I think I heard Sam Bennett after the Masters sa, "the game is called golf not golf-swing." Very insightful for a young guy and a reminder to all of us that don't have a "perfect swing" to learn to play the game! Job well done.
I love your videos because you show that it's really not that hard. Just play to strengths, accept the outcome and then look up and notice an actually great score.
I was listening to the podcast "The Sweet Spot" and they were talking about managing one's expectations... it was really enlightening to hear that from 25 yards they average approx. 12 feet from the hole if they're in the fairway, and that from the rough they generally average that same distance from 12 yards. It really helps put into perspective the phrase "scoring happens from 100 yards and in"... and that's a game that Adam has honed, for sure. The killer course management helps, too.
My biggest takeaway from this is that consistently getting off the tee without issue is vital. I hover between 88-95. I’m happy when I break 90. When I score high, it’s typically because I was yanking tee shots due to poor swings. It can be hard to recover from a dropped stroke or just an outright terrible position. Putting is mostly feel and comes with reps (you could say the same with all golf swings) but because of the lesser margin for error, i think it’s important to dial in your favorite club off the tee more than anything.
100% If you can get off the tee every hole turns into a par 3 (even par 5s after you slap it up to however far out you want to be) and it's so much easier. Once I started hitting most fairways and my driver because my favorite club, it was way easier to have bogey be the worst score on most holes. I went from 15 HC to about a 5 HC just by doing that and then focusing on making ball first contact with irons.
Yes, I recently arrived to the same conclusion! You need to be able to hit the driver and carry 220+ consistently on the fairway, or else it's going to be a miserable game.
You are very humble. What I got out of this was think your way around & stuff swing mechanics. You are critical of your swing yet all I see is how not only is it effective, but more importantly, you understand it completely. Well done Adam
Your emphasis on course management is something many golfers ignore. I see guys wailing away at driver off the tee in situations that dictate maybe a 3 wood. Or going for tight pins when center of green is the best opportunity.
You have the most helpful content I’ve seen on TH-cam for a golfer in a long time! I love that your videos aren’t about the physical as much as they’re about the mental. I think a lot of golfers struggle with that more than they realize and you have highlighted that so well
Adam, I think you need to give everyone a chipping video. Your wedge game is phenomenal. Maybe not a lesson, but the principles you follow, techniques you use. I'd watch.
You videos (along with Golf Sidekick) are by far my favourite content on the whole Internet. No egoistic bulls**t. Just high quality stuff where your down to earth personality shines through👌 You are doing a fantastic job man - keep it up🙌⛳️ P.S. I hope you’ll be able to visit Iceland some day. Believe it or not, but we actually have quite many nice golf courses😃🇮🇸
I appreciate watching how you think strategically through each shot. I often get in a hurry and just think about the yardage without taking the time to consider my strategy...especially when I'm filming! Good stuff, as always!
Most folks don’t know that majority of scratch & single digits golfers strengths are in the short game. It’s more chipping for birdie & making the par putt. It’s not like the pros with long drives & GIRs. This guy is a great example. The full shots isn’t that great/consistent but his short game is! That’s how he shoots as well as he does with that swing! 👏
Hey Adam. I just want to thank you for what you do. You do not have an idea how much I appreciate your posts and how much it has impacted my game. This season, which started in Canada about two-three weeks ago, I have been playing the best spring golf of my life. And I owe that all to your ideas! I have been applying everything you teach here and together with Golf SideKick, Lou Stagner, and some Decade lessons, my game has never been this great. And what is amazing is I am enjoying the game more than ever because I have shifted my mindset and expectations. Again, thank you and I wish that you'll have more success and change the game of golfers out there that were like me before.
I find this golf channel to be really encouraging for my own game. My main challenge is shots from 100 yards in but this channel shows that if you know your own game and are prepared for each shot, and think clearly, you can shoot decent scores. Great work on the content dude!
First time I’ve watched your video and a true breath of fresh air for anyone wanting to improve their golf. When I used to teach in what feels like a previous life, the course management and focus were always the key areas. The simple yet core areas that we don’t need a swing rebuild or hours practising chipping etc. keep up the great content!!
Awesome video. But let’s be honest a 5 handicap is hard to achieve. This round had 3 birdies, one penalty stroke and majority of the tee shots were all In the fairway. To play that consistent for all 18 holes takes talent. Don’t sell yourself short. Keep it up.
I love the no-nonsense approach you are taking at every shot to evaluate your options. That's a great take-away and inspiration for me. By the way: My swing is also not the prettiest you can imagine. But it works most of the time.
congrats on sinking those puts as they're the key to keeping the score down. Always something to think about ie a 1/2 inch put is the same in strokes as a 270 yard drive. you have an interesting swing
Dude, I love it. Probably just what I needed. I typically beat all my friends with a mid to high 80's score, but then tend to go backwards when I start trying to get the look of my swing better, or try to find the distance I don't have. I just need to sick to my strong suits and progress from there. Thanks.
