If you were to ask any serious golfer about how to boost your proficiency, the first tip might simply be: "Play more." That being said, if you're serious about wanting to improve your game, there are a variety of ways to do just that and still get the enjoyment you seek from joining friends for a round of golf on a challenging course.
Here's a short list of ideas. Feel free to pick and choose from among the tips that suit you. Improving your game may take time, but you'll soon enjoy the benefits of a better and more well-rounded golf game.
Below are ten tips you may find useful.
Set a Routine
It's true of almost any pursuit, whether in business or for leisure. Practice leads to more consistency. One of the best ways to improve at anything you choose to do is simply to keep doing it. So, having a regular schedule is an advantage, whether you take lessons, play regularly with associates, or make yourself available to play a friendly nine holes with neighbors every weekend.
Study the Pros
In addition to learning by doing, you'll want to watch the best players. Seriously, you can learn a lot by watching a tournament play on television from the comfort of your living room. Analyze their attention to detail and their ability to consistently repeat the correct and proper fundamentals for each shot.
Great golfers also have a pre-shot routine. You don't have to adopt their specific routines and mannerisms, but you should find your own routine which fits your personality in terms of pacing, breathing, concentration, and control.
Check Your Equipment
Many different brands of clubs exist, and not all of them are suitable for all players. If you're serious about your game, get fitted. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed by paying attention to the clubs you use.
Take advantage of the expertise of a knowledgeable club fitter, and chances are more than ever that your game will improve.
Practice Your Swing with a Proper Warm-Up
Warm-ups are important. Start first by using your most lofted club and practicing your short swings, then move on to longer shots, whether you’re practicing or preparing to play a full round of golf.
It's just as important to ease into the "feel" of the game in golf as it is on the running track. It's also vital to know just where your club is making contact with the ball by hitting the sweet spot. Serious golfers invariably talk about "finding their rhythm." This is done by starting with your shortest clubs and slowly working up through the bag, finally finishing with your driver.
Practice Your Putting
No matter how powerful and accurate your swing is from the tee, one facet of the game that really counts is your ability to develop your distance control on the putting green. Spend quality time practicing your putting skills, and you'll be able to reap the rewards.
Utilize the ladder drill where you space golf balls 20, 30, 40, and 50 feet from the hole. Try to lag each putt to within 5-8 feet from the cup.
Schedule regular time on the practice green and pay particular attention to improving the putts that are within 10 feet. Even touring professionals don't fare very well statistically on long putts, sinking a ball on average only about one-third of the time if it's between 10 and 15 feet from the hole.
Set Goals, But Be Realistic
Unless you're holding on to an early life vision of winning the "Green Jacket," your goals may be modest. That doesn't in any way mean that you shouldn't set some goals for yourself. Just be realistic about what it is you want to achieve.
Golf is both a physical challenge and a mental game, so you should have goals in both categories. Never give up, but also learn to go easy on yourself, whether you hit a ball into the rough, miss an easy putt, or feel like occasionally walking off the course after the eighth hole.
Take the time to think about which shots inhibit your ability to score, and make it a point to work on that aspect of your game to improve. In other words, double down on your weaknesses, and you will improve your game in the long run.
Recovery Shots
Great golfers know that all kinds of things may go wrong on the course. Learning how to properly hit recovery shots from precarious situations is vital. Merely taking your medicine and hitting the ball back into play on your very next shot will ultimately lead to better scoring.
This strategy helps those who sometimes compound their mistakes by hitting a “hero” recovery shot and hitting the ball into deeper trouble.
Improve Your Fitness
Know that exercise and good health lead to success in life and on the golf course. While most people take up golf for various reasons and have reasons for wanting to improve their game, enjoying the game should be a priority. The proper mix of food, friends, family, and fun, and the right ratio of work and pleasure is a formula for success not only on the course but for life in general.
Join a Club
If you live in the Orlando area, one of the premier golf courses is practically in your very own backyard. Bella Collina, located in Montverde, is a 1,900-acre Central Florida gated community set amidst sparkling lakes and rare rolling hills. Just minutes from downtown Orlando, Bella Collina, a full-service club, features a signature course designed by 6-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo.
The championship course features dramatic elevation changes, sweeping dunes, scenic lakes, and long, open fairways with just the "right amount" of challenge. Coupled with the world-class amenities, serious players and recreational golfers alike appreciate the opportunities offered by this private club.
Two tiers of membership exist: Learn more about the Bella Collina golf program or our sports membership. Then take advantage of the plan that best suits your personal lifestyle.
Either membership includes privileges at the 19th Hole and Cucina restaurants, the Spa, locker room, pool, and Bella Collina social events. In addition, a sports membership offers access to the community's tennis courts and fitness facility.
Take Lessons
A final word: If you're serious about improving your game, become a student. It can be as simple as signing up for golf lessons to improve your handicap and boost your confidence!
Bella Collina offers a premier Golf Academy run by experienced PGA professionals. Courses include 1-, 2-, and 3-day golf schools to help refine your golf skills.
Whether you live in the area, are thinking of relocating to the Orlando area, or are simply a frequent vacationer in this beautiful part of the state, we are happy to introduce you to our golf course and our community. Contact us for additional information or to schedule a personal tour.
