Another great video! TH-cam videos (especially yours)plus a little more practice have drastically improved my game. I'm still a high handicap, but my shot making and desicion making are much better now. I only play once or twice a month but I'm getting close to being able to play reasonably well.
The greatest lesson I ever had was from my father. He always said that if you get in trouble don’t go for the hero shot pitch out and make sure you get guarantee your bogey and if you’re lucky enough maybe your par. I used that thought on the fourteenth hole at Torrey Pines South in 1987 I pitched out of trouble then hit my wedge to one foot for the par and went on to win the City Championship. Always play to avoid the double bogey.
i heard this guy say "when you're playing golf you're playing golf, not golf swing" and those words echo in my head whenever im on the course this really helped me start trusting my swing and not getting so frustrated over mis-hits.
Extra commandment for anyone struggling: "Always have fun." Don't let the nature of golf frutrate you and ruin your day, it's a hard sport and practice makes perfect, so just have fun everytime you play!
Everything you say is true except for the practice makes perfect part. Not in golf. Practice makes for better but it doesn’t make for perfect. But fortunately you don’t have to perfect to have fun at golf 😊
This is my problem. When I'm playing terribly I tend to get cranky. I think I set the unreasonable expectation that I will execute consistently on the course because I execute consistently when I practice at home. Just because I chip perfectly onto a target on my lawn or knock down ten putts in a row on my putting mat doesn't mean I'll be able to do it at the course. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy time outside and with friends regardless of the outcome of the game.
The situation that happened at 6:00 is one of my own commandments I've started to learn. Nobody knows my distances better than me. Every single time I've let someone convince me to take a club different than the one I think I should hit, it screws me like it screwed you. Sometimes it's all physical, and they just convinced you take a club that went too long or too short, other times it's mental, where you subconciously have less confidence standing over the ball because you have less confidence in the club selection, and it leadds to bad swing mechanics and a bad shot result. Unless you're SUPER new to golf and don't really know your distances, trust yourself and don't be easily swayed by someone who doesn't know your game as well as you do. Awesome video as awlays always, thanks for sharing!
Best TH-cam content. You've improved my head space and my approach. I've shaved about 5 strokes off my handicap in the last 5 months. I still suck, but man does it feel better.
Awesome video... I know a few people who need this advice, including me. Also the fake-out birdie sound effect on 13 and "everything you are about to hear is stupid" got me. I will say, you say that none of the Commandments are about swing mechanics, but "keep it in play off the tee" actually is a lot about that. Having just played a round yesterday where it was like I had never hit a driver in my life, trying to figure out a way to fix it enough to make it serviceable again was all about understanding what the likely culprit was in my swing. Didn't get it back to normal, but got it back enough to be able to play the holes rather than being off the planet. (before anyone says "just hit a different club off the tee" then, I did switch to 3 wood for a couple of holes but because I rarely tee off with that club I'm not comfortable with it, which just created a different set of problems, so I'm losing distance for no reason at that point)
Thanks, John! And you're right. I guess we all need a baseline of swing mechanics in order to play. But I think my swing demonstrates that baseline may be lower than some assume :p
Having just re-read Harvey Penick's Little Red Book I can't help but notice how many of his ideas and principles you include in your videos (whether knowingly or not). I can't think of a better teacher or maxims to include into the core of one's game, and it is helpful to see them applied to a round of golf.
This is a very solid, easy to follow and right on target video - esp for high handcap golfers. I got down a 3, starting at age 53) within my first 5 years, because I developed a repeatable, consistent swing under lessons with a great teacher. I’ve had a number of injuries since then, including a total reverse shoulder replacement on my left and am slowly coming back online as a 18 but at 68, I’m very happy. Great presentation of 10 very important - what I would call - course management lessons. Keep up the great work!
@@NotAScratchGolfer You tell Shep I said it's actually two hats. Also this week and next week are operation catch up TH-cam so our collaborations should be going up shortly. I've got a couple of hectic months but I want to plan a weekend up with you guys in the late summer, early fall.
I don't often comment on TH-cam, but wanted to say I really enjoy your videos. There's great info, and they are edited in such a way that's enjoyable to watch. Great work.
Bump and run for a high handicapper is such a huge tool. Unless you're out there at a practice range, dialing in those 56/60 chips, the bump and run is THE way to go. I love the last commandment. Plays along the lines of "you can't fix anything mid round".
Adam, I really enjoyed your video and, as you promised, no ego, no false promises, just good honest assessment of your game. But I have to say, if you’re a single-figure handicap golfer, then you certainly are not a high handicapper. You played that round pretty well. Thanks for posting. Best regards from the Giant’s Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland - where we have great links courses, including my own, which is a well struck driver away!! 😜👍☘️⛳️
I've been golfing since I was 9 or 10. I am 21 now. Still a double digit handicap. Your videos are giving me a great idea as to why that is though. Feels like every time I go out to the course, I let pride get in the way of my playing and I am always trying to change my swing mechanics. Leads to 100+ almost every time I step on the course. Your vids are giving me hope that even with my poor slice and lack of distance, I can start breaking 100, and hopefully 90 as well. My dad always tells me that golf is 80% mental, maybe I should've been listening to him for all these years lol. Anyways, thank you for what you do, giving a lot of us high handicappers hope.
try flattening your wrist at the top of your backswing... if youre slicing you might be hinging your wrist at the top of the backswing instead of keeping it more on a flat plane... pause adams swing at the top of his backswing and you can see how flat his wrist is in relation to his arms...