I’m 59 I’m a 6, I’m actually disappointed if I don’t break 80, everything you say I adhere to, avoid big numbers, never follow a bad shot by another, be purposeful. I’m not long off the tee either, but I’m straight. Anyhow great advice
I’m a former country club pro. You don’t have an ugly swing at all man. Haha ive seen swings that were seemingly impossible l, and giving lessons to those people was difficult. I actually like your move at the ball a lot.
This is a great video. So many guys are concerned with what club their buddy is using or making the hero shot that has a low probability instead of just playing their game and walking away with a lower score. Most golfers I see leave at least 5 strokes on the course out of pride or just poor decision making.
I really enjoyed your video. My daughter caught me talking by myself😂. Well done on your handicap. I'm a new golfer in South Africa and still taking lessons. Your video is inspiring. I subbed
I am a PGA Class A and I would say this is spot on. I don’t ever try to crush a drive much further than 265. I have zero ego as to what club will get me to the green. I also shoot at par or better often regardless of the length of the course. Play smart golf and have fun.
First time watching one of your videos.. FANTASTIC. I am also currently a 5.8 handicap and just like your round shows, golf is not a game of perfect. Great video!!
Wow this video was amazing! I’ve watched a lot of your videos and the thinking really resonates with me as for years now I’ve struggled to find that perfect swing and search for hitting shots that “feel” great rather than focus on the shots that need hitting and the outcome! My takeaway from this is to play the swing you have, enjoy and embrace the challenge and play golf not golf swing! Thanks for the great video!
You are driving the ball so much better Adam. I'm looking forward to my round tomorrow after watching this. Hopefully I can use some of your course management ideas.
Great video and good dose of reality check for all of us. My last round I was targeting my longest distances for my irons and shot +5 on the front. Back nine I mentally forced myself to pick the middle disgrace on and iron as my target +1 on the back and it was just a lot more fun. I need to use your “ targeting the miss” when selecting clubs.
First time seeing one of your videos! Good stuff! I set out to break 80 this year, only got to play once so far and I shot 81. Good corse management was key…. And straightening out my driver so I can hit more fairways also helped!! Lol
It’s glossed over a tad bit, but the best way I’ve found to get better is to consistently play with people far better than yourself. Went from a 20+ HI to 8 now just by playing with an ex-college golfer and listening to their tips. Usually these guys are more than happy to talk through shots with you and you can gain some much just from implementing their thought process. Also I’m a big fan of taking less than driver off the tee if possible. With tight courses the easiest way to blow up is a penalty of some kind (OB, water, etc). Middle of the green is rarely a bad place to be and helps play into a “bogey at worst” mindset which has rapidly decreased my scores. Great video!
I went from a 15 down to 3.8 over the last 4 years. I found that it's not about making great shots every time but more about making your misses not kill you. Penalties off the tee are killers, 3 putting and 2 chipping around the green as well. Course management is a huge factor in scoring as well. Put the driver away, use a hybrid, set up a second shot into the green from a distance you like and find your scores drop more and more. More people would score better IMO if they never even picked up a driver unless it's a par 5 and even then you could probably get away with Hybrid, hybrid wedge and make a ho hum par. Great vid man, enjoy your content
Fasts! I see so many people use driver that they can't control, thinking they need to drive 275! When they could hit a hybrid and be 225 dead straight in the fairway, instead of 200 right(slice) or left ( hook)
Man i love your videos. a lot of my tik toks are similar in the sense of telling a story of how to score well orwhat it can look like when youre not playing well. keep up the good stuff
As you said at the very end, in contradiction to the headline of your video: golf is hard! I play a similar game to yours. I stay calm, rely on an above average short game, avoid the big numbers, focus on playing smart rather than swing mechanics. I'm interested in the stats you keep and display at the end of videos (green light drives, GIR, Scrambling, Bad Shots, and Putts). Do you have a video where you discuss these and why/how you track/use them? I assume "green light drives" is the number of fairways hit? If so, 12 of 14 fairways is phenomenal! In the round on display here you counted 15 "BAD SHOTS"...but shot a very impressive 78. 15 "bad shots" seems like a lot compared to that score. When I think of "bad shots" I think about really ugly shots that clearly led to making a bogey or a double bogey. In other words, "bad shots" for me equates to avoidable strokes compared to what I "coulda/shoulda" shot if things hadn't gone awry on a few shots. For example, I recently shot 80 and afterward reflected that I had 3 really bad swings and if those had not happened, I might have shot 77 (one better than my best ever: 78). So, I'm curious how you think about this "bad shot" stat because I assume you are realistic and are not thinking you'll ever shave 15 strokes off and shoot a 63.
Can't believe how much your driving has improved since I last saw one of your videos. It looks considerably longer with a nice draw shape. Keep it up. Love your vids - good reminder - you won't always hit good shots (infact very rarely 😂) but the trick is to keep the doubles or more off the scorecard.
