The PGA Tour season has roughly a two month “off season;” and what the players choose to do with their time can make or break them for the coming season. So what can the average player learn from these Tour Players and how can it help you improve?
The key component is preparation: setting a goal and establishing a plan to reach that goal. Many players will schedule some time with their instructor and evaluate what they did good that season, and what areas of their game need improvement. Then they make a plan of how to improve. The players that execute their plans most efficiently are usually the ones you see have a great season – or a breakout / comeback year.
I recommend sitting down and taking a serious evaluation of your game. Find the areas of the game that you can improve the most and execute a plan. Be realistic about your time commitments so that you stick to the plan.
Here are some areas that will help golfers of all skill levels improve the fastest. These are the main things that Tour Players focus on. Work with your instructor to find out the proper course of action to improve your game in the shortest amount of time.
- Course Management – Do you need to hit driver every hole? Make sure you are taking enough club on certain holes to avoid trouble short of the green. A player needs to know where you can and should miss the green. Ex: If you know you can miss the green right and you normally fade the ball, be aggressive – if you over cut it then you won’t be in trouble.
- Make more putts – You have heard this 1,000 times so maybe now is the time to listen. It is no secret, you make more putts, and you shoot lower scores. Think of how many “make-able” putts you miss (or even turn into 3 putts!) Now imagine making those – talk about dropping your handicap, who cares about adding 10 yards to your driver!
- Know Your Limits Around the Green – Get good with one club at a time. If you chip with a bunch of different clubs, try just using one. Get comfortable with using that club to hit chips, pitches, bump & runs, etc… And stop trying to hit the impossible “Mickelson” flop if you don’t know how – it will just add 3 or 4 extra shots that hole!
Schedule a lesson today and let’s talk about how you can improve your game for the season.