Hey there, loving the videos. I have a question can you tell me the equipment and apps you are using to video your games? Would love to do this myself.
Your videos are game changing man. I'm a 24 handicap and trying to get myself under 20 this summer. I'm sure you've got this question many times, but how did you get so automatic on 5-7 foot putts? Any recommendations or best practices?
Thanks, Nick! Putting is the only part of the game that I practice. I use a VariSpeed mat (although not as much as I should) to help me ensure that I'm starting the ball on my intended line. It works wonders for straight putts inside 10'.
@@DelbartonWrestling23 I'm a 22 HC and putting and chipping are the only good parts of my game. My biggest problem is I am guaranteed 14holes of under bogey golf and 4 holes of blow up golf where I forget how to hit a golf ball. However, I'm relatively automatic inside of 7ft. I started paying attention to how I stand and address the ball and Ho WI move, and whether I stay tight or not. It led to some important changed that help me maintain structure and stay on my lines. From there, confidence and hitting it a little stronger thru breaks. Uncertainty or worry over a putt always leads to weak pushes or noncommittal strokes that are all over the place.
@@Arminian100 I can sadly relate to the "forget how to hit a golf ball" stretch of a round of 18. Thanks for the tips though, I had some longer putts sink last time out and confidence is key. If you don't think you even have a chance to make it you probably won't make it
@@DelbartonWrestling23 I spent years playing as a 20+ hc, not really caring because I only play maybe 8 times a year. I enjoyed just being out there with friends. When I finally decided to quit being the D player of the group, I improved from maybe breaking 100, to low to mid 80’s in a year with simple changes. I started by slowing my swing and playing an appropriate ball…a low compression lady’s precept. By swinging more controlled and using a ball designed for slower speeds, in about 4-5 rounds I had gone from hitting a high slice to a really good 5 yd fade that found the fairway consistently…now it was “only” about 210 yds, but it was in play and repeatable. That change alone improved my score big time because I wasn’t losing balls in the woods, or having to play from some stupid places. For the most part all high handicap players have the same problems, keeping it in play, managing expectations, and trying to play like their better friends. If you are playing from tee’s that are above your skill level, it comes down to course management. Lay up on those long par 4’s that have danger, this helps avoid those score killing big #’s. Par isn’t necessarily what you’re after at first, it’s avoiding those 8’s. If you’re keeping it in play (straight), it really is about pitching and putting. And there isn’t a fix other than practice for that. Focus on realistic’s, you’re unlikely to hole those green side pitches so work on consistency with distance control, something inside the flag that’s makeable. Same thing applies for long putts, focus on getting it near rather than trying to make it. All of this can get you to bogey golf, and once you’re comfortable with it all and scoring better Then you can add some swing speed and add more length to it. I still only play monthly, but now I show up, hit some balls on the range focusing on my tempo for a while to get everything feeling under control. Add some speed towards the end , and go shoot mid 80’s regularly.
great video adam. I used to play the palm springs courses quite a bit when i lived out that way and that dye course is criminally underrated and very difficult. Well done.
@@NotAScratchGolfer Great! Golf here is finally in full swing. Just played a 2 man match play against two opponents as my partner mixed up the dates and didn’t show. Won one by two and pushed the other!
Really good information on the mental and course management aspects. As some swing advice, you can work the club a little steeper and out in front of you instead of deep and around your body. The over the top is a compensation which is why you hit a fade. Just a thought in the off-season to work on and you could gain some distance and control your dispersion a little better
Question for you about the Tees you choose to play from. In the beginning of the video you said 'your best drive and your best 7iron" .. you had your best drive at 240 yds but in this video you hit a few more like 265 .. will that number adjust for you or did you mean more of your 'driving average & 7iron average'?
Good question! I should have said, "average good drive # + solidly struck 7 iron #." Where I typically play (at sea level), my average good drive is 240. In the desert, I might hit some that roll out to 260+, but those are the exception and not the yardages I plan my game around :)
I love how you’ve added some right side bend through impact. Goodbye duck hooks, my friend. Right side bend is so key for not only getting through the ball, for a good finish, but it’s also very helpful in controlling the face. Pretty much every amateur that I see needs more right side bend. I personally add even more side bend when I really need a predictable ball flight, on a tight hole. It turns out either straight, or a slight fade. Of course, strike is king in golf, but a predictable ball flight is a close second. Distance is third. That’s the only thing you’re lacking. You’re a pretty solid player, though. Love your videos.
This question probably shows why I'm a bad gofler. But why does choking down on the grip reduce the distance? Also I'm assuming that works for all clubs? Ps. Love the video!
Thanks! Generally speaking, the shorter the shaft length, the less speed you will generate, and speed translates to distance. So gripping down on the shaft effectively shortens the shaft, which reduces speed, which reduces distance.
28 putts. Dang man. If you averaged that, that would be top 10 on the PGA tour. Of course they play harder courses, but still man, your short game is lit
ONLY give your playing partner swing advice if they ask for it. My new golf buddy has an ugly snap hook and we are slowly getting rid of it. He is having far more fun now.
1) you must swing as hard as you can all the time! 2). you must believe the latest anything to buy will improve your game. 3) when a better player tells you to practice your short game, you must immediately go to the range and hit driver after driver in search of that extra 50 yards. Do these and you will stay a high handicap forever. 😁
Sorry if i’m just dumb as hell but at 3:06 when you played into the water, and then dropped and took your third, i thought that you should have been taking your 4th, due to “stroke and distance”? Where am i errored in that? I may have been giving myself extra strokes in my solo rounds!