I like that you don't overplay the game, and take risky chances. Most of your shots are well thought out. I need that in my game. When frustrated, I swing too hard and forget golf is hard. More thinking and staying in control are my new goals. Thx
I'm a 2 and I can't agree more with you in this video. Knowing where the miss is, adjusting for funky circumstances, and hitting a few good shots on/around the green is all it takes to break 80. Golf is a simple game that some people overthink. Just be a cool character and give every shot the respect it deserves
Just found your channel and really enjoyed this video. My game is really similar to yours; manage mid 70’s a lot w kinda of a sketchy swing but make pretty good decisions and have decent short game. Problem for me is my handicap doesn’t travel well or hold up under much pressure. Any little stress and just lose a bit in each area. Keep up the good work. Every little bit of improvement we can get in our swing will pay off with slightly better ball striking
I’m off 8 but still madly inconsistent, I’ll break 80 on a good day and then shoot 95 on a day when I somehow forget how to hit a driver and how to chip. What I like about your game is the consistency. You’re 1.5-2 clubs shorter than me but you get the job done, I’m gonna watch more and hopefully fix some mistakes I make at the golf course.
dude. Thank you for the hope and inspiration. Im stagnant at a 12hcp right now and KNOW I can play better. Love Putting Out of Your Mind btw. I pretty much listen to it on the way to every round.
@@NotAScratchGolfer Plantation is higher up on the hill, better views of the channel... both are beautiful and difficult. you need to play Plantation as well, just to do it!
Great video Adam - as someone who hits very close yardages to you, I've made a commitment this year to focus much more on where to land my pitches/chips/bumps instead of just looking at the flagstick. I know getting more up and downs will be a huge difference maker in my scoring.
What a great video! Thank you so much for this. I play to about a 14, down from an 18 a year ago. Best I have ever got to is a 12, but I have only ever shot under 80 twice in my life. This gives me a great blueprint for how I can do that more often without changing much besides how I approach the game. I often turn one bad shot into multiple bad holes because I feel there is no way to recover from a scoring perspective. This is really helpful to me.
Cheers, Derek. I often look at scorecards post-round and tally up my 9 best holes and 9 worst. In this round my best 9 holes totaled 3 under par and my worst 9 were 9 over par. Little nuggets like that help keep me calm if I play a bad stretch of holes.
Great videos and very very helpful. Got my handicap from 18 to 15 in last two months by fixing my driver swing and focusing on conservative course management centered around shots I know I hit well (and practice!). Broke 80 a few weeks ago for first time - and it didn't even feel that I played "well" - just stuck to a plan, got close to some pins and holed a few birdie putts.
I’m a 15 hc. Outside of course management I get all aspects of play great at times (although never all at once). The big miss and recovering from the big miss is what has kept my hc where it is. Your attitude and approach before and after each shot is inspiring.
Wow, this was really impressive. I just shot an 85 the other day with a triple and double on 17 and 18. I keep thinking i need ito improve my swing when in reality i need to work on my course management. For example I keep trying to go right at this front pin location thats protected by deep front bunkers on this one hole, almost every time i end up in them and end with a triple. The green is deep and has a back stop and is way more benficial to hit the back of the green and two putt for 4-5, than hit into the bunker, hit two bunker shots and two putt for 7-8. I got to course manage better.
Great video Adam, thank you! 5 handicap index is my goal. I'm currently on 7.6 and the last stretch to 5 has been tough. My iron play is inconsistent and like you, I rely on my short game to save my scorecard. For me, eliminating the doubles and playing more strategically to my strengths is the key to the elusive 5 handicap!
I love your videos Adam, cause you truly show us how simple, inside the complicated nature that is golf, the game can actually be when you stick to the basics. As someone who is on his way to break 90, your videos are just 100% encouraging. Ps I thought the Driver driving ad was hilarious.
Thank you so much for your videos! I had a misfortune, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I also created a channel and am trying to move in that direction, but so far not very successful((ks
Kama aina living in Japan. Today was almost like home (Oahu) with blue skies, 20 c, light 1-3 mph breeze. I sure miss Wailea and Kapalua. As a life long 5-8 handicap, I was hanging on to a 7 through age 67 and practice as I may, I’ve never broken the 5 barrier. A 5hc generally averages 3 over hc so 80 is a decent score... but aggravating and distasteful. Again generally, one stays +/- 6 strokes of his hc but I’ve shot scores close to 100 and with over 4000 rounds played, went under par 3 times. Tried several times to quit this unfair game but that one shot in a round keeps bringing me back. I almost truly quit at 67. Threw my 7i into the lake at 17 (2 over on the tee,) then twice in the lake and 70s score vanished. The guys insisted I finish (money riding) and after 3 years of overhauling to the Mike Austin method, I took an angry swipe and got 285 carry and 305 total for the first honest 300+ in my life. Here we go again. I somehow unlocked my secret. My head speed dwindled to 92 at age 63 and after 3 frustrating years of MA, my cruising speed settled at 103, and recorded 118 - which gave me that 285 carry. Mike Austin was well over 300 into his 70s but he was an exceptional physical specimen. Long story short. It’s great to be a scratch player but less than 1% ever get there. And only 8% are 5 or better. Golf was much more fun when I was trying to break 90. Now anything over 79 is like a kick in the mouth. Smell the flowers. Better than being at work no matter the score...so I try to console myself. Ernie Els putting disaster video also calms me. Fairways and Greens! PenguinGolf
Just found your channel and I’m really enjoying it. I also started playing late in life (~2 years ago)due to some loss/ personal tragedy (although nothing close to what you went through). I am also 5’6”, and struggle with distance and my longer clubs, especially the driver. Your swing is very shallow and I’m curious: (1) is that to help with distance (because you don’t have to shorten the club to avoid fatting every shot like you would if you had a steeper backswing), and (2) did your coach ever try to get you to swing steeper? Big fan of “swing your swing.” It’s clearly working for you. Keep it up!
