Spring always signals new beginnings both in life as well as on the golf course. So will 2024 be the year that you accomplish your goals of breaking 100, 90, 80, or perhaps winning the club championship? Odds are that a major breakthrough will only happen if you significantly improve one or more aspects of your golf game. However, this does not necessarily mean that hitting the ball farther or spending more time on the practice area are the only answers to improving at this mysterious game we call golf! So, how do we get off to a great start this season? A thorough evaluation of the items listed below will ensure that you are addressing all areas of your game and making the necessary improvements this season. Here are my top 5 tips to get your game ready for the spring:
1. Check your equipment. Do your clubs need to be re-gripped? How do the faces of your wedges look, are the grooves worn down? Take the time to schedule a club fitting in order to make sure you are playing the right clubs for your swing and your game. If you are not hitting your driver consistently or far enough, you may benefit from a driver fitting to increase the launch angle and reduce backspin. I utilize Launch Monitor technology that enables me to give you the necessary feedback to fit your equipment properly and also determine if you have any major yardage gaps in between clubs. I also recommend getting properly fitted by an expert at your local Golf Galaxy or Club Champion if you would like to test out the latest and greatest equipment.
2. Get your mental game in check. Take some time to read some books on how to practice and how to think both on the golf course and while you practice. There are some great books out there written by Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott that I would highly recommend along with Dr. Rick Jensen’s books. One of my personal favorites is “Golf is Not A Game of Perfect,” by Dr. Bob Rotella.
3. Practice putting. Putting is something we can all improve on at any age or handicap. Practicing with the use of training aids like a putting arc or a mirror has proven to be very effective. Also, improving your speed control from longer distances or lag putting will help reduce or eliminate those dreaded 3 putts.
4. Fitness. It is important to get your body ready from a physical conditioning standpoint to be ready for the spring season. I would highly recommend finding someone who is TPI Golf Certified. I recommend Dr. Chris Leib; he is a personal trainer in Ardmore. Fitness is important to prevent injuries and to help you hit it further!
5. Lessons. It is important to find an instructor that you are comfortable with and will teach in a simple and concise way so you are not overwhelmed. Taking lessons or participating in group coaching programs should be fun and if you put in the time to practice in between coaching sessions, you will see improvement quickly. Schedule a Private Coaching Session with Mike at the location of your choice. We will start with an evaluation of all aspects of your game, cover some simple tips and drills, and finally we will discuss your goals and come up with an improvement plan. Schedule a Complimentary Discover Coaching Call to discuss where you are currently, learn about your golfing goals, and how I can help you achieve them. I am excited to help you achieve your goals and become my next success story!
So get to work on these five items and I can guarantee you that you will enjoy the spring golf season more and play to your potential. As I always remind my students, playing better golf and shooting lower scores makes the game a lot more fun!
“Golf is a science, the study of a lifetime, in which you can exhaust yourself but never your subject.”
~ David Forgan