There are some really easy changes amateur golfers can make that could help lower their handicaps.
Golf’s a tough sport, but plenty of players make it even harder on themselves than it needs to be. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just step back and simplify things a bit.
Putting in the time and effort can get any amateur golfer down to a single-digit handicap, as long as they’re consistent with their practice routine.
Drawing from his own experience playing mini-tours in the US, Antony Martin has put together five straightforward adjustments that could help amateurs see better results on the course.
There are endless tips out there for golfers to consider, and while many of them are useful, not all fit easily into a busy schedule or limited practice time.
But the reality is that not every tip fits easily into a busy schedule or limited practice time. Sometimes it’s about picking what works best for you rather than trying to follow every piece of advice out there.
Five simple changes that can help you lower your golf handicap
Here are a few simple tweaks that can help you start seeing improvements in your game.
Buy alignment sticks
A good setup is the foundation of consistent play, and even the best swing won’t matter much if you’re not aimed correctly. Training with alignment sticks can help build the habit of proper alignment over time, making it easier to hit your targets when it counts.
It’s a small investment that pays off big for most amateur golfers once they’re out on the course. Over time, this basic adjustment will become second nature.
Throw away your mid-long irons and replace them with hybrids
If you haven’t already done so, it might be worth taking any club from a 5-iron upwards out of your bag. Longer irons are just too difficult for many amateurs to hit well. Getting enough speed to launch these clubs properly isn’t something everyone has.
Ditch the 60-degree wedge
The lob wedge isn’t doing most mid-to-high handicappers any favours. Its sharp edge tends to lead more often than not to chunks or blades rather than clean strikes. Switching to a 56-degree wedge as your highest loft can bring more control and fewer mistakes around the greens.
Small changes that lead to big improvements
It’s no secret that sticking to the same routines won’t bring about better results. Improvement in golf, as in any sport, comes from trying new approaches. Here are a couple more adjustments worth considering…
Pick up a laser rangefinder
It might feel like a bit of a splurge, but over time, you’ll find it’s one of the best pieces of kit you can add to your bag.
The biggest benefit is accuracy. Knowing exactly how far you are from hazards or greens means you can avoid trouble just by choosing the right club.
Add a mallet putter to your setup
Mallets promote less face rotation and favour a straighter stroke, making them easier for most players to use effectively.
Just switching the type of putter you use can lead to better consistency on the greens. If you’re looking for an edge in 2024 and beyond, these are changes worth making.
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