Thx for sharing. It’s helpful. Your swing appears serviceable and repeatable and you hit your shots pretty straight and fairly long. That helps. Wish I could… Good attitude too.
What helps my game the most is paying attention to greens in regulation. Not worried about where the hole is, but rather just get on the green. This year I am going to over come my fear of going long. I always grab the shorter club and hence come up short a lot. Some holes you need to error short but others you don't. This video helps reinforce that. Thanks.
I'm still on my quest to breaking 80 and I've noticed although your not the longest driver more time then not it's in a great position, and that is where most of my shots are lost so I'm going to play my next few rounds without knowing I have much more control with my 3w gladly give up 20 yards to be in more fairways. Your course management is your biggest strength and I'm going to try to use some of that knowledge. Thx
Sounds like me Nelson. I can hit almost every fairway, but I get disgusted that I only hit a 220 to 230 drive, so then I start trying to hit it longer and get all sideways. All my friends swear they would take my accuracy over their distance, but it's just such human nature to hate being the short hitter.
As a fellow 5 index, this is all great advice, especially taking a little more club just to make sure a ball gets where it needs to go. I always remind myself after a bad shot or missed opportunity: golf is hard.
Taking an extra club is something I do but can't get anyone else that I play with to do. Just choke up half inch and club up. Makes the game so much easier. Not on ever shot, but when you think you might be short.
Great tips, thanks. My best scoring comes from playing boring golf. Stand up in the tee box, swing smooth, don't kill it and just hit it in the middle of the fairway... yawn Grab the longer club choice in the fairway and then just swing smooth and knock it on the green. Sometimes I one putt or three putt but most of the time I two putt. It isn't as exciting without those long crushing drives and cool recovery shots but when it comes to scoring it is effective and has my handicap in the single digits. The hardest part is ignoring the devil on my shoulder always trying to talk me into the glorious but low % shot...
I love your videos. The one thing I’ve noticed is when you get in trouble, you are very good at getting out of it immediately. That’s my biggest problem. I have a bad tee shot and it literally affects my next 2 holes
![Why Your Golf Swing Doesn't Matter [PGA WEST - PETE DYE MOUNTAIN COURSE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qLh63NVMCYQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I think I heard Sam Bennett after the Masters sa, "the game is called golf not golf-swing." Very insightful for a young guy and a reminder to all of us that don't have a "perfect swing" to learn to play the game! Job well done.
I love your videos because you show that it's really not that hard. Just play to strengths, accept the outcome and then look up and notice an actually great score.
Thanks :)
I was listening to the podcast "The Sweet Spot" and they were talking about managing one's expectations... it was really enlightening to hear that from 25 yards they average approx. 12 feet from the hole if they're in the fairway, and that from the rough they generally average that same distance from 12 yards. It really helps put into perspective the phrase "scoring happens from 100 yards and in"... and that's a game that Adam has honed, for sure.
The killer course management helps, too.
My biggest takeaway from this is that consistently getting off the tee without issue is vital. I hover between 88-95. I’m happy when I break 90. When I score high, it’s typically because I was yanking tee shots due to poor swings. It can be hard to recover from a dropped stroke or just an outright terrible position. Putting is mostly feel and comes with reps (you could say the same with all golf swings) but because of the lesser margin for error, i think it’s important to dial in your favorite club off the tee more than anything.
100% If you can get off the tee every hole turns into a par 3 (even par 5s after you slap it up to however far out you want to be) and it's so much easier. Once I started hitting most fairways and my driver because my favorite club, it was way easier to have bogey be the worst score on most holes. I went from 15 HC to about a 5 HC just by doing that and then focusing on making ball first contact with irons.
same here... if i teed off with a seven iron id probably have a lower average score, a wayward tee shot can lead to a huge number
Yes, I recently arrived to the same conclusion! You need to be able to hit the driver and carry 220+ consistently on the fairway, or else it's going to be a miserable game.
You are very humble. What I got out of this was think your way around & stuff swing mechanics. You are critical of your swing yet all I see is how not only is it effective, but more importantly, you understand it completely. Well done Adam
Your emphasis on course management is something many golfers ignore. I see guys wailing away at driver off the tee in situations that dictate maybe a 3 wood. Or going for tight pins when center of green is the best opportunity.
love the content man, keep it up I'm all about it
You have the most helpful content I’ve seen on TH-cam for a golfer in a long time! I love that your videos aren’t about the physical as much as they’re about the mental. I think a lot of golfers struggle with that more than they realize and you have highlighted that so well
Adam, I think you need to give everyone a chipping video. Your wedge game is phenomenal. Maybe not a lesson, but the principles you follow, techniques you use. I'd watch.