From another commenter: If the ball is out of bounds, you must go back to the spot of your last shot (his teeing area in this case). Well, unless you're at a place with the new local rule that lets you basically simulate hitting a better shot after stroke-and-distance, for two penalty strokes. Story for another day. However, THIS ball wasn't OB, it was just in a penalty area. So there are some options. For one, you may play it as it lies (good luck!), you may use stroke-and-distance (back to your teeing area by paying one stroke), but you may also use penalty relief based on where your ball last crossed into the penalty area. One penalty relief option is "back on the line," where you draw a line from the hole, through that "last cross" point, and drop a ball within a club-length of that line as far back as you want. Or, because it's a red penalty area (see red stake in the distance), you may also take "lateral" relief, where you just drop within two club-lengths from the "last cross" point. Either option costs one penalty stroke. More on that here from USGA! www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/topics/penalty-areas.html
From another commenter: If the ball is out of bounds, you must go back to the spot of your last shot (his teeing area in this case). Well, unless you're at a place with the new local rule that lets you basically simulate hitting a better shot after stroke-and-distance, for two penalty strokes. Story for another day. However, THIS ball wasn't OB, it was just in a penalty area. So there are some options. For one, you may play it as it lies (good luck!), you may use stroke-and-distance (back to your teeing area by paying one stroke), but you may also use penalty relief based on where your ball last crossed into the penalty area. One penalty relief option is "back on the line," where you draw a line from the hole, through that "last cross" point, and drop a ball within a club-length of that line as far back as you want. Or, because it's a red penalty area (see red stake in the distance), you may also take "lateral" relief, where you just drop within two club-lengths from the "last cross" point. Either option costs one penalty stroke. More on that here from USGA! www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/topics/penalty-areas.html
Please answer!!!! At the 3:00 minute mark you hit a drive in the water, take a drop and is hitting 3. Why are you able to do that? I thought you had to retee and hit your 3rd from the tee box ( penalty of stroke and distance). Please help because I’m confused on this when I play
If the ball is *out of bounds,* you must go back to the spot of your last shot (his teeing area in this case). Well, unless you're at a place with the new local rule that lets you basically simulate hitting a better shot after stroke-and-distance, for two penalty strokes. Story for another day. However, THIS ball wasn't OB, it was just in a penalty area. So there are some options. For one, you may play it as it lies (good luck!), you may use stroke-and-distance (back to your teeing area by paying one stroke), but you may also use penalty relief based on where your ball last crossed into the penalty area. One penalty relief option is "back on the line," where you draw a line from the hole, through that "last cross" point, and drop a ball within a club-length of that line as far back as you want. Or, because it's a *red* penalty area (see red stake in the distance), you may also take "lateral" relief, where you just drop within two club-lengths from the "last cross" point. Either option costs one penalty stroke. More on that here from USGA! www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/topics/penalty-areas.html
If you had a good link on the rules of OB (partic off the tee), that would be extremely appreciated. My foursome always re-tees when hit in the water, but I think we are being overly hard on ourselves, even when the ball goes straight into the water. Thanks!
I honestly review course management thoughts before every round, along with visualizing the course on Google Earth. Then by the 4th hole I'm hitting Driver Off the Deck and pin hunting through trees rather than punching out.
I had to really learn to check my ego about ten years ago when I was fiftyish and my son was twentyish, I noticed he was typically hitting one club less than me, now he’s 31 and I’m turning 60 next month and I had to do it again, now he’s hitting two clubs less than me.😕
From another commenter: If the ball is out of bounds, you must go back to the spot of your last shot (his teeing area in this case). Well, unless you're at a place with the new local rule that lets you basically simulate hitting a better shot after stroke-and-distance, for two penalty strokes. Story for another day. However, THIS ball wasn't OB, it was just in a penalty area. So there are some options. For one, you may play it as it lies (good luck!), you may use stroke-and-distance (back to your teeing area by paying one stroke), but you may also use penalty relief based on where your ball last crossed into the penalty area. One penalty relief option is "back on the line," where you draw a line from the hole, through that "last cross" point, and drop a ball within a club-length of that line as far back as you want. Or, because it's a red penalty area (see red stake in the distance), you may also take "lateral" relief, where you just drop within two club-lengths from the "last cross" point. Either option costs one penalty stroke. More on that here from USGA! www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/topics/penalty-areas.html
My daughter and I have one mantra, when you get in trouble- get out of trouble. If you could pull off the hero shot, you wouldn’t be in trouble in the first place
Adam, you're crazy flexible and have a decent move through the ball but there is no reason you shouldn't be hitting a ball a lot further and straighter. Get with an instructor. A few lessons will have you striping the ball and you'll enjoy golf a lot more. At your age and your flexibility you should be hitting your 7 iron ~165 to 170.
