How do I lower my score?

This is the ultimate goal of a golfer. First, mentally analyze your game. Where are you losing strokes, i.e.; putting, chipping, shots out of play? For example, a PGA tour player hits an average of 13 greens in regulation. That means they are chipping, pitching, etc. on 5 holes. If the best players in the world need a good short game, the average player is probably losing 2 to 3 strokes (or more) around the green. Once you identify which areas of your game need improvement, work on that area to get better and ultimately you’ll lower your score.

Why are some clubs more expensive than others, is it because of quality?

Some clubs do cost more to produce than others. Certain materials are more expensive during production, i.e., titanium is more expensive than steel. There are also different grades of titanium, which could also add to the cost. Golf club companies spend a lot of money on marketing and sponsorship of tour players to entice consumers to purchase their clubs. When choosing a golf club(s), it’s best to first decide your price range and go from there. There are great products available without spending a ton of money, send us a note with a specific question or consult your local PGA Professional.

How do I become more consistent with my ball striking?

We all have a certain ball flight (high, low, left, right, etc.) that feels most comfortable with our swing. When training or practicing on the range, pick a target and hit ten balls. Pay attention to the ball flight. If you hit, 3 balls right, 3 balls left and 4 straight, this is your shot pattern. Decide the ball flight that you want and try to make swings that will produce that flight. Practice with a purpose, not just hitting ball after ball. Take a lesson to insure success!

If I am a beginner, should I play on the golf course?

If you are new to the game, hopefully you are taking instruction to learn not only how to play the game, but proper golf course etiquette and course management. The fundamentals of the swing are most important, but equally important are proper course etiquette and management for not only your enjoyment of the game, but others playing on the course as well. It’s best to start at a par three course and play until you build some confidence to move on. This will help you learn and build confidence along the way.

When are you too old to take up golf?

You are never too old. If you have the interest and desire to play, you can learn at any age. We have taught people in their eighties. Maybe just play a short course! Whatever you choose, find your level, have fun, and enjoy the game.

I play the same course and always play certain holes poorly, what can I do?

Sometimes when we play the same course we have bad memories of holes and hit shots in the same place. This is the “mental” part of the game we all struggle with (no matter what level player you are.) We suggest on those holes to try hitting a different club off the tee or even think of the hole as one stroke higher than it is. Try mentally playing a par four as a par five. Hit a club off the tee that your confidant hitting and can hit in play. Play the hole as if it were a three shot hole. Concentrate on each shot and not on the end results. Change things up and you will see the hole differently. This will help you achieve better scores and alleviate some fears of those dreaded holes.

Should I keep a handicap and how do I get one?

If you play 10 times a year or more you should keep a handicap. You will need one to play in tournaments (even for fun). A handicap also helps to see if your game is improving. If you are a member of a club, there most likely is a handicapping system already set up. If not, we suggest keeping one on www.GHIN.com. The fee for this service is $35.

I am unable to stay focused when I have a good round going, any suggestions?

A lot of times, a player will begin to think too much about the final score. This is a very common problem among amateurs. It is easy to say to your self, play one shot at a time, but not as easy to do it. Try to focus on the task at hand. Try to think of each shot as the only shot that matters. When we think of the end results, we are sometimes unable to “pull the trigger” on the shot we have in front of us. If the shot is missed, we immediately think of the final score. Start out each hole by only trying to hit the fairway with your drive, then concentrate on each shot before finishing the hole. This should take the pressure off of the final score. Remember, you have no idea what may happen in the next two hours and thus cannot predict your score, so stop trying.