You videos (along with Golf Sidekick) are by far my favourite content on the whole Internet. No egoistic bulls**t. Just high quality stuff where your down to earth personality shines through👌
You are doing a fantastic job man - keep it up🙌⛳️
P.S. I hope you’ll be able to visit Iceland some day. Believe it or not, but we actually have quite many nice golf courses😃🇮🇸
Thanks, Arni! Always honored to be mentioned in the same breath as the Playa in Chief.
I agree… I’m glad I stumbled across this channel!!
Good job with no major mistakes with the driver or 5W.
You had some real consistent drives this rd.
I appreciate watching how you think strategically through each shot. I often get in a hurry and just think about the yardage without taking the time to consider my strategy...especially when I'm filming! Good stuff, as always!
Most folks don’t know that majority of scratch & single digits golfers strengths are in the short game. It’s more chipping for birdie & making the par putt. It’s not like the pros with long drives & GIRs. This guy is a great example. The full shots isn’t that great/consistent but his short game is! That’s how he shoots as well as he does with that swing! 👏
Hey Adam. I just want to thank you for what you do. You do not have an idea how much I appreciate your posts and how much it has impacted my game. This season, which started in Canada about two-three weeks ago, I have been playing the best spring golf of my life. And I owe that all to your ideas! I have been applying everything you teach here and together with Golf SideKick, Lou Stagner, and some Decade lessons, my game has never been this great. And what is amazing is I am enjoying the game more than ever because I have shifted my mindset and expectations. Again, thank you and I wish that you'll have more success and change the game of golfers out there that were like me before.
Checking your ego while selecting clubs is such good advice
I find this golf channel to be really encouraging for my own game. My main challenge is shots from 100 yards in but this channel shows that if you know your own game and are prepared for each shot, and think clearly, you can shoot decent scores. Great work on the content dude!
First time I’ve watched your video and a true breath of fresh air for anyone wanting to improve their golf. When I used to teach in what feels like a previous life, the course management and focus were always the key areas. The simple yet core areas that we don’t need a swing rebuild or hours practising chipping etc. keep up the great content!!
Fun fact: tour average from 100 yards is ~20 feet. This game isnt about making a bunch of eagles and birdies, it’s about managing misses.
Really loved this video - your positive self talk (at least in the narration!) was great. Bob Rotella would be proud haha!
Awesome video. But let’s be honest a 5 handicap is hard to achieve. This round had 3 birdies, one penalty stroke and majority of the tee shots were all In the fairway. To play that consistent for all 18 holes takes talent. Don’t sell yourself short. Keep it up.
I love the no-nonsense approach you are taking at every shot to evaluate your options. That's a great take-away and inspiration for me. By the way: My swing is also not the prettiest you can imagine. But it works most of the time.
I love how in this video, you tried to do your best impression of the Dark Knight Voice
congrats on sinking those puts as they're the key to keeping the score down. Always something to think about ie a 1/2 inch put is the same in strokes as a 270 yard drive. you have an interesting swing
Thank you for this. Such a great outlook to take the course next time. Really looking forward to it.
Dude, I love it. Probably just what I needed. I typically beat all my friends with a mid to high 80's score, but then tend to go backwards when I start trying to get the look of my swing better, or try to find the distance I don't have. I just need to sick to my strong suits and progress from there. Thanks.
The level of humility on this channel is sofaking inspiring
great job in managing YOUR game. i love they way you stay within yourself and keep things in perspective. i learned a lot from this. ty!
Your videos are a great example of what can be achieved with proper course management and competent ball striking. Keep it up!
Thanks, Michael!
This...exactly.
I love the honesty and simplicity in your game and how you explained this!
I’m 59 I’m a 6, I’m actually disappointed if I don’t break 80, everything you say I adhere to, avoid big numbers, never follow a bad shot by another, be purposeful. I’m not long off the tee either, but I’m straight. Anyhow great advice
This was freaking awesome. Thanks for sharing!!!
It helps when you can hit targets. That's most people's problem. Slice, fads are everywhere. Good video.
Loved this video!
Great mental approach to the round and so nice to see some familiar Hawaii golf holes (I love Wailea).
Love your videos, i found myself bringing you're commentary to my rounds and shot my best last week. Keep them coming!
I’m a former country club pro. You don’t have an ugly swing at all man. Haha ive seen swings that were seemingly impossible l, and giving lessons to those people was difficult. I actually like your move at the ball a lot.
This is a great video. So many guys are concerned with what club their buddy is using or making the hero shot that has a low probability instead of just playing their game and walking away with a lower score. Most golfers I see leave at least 5 strokes on the course out of pride or just poor decision making.
I really enjoyed your video. My daughter caught me talking by myself😂. Well done on your handicap. I'm a new golfer in South Africa and still taking lessons. Your video is inspiring. I subbed
I am a PGA Class A and I would say this is spot on. I don’t ever try to crush a drive much further than 265. I have zero ego as to what club will get me to the green. I also shoot at par or better often regardless of the length of the course. Play smart golf and have fun.
I’ve been watching your channel for over a year now and I’ve got to say the swing is looking really pure! Great job!