From another commenter: If the ball is out of bounds, you must go back to the spot of your last shot (his teeing area in this case). Well, unless you're at a place with the new local rule that lets you basically simulate hitting a better shot after stroke-and-distance, for two penalty strokes. Story for another day. However, THIS ball wasn't OB, it was just in a penalty area. So there are some options. For one, you may play it as it lies (good luck!), you may use stroke-and-distance (back to your teeing area by paying one stroke), but you may also use penalty relief based on where your ball last crossed into the penalty area. One penalty relief option is "back on the line," where you draw a line from the hole, through that "last cross" point, and drop a ball within a club-length of that line as far back as you want. Or, because it's a red penalty area (see red stake in the distance), you may also take "lateral" relief, where you just drop within two club-lengths from the "last cross" point. Either option costs one penalty stroke. More on that here from USGA! www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/topics/penalty-areas.html
In addition to number 3, learn how to swing the putter correctly. I see too many people take the same backstroke for a 30 foot putt as they would a 5 foot putt. The stroke should be the same tempo all the way through. You need to hit a longer putt? Take a longer back stroke.
Every time I tee it up with strangers I say, “I’m a 16, so I’ll play from up there.” I hit the ball well for my level, so they’ll immediately start with the, “you sure you’re a 16?!” It can be easy to get goaded into playing the wrong set of tees, and when you do, the game is nearly impossible. Ego has no place on the golf course
Don't take advice from playing partner that I should disagree, he spotted (he play off 13)my problem that I shank alot with 8,9 and pw, since I shank alot my handicap from 6 to 11, 3 weeks ago on 10th hole he was telling me should do this then I started listen and on back nine I shot 37, front nine 44😅, now this is the 4th week my handicap started dropping from 11 back to single solid 8, sometimes you unintentionally change without you noticing it until some1 told you.
Don’t understand how u took a 5 at hole 4. Ur drive never crossed the water (yet ur drop was at 305 adjacent to the water). That shot ( ur 3rd) should been played from the end of the Teebox where u last crossed the water. But maybe I just missed something.
![How I Play Off a Single Digit Handicap [PALMILLA GOLF CLUB]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/buAZaBGyEDg/mqdefault.jpg)
![How I Play Off a Single Digit Handicap [PALMILLA GOLF CLUB]](/img/tr.png)
![How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Game [WAILEA GOLF CLUB - BLUE COURSE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kKIDd9cyjvs/mqdefault.jpg)
Another great video! TH-cam videos (especially yours)plus a little more practice have drastically improved my game. I'm still a high handicap, but my shot making and desicion making are much better now. I only play once or twice a month but I'm getting close to being able to play reasonably well.
Love hearing this, Josh!
Moses gave us THE Ten Commandments
Biggie Smalls gave us the ten crack commandments
Adam gave us these Ten Commandments.
Act accordingly.
Great video.
The greatest lesson I ever had was from my father. He always said that if you get in trouble don’t go for the hero shot pitch out and make sure you get guarantee your bogey and if you’re lucky enough maybe your par. I used that thought on the fourteenth hole at Torrey Pines South in 1987 I pitched out of trouble then hit my wedge to one foot for the par and went on to win the City Championship. Always play to avoid the double bogey.
Love this, Thomas! I've heard this rule described as, "never attempt a stupid shot after a bad shot." Honorary 11th commandment!
Congrats!! Great valuable lesson. Good job pops!!
Torrey pines south is not joke! Good job!
But it's so hard to resist the tyggah woods low cut fade under a low hanging tree to the greens.
@@matt7irontriple bogey for me after I hit the damn tree 2x in a row
i heard this guy say "when you're playing golf you're playing golf, not golf swing" and those words echo in my head whenever im on the course
this really helped me start trusting my swing and not getting so frustrated over mis-hits.
Love it!
I’ve gone from a 24 to a 17 with no swing changes! Your tips on how to play as a high handicap golfer have helped my scores a lot.
Love hearing this, and congrats, Jacob!
All about course management now to drop another 5 strokes.
"Everything you are about to hear is stupid". Lol. Just discovered this channel recently. Reminds me so much of my game. Great video!
Thanks, Scott!
Extra commandment for anyone struggling:
"Always have fun."
Don't let the nature of golf frutrate you and ruin your day, it's a hard sport and practice makes perfect, so just have fun everytime you play!
I wish more golfers would subscribe to this.
Everything you say is true except for the practice makes perfect part. Not in golf. Practice makes for better but it doesn’t make for perfect. But fortunately you don’t have to perfect to have fun at golf 😊
This is my problem. When I'm playing terribly I tend to get cranky. I think I set the unreasonable expectation that I will execute consistently on the course because I execute consistently when I practice at home. Just because I chip perfectly onto a target on my lawn or knock down ten putts in a row on my putting mat doesn't mean I'll be able to do it at the course. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy time outside and with friends regardless of the outcome of the game.
The situation that happened at 6:00 is one of my own commandments I've started to learn. Nobody knows my distances better than me. Every single time I've let someone convince me to take a club different than the one I think I should hit, it screws me like it screwed you. Sometimes it's all physical, and they just convinced you take a club that went too long or too short, other times it's mental, where you subconciously have less confidence standing over the ball because you have less confidence in the club selection, and it leadds to bad swing mechanics and a bad shot result. Unless you're SUPER new to golf and don't really know your distances, trust yourself and don't be easily swayed by someone who doesn't know your game as well as you do.
Awesome video as awlays always, thanks for sharing!
Best TH-cam content. You've improved my head space and my approach. I've shaved about 5 strokes off my handicap in the last 5 months. I still suck, but man does it feel better.
I never tire of hearing stories like this. Congrats, and I'm glad my vids were helpful!!
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite channels.
The key here is the positive self talk, speaking your shots, and putting in your mind the into playing the perfect golf shot. What a game!
One word for this video: True
I can’t wait until my game is this good! “High handicap” has different definitions for some people.
