| Golf is such fun on so many levels. The obvious thrill | | | | Use a Stiff Front Leg |
| of the competition, the challenge presented by the | | | | A good many parts of the golf swing are individual. |
| design of the course or the excitement of chasing a | | | | That is people can do them differently and still be |
| new lowest score ever are just a part of the many | | | | very successful. A stiff front (target side) leg is not |
| elements of the game of golf that brings us back | | | | one of them. It is vital that the body swing against a |
| time and time again. | | | | solid front leg. The knees are still flexed, but firm. |
| The quest for our new all time lowest score is one | | | | If you want to hit with power and control then you |
| of those that runs deepest. We possess a strong | | | | too will need to swing against a firm front leg. This is |
| personal belief that we are capable of better play | | | | a very common swing fault among duffers. So get it |
| and lower scores. This belief drives us to all manner | | | | right and you'll like how much better your shots will |
| of helps promising to help us save "5 to 7 strokes | | | | become. |
| per round". We try new equipment, take some | | | | Get Over It |
| lessons, and buy videos, gadgets and gizmos all in an | | | | I heard it quoted that golf is 90% mental. Can't say I |
| attempt to shave a few strokes. | | | | agree with that but I do think golf is more than 50% |
| If you find too much of yourself in the description | | | | mental. |
| above allow me to humbly recommend that you give | | | | The mental game is more important than we usually |
| up trying to buy a better game and focus your | | | | recognize. The biggest place I see this show up is |
| efforts where they may yield some real long term | | | | after a bad shot. A player not in control of his mental |
| benefit. | | | | game will continue to allow one mistake to cause |
| Here are five quick tips to help you shave those | | | | others. |
| unwanted strokes from your handicap. Take them to | | | | A bad shot creates a bad hole, the bad hole creates |
| heart and then to the course and you'll come a whole | | | | another and before you know it the snowball effect |
| lot closer to reaching a new all time lowest score | | | | has swallowed you and your round. |
| than you will with all that spending. | | | | It is a normal part of golf that you will have bad |
| Know your game | | | | shots and bad luck. Get angry if you must then let it |
| Playing better golf isn't just about creating a fade or | | | | go. Put it behind you. Get over it. Move on. Done, |
| draw on demand. Instead it is about which shot | | | | finished, over. Next shot. Stay positive. |
| shape you can best control. Too many duffers with | | | | Putt in Rhythm |
| high handicaps let the course dictate their shot. | | | | Putting well makes all the difference. You'll hit more |
| By that I mean they fail to plan how they play each | | | | putts per round than any other shot by a wide |
| hole, picking targets that favor the strengths in their | | | | margin. It makes sense that you could lower you |
| games. It amazes me to watch some just hit away | | | | score faster by becoming a more consistent putter. |
| without regard for the target area. Then they are | | | | While on the greens you need to focus on your |
| forced to play whatever lie and shot shape the | | | | putting tempo or rhythm. The green is no place to |
| course presents. | | | | worry about posture or mechanics. |
| Not the smartest way to play. Plan your shots to | | | | If you feel you've lost your putting rhythm during a |
| favor your strengths. | | | | round try this tip you'll see the pros use. |
| Develop a Routine | | | | Step away from the ball and turn your back to the |
| If you want to have a consistent swing you need a | | | | sun. Your shadow will now be in front of you. |
| pre-shot routine then stick to it. Take a lesson from | | | | Imagine you are swinging to the tune of a familiar |
| the pros on this. You'll notice every one of them | | | | song. Watch your swing in the shadow until you feel |
| uses a routine. | | | | you've found the rhythm again. Then move to the |
| A good pre-shot routine will serve to prepare you | | | | ball and make the putt. |
| mentally, ensure proper posture and alignment. A | | | | Golf is a game and should be a fun one. If you're one |
| routine will make things automatic for you. With so | | | | of those duffers who has the golf swing down but |
| many things to keep straight during a shot having a | | | | just aren't scoring consistently well then take these |
| routine keeps you thinking about the shot at hand | | | | five tips to heart and then to the course. You'll play |
| rather than swing set up and mechanics. When under | | | | better golf and see more than enough improvement |
| pressure it is all the more important to use the | | | | to put a smile on your face. You'll save a bunch of |
| routine. | | | | money too. Did I just see a smile on your face |
| The touring pros use one with great success, you | | | | already? |
| should too. | | | | |