First time watching one of your videos.. FANTASTIC. I am also currently a 5.8 handicap and just like your round shows, golf is not a game of perfect. Great video!!
Awesome video! Absolutely perfect golf video. It kind of scratches the itch I had to play soon. Feels like I just played a round myself. thank you.
great vid - off to play in spain in a few weeks, im going to try taking some inspo
Thanks, Alec.
Wow this video was amazing! I’ve watched a lot of your videos and the thinking really resonates with me as for years now I’ve struggled to find that perfect swing and search for hitting shots that “feel” great rather than focus on the shots that need hitting and the outcome! My takeaway from this is to play the swing you have, enjoy and embrace the challenge and play golf not golf swing! Thanks for the great video!
You are driving the ball so much better Adam. I'm looking forward to my round tomorrow after watching this. Hopefully I can use some of your course management ideas.
Great video and good dose of reality check for all of us. My last round I was targeting my longest distances for my irons and shot +5 on the front. Back nine I mentally forced myself to pick the middle disgrace on and iron as my target +1 on the back and it was just a lot more fun. I need to use your “ targeting the miss” when selecting clubs.
First time seeing one of your videos! Good stuff! I set out to break 80 this year, only got to play once so far and I shot 81. Good corse management was key…. And straightening out my driver so I can hit more fairways also helped!! Lol
Fantastic video! I'm a 3.1 index and try to explain to people its all about avoiding doubles and birdies will come but never need to force them.
It’s glossed over a tad bit, but the best way I’ve found to get better is to consistently play with people far better than yourself. Went from a 20+ HI to 8 now just by playing with an ex-college golfer and listening to their tips. Usually these guys are more than happy to talk through shots with you and you can gain some much just from implementing their thought process. Also I’m a big fan of taking less than driver off the tee if possible. With tight courses the easiest way to blow up is a penalty of some kind (OB, water, etc). Middle of the green is rarely a bad place to be and helps play into a “bogey at worst” mindset which has rapidly decreased my scores.
Great video!
helps a lot - thanks ❤
Was watching one of James Robinson videos and he included your clip of the driver driving the car was awsome.
haha good stuff.
Not a single chunk or blade or lost ball off tee. You have perfected consistency. Your "bad" shots are not actual bad shots. Impressive stuff.
I went from a 15 down to 3.8 over the last 4 years. I found that it's not about making great shots every time but more about making your misses not kill you. Penalties off the tee are killers, 3 putting and 2 chipping around the green as well. Course management is a huge factor in scoring as well. Put the driver away, use a hybrid, set up a second shot into the green from a distance you like and find your scores drop more and more. More people would score better IMO if they never even picked up a driver unless it's a par 5 and even then you could probably get away with Hybrid, hybrid wedge and make a ho hum par. Great vid man, enjoy your content
Fasts! I see so many people use driver that they can't control, thinking they need to drive 275! When they could hit a hybrid and be 225 dead straight in the fairway, instead of 200 right(slice) or left ( hook)
Man i love your videos. a lot of my tik toks are similar in the sense of telling a story of how to score well orwhat it can look like when youre not playing well. keep up the good stuff
Thanks, Vince!
As you said at the very end, in contradiction to the headline of your video: golf is hard! I play a similar game to yours. I stay calm, rely on an above average short game, avoid the big numbers, focus on playing smart rather than swing mechanics. I'm interested in the stats you keep and display at the end of videos (green light drives, GIR, Scrambling, Bad Shots, and Putts). Do you have a video where you discuss these and why/how you track/use them? I assume "green light drives" is the number of fairways hit? If so, 12 of 14 fairways is phenomenal! In the round on display here you counted 15 "BAD SHOTS"...but shot a very impressive 78. 15 "bad shots" seems like a lot compared to that score. When I think of "bad shots" I think about really ugly shots that clearly led to making a bogey or a double bogey. In other words, "bad shots" for me equates to avoidable strokes compared to what I "coulda/shoulda" shot if things hadn't gone awry on a few shots. For example, I recently shot 80 and afterward reflected that I had 3 really bad swings and if those had not happened, I might have shot 77 (one better than my best ever: 78). So, I'm curious how you think about this "bad shot" stat because I assume you are realistic and are not thinking you'll ever shave 15 strokes off and shoot a 63.
Can't believe how much your driving has improved since I last saw one of your videos. It looks considerably longer with a nice draw shape. Keep it up. Love your vids - good reminder - you won't always hit good shots (infact very rarely 😂) but the trick is to keep the doubles or more off the scorecard.
Thanks, Terry. My driver comes and goes. I ensure to relish it when it's going well....
I like that you don't overplay the game, and take risky chances. Most of your shots are well thought out.
I need that in my game. When frustrated, I swing too hard and forget golf is hard.
More thinking and staying in control are my new goals. Thx
Cheers
I'm a 2 and I can't agree more with you in this video. Knowing where the miss is, adjusting for funky circumstances, and hitting a few good shots on/around the green is all it takes to break 80.
Golf is a simple game that some people overthink. Just be a cool character and give every shot the respect it deserves
Just found your channel and really enjoyed this video. My game is really similar to yours; manage mid 70’s a lot w kinda of a sketchy swing but make pretty good decisions and have decent short game. Problem for me is my handicap doesn’t travel well or hold up under much pressure. Any little stress and just lose a bit in each area.