Hope this vid was helpful! Keep grindin'
This will help me get out of my head during my rounds!
New follower - love the channel! Super helpful advice!
Awesome video... I know a few people who need this advice, including me. Also the fake-out birdie sound effect on 13 and "everything you are about to hear is stupid" got me.
I will say, you say that none of the Commandments are about swing mechanics, but "keep it in play off the tee" actually is a lot about that. Having just played a round yesterday where it was like I had never hit a driver in my life, trying to figure out a way to fix it enough to make it serviceable again was all about understanding what the likely culprit was in my swing. Didn't get it back to normal, but got it back enough to be able to play the holes rather than being off the planet.
(before anyone says "just hit a different club off the tee" then, I did switch to 3 wood for a couple of holes but because I rarely tee off with that club I'm not comfortable with it, which just created a different set of problems, so I'm losing distance for no reason at that point)
Thanks, John! And you're right. I guess we all need a baseline of swing mechanics in order to play. But I think my swing demonstrates that baseline may be lower than some assume :p
how is a an opening birdie and even after 4 holes high handicap golf?
Don't stop making these. You're going to blow up eventually.
Thanks, Moe!
Wow that shot of you playing of the tee on the 7th with the mountains in the background just took my breath away
Yeah, this course was full of great views! The iPhone camera doesn't even do them justice!
That's one of my favorite courses to play in the Coachella Valley. Thank you for your videos.
Watching your channel is a nice refresher from watching most youtube golf where guys are shooting 2 and 3 under. Thanks for the good entertainment
Glad you enjoy it :)
Having just re-read Harvey Penick's Little Red Book I can't help but notice how many of his ideas and principles you include in your videos (whether knowingly or not). I can't think of a better teacher or maxims to include into the core of one's game, and it is helpful to see them applied to a round of golf.
Definitely intentional :) The Little Red Book + Rotella inform a lot of my golf ethos :)
Best video yet from your channel. Thanks, Adam, and well done
This is a very solid, easy to follow and right on target video - esp for high handcap golfers. I got down a 3, starting at age 53) within my first 5 years, because I developed a repeatable, consistent swing under lessons with a great teacher. I’ve had a number of injuries since then, including a total reverse shoulder replacement on my left and am slowly coming back online as a 18 but at 68, I’m very happy. Great presentation of 10 very important - what I would call - course management lessons. Keep up the great work!
Loved the insightful conversations between you and the coach about halfway through. Will change how I think about some things as a real beginner.
Really good explanation on how to choose a distance for your tees. Never thought about it like that!
Thanks bud. Played with Shep (Sr.) yesterday. He hasn't forgotten that he owes you a hat 😁
@@NotAScratchGolfer You tell Shep I said it's actually two hats. Also this week and next week are operation catch up TH-cam so our collaborations should be going up shortly. I've got a couple of hectic months but I want to plan a weekend up with you guys in the late summer, early fall.
Amazing, its funny how when the youtuber gives the tips rather than me on the course they listen, albeit with results. Thank you!
I don't often comment on TH-cam, but wanted to say I really enjoy your videos. There's great info, and they are edited in such a way that's enjoyable to watch. Great work.
Bump and run for a high handicapper is such a huge tool. Unless you're out there at a practice range, dialing in those 56/60 chips, the bump and run is THE way to go.
I love the last commandment. Plays along the lines of "you can't fix anything mid round".
How have I not played this place? Is it private or something?
Adam, I really enjoyed your video and, as you promised, no ego, no false promises, just good honest assessment of your game. But I have to say, if you’re a single-figure handicap golfer, then you certainly are not a high handicapper. You played that round pretty well. Thanks for posting. Best regards from the Giant’s Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland - where we have great links courses, including my own, which is a well struck driver away!! 😜👍☘️⛳️
I've been golfing since I was 9 or 10. I am 21 now. Still a double digit handicap. Your videos are giving me a great idea as to why that is though. Feels like every time I go out to the course, I let pride get in the way of my playing and I am always trying to change my swing mechanics. Leads to 100+ almost every time I step on the course. Your vids are giving me hope that even with my poor slice and lack of distance, I can start breaking 100, and hopefully 90 as well. My dad always tells me that golf is 80% mental, maybe I should've been listening to him for all these years lol.
Anyways, thank you for what you do, giving a lot of us high handicappers hope.
try flattening your wrist at the top of your backswing... if youre slicing you might be hinging your wrist at the top of the backswing instead of keeping it more on a flat plane... pause adams swing at the top of his backswing and you can see how flat his wrist is in relation to his arms...
It’s like I just took the decade course in 15 minutes
Definitely some inspiration from decade in here, good eye!
Awesome video this is the course management content I’m after cheers from aus
Love the videos Adam! We have modeled our style after yours. Thanks for being our favorite youtube golfer!
love the vid adam we high handicappers definitely need these reminders. i should watch this video on the way to my next round!
Thanks for the kind words, Jamie!
Hey there, loving the videos. I have a question can you tell me the equipment and apps you are using to video your games? Would love to do this myself.
Your videos are game changing man. I'm a 24 handicap and trying to get myself under 20 this summer. I'm sure you've got this question many times, but how did you get so automatic on 5-7 foot putts? Any recommendations or best practices?
Thanks, Nick! Putting is the only part of the game that I practice. I use a VariSpeed mat (although not as much as I should) to help me ensure that I'm starting the ball on my intended line. It works wonders for straight putts inside 10'.
