Stay in your lane and make the game just a bit simpler. It will be well worth it!