Keep up the good work. Every little bit of improvement we can get in our swing will pay off with slightly better ball striking
Love the videos! You swing easy, keep it in play, and think your way around the shot
This and a lobotomy and I should be good to go for my next round.
Driver was on point!
Trying to enjoy it while it lasts!
My favorite place in the world! Can’t wait to get back
Yeah, we had a great time, too! Would love to get back one day.
Adam one thing you got going for you is being consistent that really helps!! And you know your strengths!!👍😀
Thanks as always.
I’m off 8 but still madly inconsistent, I’ll break 80 on a good day and then shoot 95 on a day when I somehow forget how to hit a driver and how to chip. What I like about your game is the consistency. You’re 1.5-2 clubs shorter than me but you get the job done, I’m gonna watch more and hopefully fix some mistakes I make at the golf course.
dude. Thank you for the hope and inspiration. Im stagnant at a 12hcp right now and KNOW I can play better. Love Putting Out of Your Mind btw. I pretty much listen to it on the way to every round.
Love it, Keith. I need to give it a re-listen, too.
Great video nice steady golf with a score quite frankly I’d love to get
I like being able to watch courses I’ve gone to on vacation being able to relate to how I’ve played that course before
Good stuff!
Drives are looking very nice Adam... beautiful course!
I usually play Kapalua when the wife and I are on Maui... LOVE it!
Thanks, Albert! We managed to get out at Kapalua Bay but not Plantation. How would you describe Plantation?
@@NotAScratchGolfer Plantation is higher up on the hill, better views of the channel... both are beautiful and difficult.
you need to play Plantation as well, just to do it!
great stuff, good game management, very sensible.
Thanks!
This was really good. Keep your driver on the planet, think strategically, and limit the big numbers. Great advice.
Great video Adam - as someone who hits very close yardages to you, I've made a commitment this year to focus much more on where to land my pitches/chips/bumps instead of just looking at the flagstick. I know getting more up and downs will be a huge difference maker in my scoring.
Bingo. Keep me in the loop about your progress. Coming back to BC any time soon?
@@NotAScratchGolfer will do. and yes! August long weekend 2-5, you around!?
@@strengthscoachalex yessir!
Great video Adam! I
Thanks!!
What a great video! Thank you so much for this. I play to about a 14, down from an 18 a year ago. Best I have ever got to is a 12, but I have only ever shot under 80 twice in my life. This gives me a great blueprint for how I can do that more often without changing much besides how I approach the game. I often turn one bad shot into multiple bad holes because I feel there is no way to recover from a scoring perspective. This is really helpful to me.
Cheers, Derek. I often look at scorecards post-round and tally up my 9 best holes and 9 worst. In this round my best 9 holes totaled 3 under par and my worst 9 were 9 over par. Little nuggets like that help keep me calm if I play a bad stretch of holes.
Great videos and very very helpful. Got my handicap from 18 to 15 in last two months by fixing my driver swing and focusing on conservative course management centered around shots I know I hit well (and practice!). Broke 80 a few weeks ago for first time - and it didn't even feel that I played "well" - just stuck to a plan, got close to some pins and holed a few birdie putts.
Congrats, Rob!
i like the video, i do think similar to what you say except im just not consisten and seem to mess up a shot nearly every hole
Good solid round I think !
Thanks, James!
I’m a 15 hc. Outside of course management I get all aspects of play great at times (although never all at once). The big miss and recovering from the big miss is what has kept my hc where it is. Your attitude and approach before and after each shot is inspiring.
Cheers.
10:10 made me laugh out loud. Better than any voice over commentary.
lol
One of the best ball striking rounds I've seen on the channel? That's a legit 78.
Love ur work mate
Thanks, Luke!
Wow, this was really impressive.
I just shot an 85 the other day with a triple and double on 17 and 18. I keep thinking i need ito improve my swing when in reality i need to work on my course management.
For example I keep trying to go right at this front pin location thats protected by deep front bunkers on this one hole, almost every time i end up in them and end with a triple. The green is deep and has a back stop and is way more benficial to hit the back of the green and two putt for 4-5, than hit into the bunker, hit two bunker shots and two putt for 7-8.
I got to course manage better.
Great video Adam, thank you! 5 handicap index is my goal. I'm currently on 7.6 and the last stretch to 5 has been tough. My iron play is inconsistent and like you, I rely on my short game to save my scorecard. For me, eliminating the doubles and playing more strategically to my strengths is the key to the elusive 5 handicap!
Cheers, Ryan. Yeah, double bogey avoidance is *definitely* the stat that sticks out for me, too.
I love your videos Adam, cause you truly show us how simple, inside the complicated nature that is golf, the game can actually be when you stick to the basics. As someone who is on his way to break 90, your videos are just 100% encouraging. Ps I thought the Driver driving ad was hilarious.
Thank you so much for your videos! I had a misfortune, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I also created a channel and am trying to move in that direction, but so far not very successful((ks
Thanks so much. It's heartening to hear that this is useful to you. And lol, glad to see the SwingTweaks plug is being well received.