@@NotAScratchGolfer you're the man thank you!
@@DelbartonWrestling23 I'm a 22 HC and putting and chipping are the only good parts of my game. My biggest problem is I am guaranteed 14holes of under bogey golf and 4 holes of blow up golf where I forget how to hit a golf ball.
However, I'm relatively automatic inside of 7ft. I started paying attention to how I stand and address the ball and Ho WI move, and whether I stay tight or not. It led to some important changed that help me maintain structure and stay on my lines. From there, confidence and hitting it a little stronger thru breaks.
Uncertainty or worry over a putt always leads to weak pushes or noncommittal strokes that are all over the place.
@@Arminian100 I can sadly relate to the "forget how to hit a golf ball" stretch of a round of 18. Thanks for the tips though, I had some longer putts sink last time out and confidence is key. If you don't think you even have a chance to make it you probably won't make it
@@DelbartonWrestling23 I spent years playing as a 20+ hc, not really caring because I only play maybe 8 times a year. I enjoyed just being out there with friends. When I finally decided to quit being the D player of the group, I improved from maybe breaking 100, to low to mid 80’s in a year with simple changes.
I started by slowing my swing and playing an appropriate ball…a low compression lady’s precept. By swinging more controlled and using a ball designed for slower speeds, in about 4-5 rounds I had gone from hitting a high slice to a really good 5 yd fade that found the fairway consistently…now it was “only” about 210 yds, but it was in play and repeatable. That change alone improved my score big time because I wasn’t losing balls in the woods, or having to play from some stupid places. For the most part all high handicap players have the same problems, keeping it in play, managing expectations, and trying to play like their better friends. If you are playing from tee’s that are above your skill level, it comes down to course management. Lay up on those long par 4’s that have danger, this helps avoid those score killing big #’s. Par isn’t necessarily what you’re after at first, it’s avoiding those 8’s. If you’re keeping it in play (straight), it really is about pitching and putting. And there isn’t a fix other than practice for that. Focus on realistic’s, you’re unlikely to hole those green side pitches so work on consistency with distance control, something inside the flag that’s makeable. Same thing applies for long putts, focus on getting it near rather than trying to make it. All of this can get you to bogey golf, and once you’re comfortable with it all and scoring better Then you can add some swing speed and add more length to it. I still only play monthly, but now I show up, hit some balls on the range focusing on my tempo for a while to get everything feeling under control. Add some speed towards the end , and go shoot mid 80’s regularly.
great video adam. I used to play the palm springs courses quite a bit when i lived out that way and that dye course is criminally underrated and very difficult. Well done.
Thanks, Ryan! What were your other favorites in the area?
Coach did you a solid on 8. Nice result!
Good editing/voiceover. You earned my sub.
You've gotten so much better man! Soon you'll be making "What a 0 Handicap looks like" lol
One can dream!
This was awesome. I'm a 26 and need to follow these rules!!! I totally relate.
That course looks so pure! Well played!
Thanks! Loved this course. Juno is the director of agronomy and was kind enough to bring us out :D
Beautiful course
Always enjoy the videos. Love all the insight
Thanks, Chris!
Great video! Focusing on the shot at hand is huge. The junk before shouldn’t affect the one at hand
Fosho! How you been, man?
@@NotAScratchGolfer Great! Golf here is finally in full swing. Just played a 2 man match play against two opponents as my partner mixed up the dates and didn’t show. Won one by two and pushed the other!
@@haydenredl2919 Nice, man!! Long shot, but you headed out West any time this Summer?
Good round mate. Every time I see you pull that LW around the green though 👀
😂 Probably the worst club in my bag
I would give you two thumbs up for this video if I could! Thanks for the breakdown.
Just getting started - Hopefully not too many double bogey three putts here! Cheers!
There was one double bogey+ in this round, and it was owed to a water ball + a flubbed chip :p
Really good information on the mental and course management aspects. As some swing advice, you can work the club a little steeper and out in front of you instead of deep and around your body. The over the top is a compensation which is why you hit a fade. Just a thought in the off-season to work on and you could gain some distance and control your dispersion a little better
Question for you about the Tees you choose to play from. In the beginning of the video you said 'your best drive and your best 7iron" .. you had your best drive at 240 yds but in this video you hit a few more like 265 .. will that number adjust for you or did you mean more of your 'driving average & 7iron average'?
Good question! I should have said, "average good drive # + solidly struck 7 iron #." Where I typically play (at sea level), my average good drive is 240. In the desert, I might hit some that roll out to 260+, but those are the exception and not the yardages I plan my game around :)
I love how you’ve added some right side bend through impact. Goodbye duck hooks, my friend. Right side bend is so key for not only getting through the ball, for a good finish, but it’s also very helpful in controlling the face. Pretty much every amateur that I see needs more right side bend. I personally add even more side bend when I really need a predictable ball flight, on a tight hole. It turns out either straight, or a slight fade. Of course, strike is king in golf, but a predictable ball flight is a close second. Distance is third. That’s the only thing you’re lacking. You’re a pretty solid player, though. Love your videos.
Thanks for the kind words. I have to admit, the side bend wasn't a conscious decision :D
@@NotAScratchGolfer Haha. Well. It’s working, my friend.
What a gorgeous course :,)
This question probably shows why I'm a bad gofler. But why does choking down on the grip reduce the distance? Also I'm assuming that works for all clubs?
Ps. Love the video!