Kama aina living in Japan.
Today was almost like home (Oahu) with blue skies, 20 c, light 1-3 mph breeze. I sure miss Wailea and Kapalua. As a life long 5-8 handicap, I was hanging on to a 7 through age 67 and practice as I may, I’ve never broken the 5 barrier.
A 5hc generally averages 3 over hc so 80 is a decent score... but aggravating and distasteful.
Again generally, one stays +/- 6 strokes of his hc but I’ve shot scores close to 100 and with over 4000 rounds played, went under par 3 times.
Tried several times to quit this unfair game but that one shot in a round keeps bringing me back.
I almost truly quit at 67. Threw my 7i into the lake at 17 (2 over on the tee,) then twice in the lake and 70s score vanished.
The guys insisted I finish (money riding) and after 3 years of overhauling to the Mike Austin method, I took an angry swipe and got 285 carry and 305 total for the first honest 300+ in my life.
Here we go again.
I somehow unlocked my secret. My head speed dwindled to 92 at age 63 and after 3 frustrating years of MA, my cruising speed settled at 103, and recorded 118 - which gave me that 285 carry.
Mike Austin was well over 300 into his 70s but he was an exceptional physical specimen.
Long story short. It’s great to be a scratch player but less than 1% ever get there. And only 8% are 5 or better.
Golf was much more fun when I was trying to break 90. Now anything over 79 is like a kick in the mouth.
Smell the flowers. Better than being at work no matter the score...so I try to console myself.
Ernie Els putting disaster video also calms me.
Fairways and Greens!
PenguinGolf
haha thanks James. I've also frequently queued up that Ernie Els putting disaster.
Just found your channel and I’m really enjoying it. I also started playing late in life (~2 years ago)due to some loss/ personal tragedy (although nothing close to what you went through).
I am also 5’6”, and struggle with distance and my longer clubs, especially the driver.
Your swing is very shallow and I’m curious: (1) is that to help with distance (because you don’t have to shorten the club to avoid fatting every shot like you would if you had a steeper backswing), and (2) did your coach ever try to get you to swing steeper?
Big fan of “swing your swing.” It’s clearly working for you. Keep it up!
Thanks Adam! Keeping it in play and talking through my preshot routine is my take away.
Cheers, Eric. Indeed, I've noticed that it helps me a lot. Forcing yourself to vocalize the plan has the added benefit of...making a plan.
Thx for sharing. It’s helpful. Your swing appears serviceable and repeatable and you hit your shots pretty straight and fairly long. That helps. Wish I could… Good attitude too.
Adam, you'd make a great caddy. You should part time at Augusta national so you can go to the masters and play the course once a year
Real and honest content. Thank you Adam.👍🏽
I really enjoyed that.
Love this course play it almost every week. Wish I got to see you out there man. Keep the videos coming 🤙🤙🤙
Jealous! Hopefully next time!
Amazing 78, you made it look so easy despite you're not a long hitter. But your short game is A1
What helps my game the most is paying attention to greens in regulation. Not worried about where the hole is, but rather just get on the green. This year I am going to over come my fear of going long. I always grab the shorter club and hence come up short a lot. Some holes you need to error short but others you don't. This video helps reinforce that. Thanks.
Love it, Jason.
That course though !
Ha! Love the directionally challenged driver bit! Seriously though, it does show that you've been working on it. Thanks for giving all of us hope! :)
I'm still on my quest to breaking 80 and I've noticed although your not the longest driver more time then not it's in a great position, and that is where most of my shots are lost so I'm going to play my next few rounds without knowing I have much more control with my 3w gladly give up 20 yards to be in more fairways. Your course management is your biggest strength and I'm going to try to use some of that knowledge. Thx
Thanks, Nelson. I'm sure you'll do it soon!
Sounds like me Nelson. I can hit almost every fairway, but I get disgusted that I only hit a 220 to 230 drive, so then I start trying to hit it longer and get all sideways. All my friends swear they would take my accuracy over their distance, but it's just such human nature to hate being the short hitter.
As a fellow 5 index, this is all great advice, especially taking a little more club just to make sure a ball gets where it needs to go. I always remind myself after a bad shot or missed opportunity: golf is hard.
Taking an extra club is something I do but can't get anyone else that I play with to do. Just choke up half inch and club up. Makes the game so much easier. Not on ever shot, but when you think you might be short.
Great tips, thanks. My best scoring comes from playing boring golf. Stand up in the tee box, swing smooth, don't kill it and just hit it in the middle of the fairway... yawn Grab the longer club choice in the fairway and then just swing smooth and knock it on the green. Sometimes I one putt or three putt but most of the time I two putt. It isn't as exciting without those long crushing drives and cool recovery shots but when it comes to scoring it is effective and has my handicap in the single digits. The hardest part is ignoring the devil on my shoulder always trying to talk me into the glorious but low % shot...
I love your videos. The one thing I’ve noticed is when you get in trouble, you are very good at getting out of it immediately. That’s my biggest problem. I have a bad tee shot and it literally affects my next 2 holes