Thanks! Generally speaking, the shorter the shaft length, the less speed you will generate, and speed translates to distance. So gripping down on the shaft effectively shortens the shaft, which reduces speed, which reduces distance.
I notice I gotta keep my head down a split second longer when I grip down or else I thin the ball and send a low hot worm burner down the fairway.
I would suggest practicing chipping or playing a bump and run with a 7 or 8 iron just to give you more go to shots inside 30 yards.
28 putts. Dang man. If you averaged that, that would be top 10 on the PGA tour. Of course they play harder courses, but still man, your short game is lit
That is one of my favorite courses to play but it also owns me. Several holes are inspired mirrors of PGA West Stadium Course.
whats the white fluff on the fairway, something to maintain the grass?
Always practice 130yds and in
It's mental how much depth there is to golf
Is this Tucson?
One more commandment...no hitting driver of the deck for Adam 😊
Good call
since when do you hit a cut with driver??
Lollll. I’ve had some struggles with it over the last several months. In trying to eliminate the snap hook miss, I’ve developed a cut.
Epic video bro
Thanks, John!
What does scrambling mean?
ONLY give your playing partner swing advice if they ask for it. My new golf buddy has an ugly snap hook and we are slowly getting rid of it. He is having far more fun now.
Great video 🎉
Thanks!
I have alot of distance, 300 yard drives 170 yard 9 irons, and 100 yard lw... I almost never use driver on par 4s
1) you must swing as hard as you can all the time!
2). you must believe the latest anything to buy will improve your game.
3) when a better player tells you to practice your short game, you must immediately go to the range and hit driver after driver in search of that extra 50 yards.
Do these and you will stay a high handicap forever. 😁
Sorry if i’m just dumb as hell but at 3:06 when you played into the water, and then dropped and took your third, i thought that you should have been taking your 4th, due to “stroke and distance”? Where am i errored in that? I may have been giving myself extra strokes in my solo rounds!
He hit the tee shot into the OB water, took an extra stroke for landing in the Ob, then shot his third. I’m confused how you are getting 4 strokes.
From another commenter:
If the ball is out of bounds, you must go back to the spot of your last shot (his teeing area in this case). Well, unless you're at a place with the new local rule that lets you basically simulate hitting a better shot after stroke-and-distance, for two penalty strokes. Story for another day.
However, THIS ball wasn't OB, it was just in a penalty area. So there are some options. For one, you may play it as it lies (good luck!), you may use stroke-and-distance (back to your teeing area by paying one stroke), but you may also use penalty relief based on where your ball last crossed into the penalty area.
One penalty relief option is "back on the line," where you draw a line from the hole, through that "last cross" point, and drop a ball within a club-length of that line as far back as you want. Or, because it's a red penalty area (see red stake in the distance), you may also take "lateral" relief, where you just drop within two club-lengths from the "last cross" point. Either option costs one penalty stroke.
More on that here from USGA! www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/topics/penalty-areas.html
played club competitions in Thailand and usually 6200 yards because lots of water hazards. 6500 yards on a wet day with no run is extremely difficult.
For sure! If conditions were soggy I would likely have teed it forward :)
Holy crap I played there a couple months ago I was wondering why the course looked so familiar
Are you supposed to take 1 stroke or 2 stroke penalty for out of bounds?
From another commenter:
If the ball is out of bounds, you must go back to the spot of your last shot (his teeing area in this case). Well, unless you're at a place with the new local rule that lets you basically simulate hitting a better shot after stroke-and-distance, for two penalty strokes. Story for another day.
However, THIS ball wasn't OB, it was just in a penalty area. So there are some options. For one, you may play it as it lies (good luck!), you may use stroke-and-distance (back to your teeing area by paying one stroke), but you may also use penalty relief based on where your ball last crossed into the penalty area.
One penalty relief option is "back on the line," where you draw a line from the hole, through that "last cross" point, and drop a ball within a club-length of that line as far back as you want. Or, because it's a red penalty area (see red stake in the distance), you may also take "lateral" relief, where you just drop within two club-lengths from the "last cross" point. Either option costs one penalty stroke.
More on that here from USGA! www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/topics/penalty-areas.html
This course looks absolutely stunning.
Awesome course in spectacular shape (thanks to Juno!). I'm generally a big fan of Pete Dye layouts.
Were you in the Good Good Championship qualifying tournament?
Sadly no :(
Great Video. Juno!!!!! 🏌️♂️
Great time out there! Embarrassing moment - I stopped by Agua Caliente, walked right up to Derek and chatted with him without recognizing him 🙃
noticed you changed your putter here. what's the story there?
I had a brief fling with the Odyssey 2-Ball (this video was recorded a while back). Switched right back to my old faithful :)
Please answer!!!! At the 3:00 minute mark you hit a drive in the water, take a drop and is hitting 3. Why are you able to do that? I thought you had to retee and hit your 3rd from the tee box ( penalty of stroke and distance). Please help because I’m confused on this when I play
If the ball is *out of bounds,* you must go back to the spot of your last shot (his teeing area in this case). Well, unless you're at a place with the new local rule that lets you basically simulate hitting a better shot after stroke-and-distance, for two penalty strokes. Story for another day.
However, THIS ball wasn't OB, it was just in a penalty area. So there are some options. For one, you may play it as it lies (good luck!), you may use stroke-and-distance (back to your teeing area by paying one stroke), but you may also use penalty relief based on where your ball last crossed into the penalty area.
One penalty relief option is "back on the line," where you draw a line from the hole, through that "last cross" point, and drop a ball within a club-length of that line as far back as you want. Or, because it's a *red* penalty area (see red stake in the distance), you may also take "lateral" relief, where you just drop within two club-lengths from the "last cross" point. Either option costs one penalty stroke.
More on that here from USGA! www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/topics/penalty-areas.html
If you had a good link on the rules of OB (partic off the tee), that would be extremely appreciated. My foursome always re-tees when hit in the water, but I think we are being overly hard on ourselves, even when the ball goes straight into the water. Thanks!
This should be helpful: www.usga.org/content/dam/usga/images/rules/trainers-pdf/trainers-water-hazards.pdf
Great advice, but man what's up with back swing
I honestly review course management thoughts before every round, along with visualizing the course on Google Earth.
Then by the 4th hole I'm hitting Driver Off the Deck and pin hunting through trees rather than punching out.
Lolll we've all been there.
I had to really learn to check my ego about ten years ago when I was fiftyish and my son was twentyish, I noticed he was typically hitting one club less than me, now he’s 31 and I’m turning 60 next month and I had to do it again, now he’s hitting two clubs less than me.😕
Scorecard doesn't care what club you hit ;)
Hole 4 you hit your shot straight into the water and then drop it on the other side. What is that about?
From another commenter:
If the ball is out of bounds, you must go back to the spot of your last shot (his teeing area in this case). Well, unless you're at a place with the new local rule that lets you basically simulate hitting a better shot after stroke-and-distance, for two penalty strokes. Story for another day.
However, THIS ball wasn't OB, it was just in a penalty area. So there are some options. For one, you may play it as it lies (good luck!), you may use stroke-and-distance (back to your teeing area by paying one stroke), but you may also use penalty relief based on where your ball last crossed into the penalty area.
One penalty relief option is "back on the line," where you draw a line from the hole, through that "last cross" point, and drop a ball within a club-length of that line as far back as you want. Or, because it's a red penalty area (see red stake in the distance), you may also take "lateral" relief, where you just drop within two club-lengths from the "last cross" point. Either option costs one penalty stroke.
More on that here from USGA! www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/topics/penalty-areas.html
5:53 😮That view!
Stunning views all around on this course. Great place!!
For me yesterday, it was either a par or a triple. Guess that's the way it goes sometimes.
We've all been there! Where in the PNW are ya?
Your "best" drive / 7i or your "average"? Seems average should be the answer no? I hit it 280 a couple times a year, but average 258. Big diff.
Yes, I should have said, "most consistent" as opposed to "best."
That was an enjoyable video but I was expecting you to shoot in the 80"s 😀
My daughter and I have one mantra, when you get in trouble- get out of trouble.
If you could pull off the hero shot, you wouldn’t be in trouble in the first place
Adam, you're crazy flexible and have a decent move through the ball but there is no reason you shouldn't be hitting a ball a lot further and straighter. Get with an instructor. A few lessons will have you striping the ball and you'll enjoy golf a lot more. At your age and your flexibility you should be hitting your 7 iron ~165 to 170.
Nice dan flashes shirt
Managing risks and expectations is critical no matter your handicap
Best Drives: 280 range
Best 7 Iron: 175 range
455 Par 4s would absolutely destroy me as a 20 handicap.
I should probably have termed it, "most reliable distance" as opposed to "best distance."
You and I have different understandings of the word high lmao
Is the Scotty on a timeout, or are you now committed to the two ball?
I had a brief affair with the 2-Ball a few months ago (when this was filmed) before returning to the old faithful :)
@@NotAScratchGolfer you better get a new grip or cover to show your commitment 🤣
@@lookkool I did re-grip it 😄
Were you not supposed to take you 3rd shot from the tee after driving into water?
From another commenter:
If the ball is out of bounds, you must go back to the spot of your last shot (his teeing area in this case). Well, unless you're at a place with the new local rule that lets you basically simulate hitting a better shot after stroke-and-distance, for two penalty strokes. Story for another day.
However, THIS ball wasn't OB, it was just in a penalty area. So there are some options. For one, you may play it as it lies (good luck!), you may use stroke-and-distance (back to your teeing area by paying one stroke), but you may also use penalty relief based on where your ball last crossed into the penalty area.
One penalty relief option is "back on the line," where you draw a line from the hole, through that "last cross" point, and drop a ball within a club-length of that line as far back as you want. Or, because it's a red penalty area (see red stake in the distance), you may also take "lateral" relief, where you just drop within two club-lengths from the "last cross" point. Either option costs one penalty stroke.
More on that here from USGA! www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/topics/penalty-areas.html
@@NotAScratchGolfer thanks for this appreciate it
In addition to number 3, learn how to swing the putter correctly. I see too many people take the same backstroke for a 30 foot putt as they would a 5 foot putt. The stroke should be the same tempo all the way through. You need to hit a longer putt? Take a longer back stroke.
Every time I tee it up with strangers I say, “I’m a 16, so I’ll play from up there.” I hit the ball well for my level, so they’ll immediately start with the, “you sure you’re a 16?!” It can be easy to get goaded into playing the wrong set of tees, and when you do, the game is nearly impossible. Ego has no place on the golf course
Don't take advice from playing partner that I should disagree, he spotted (he play off 13)my problem that I shank alot with 8,9 and pw, since I shank alot my handicap from 6 to 11, 3 weeks ago on 10th hole he was telling me should do this then I started listen and on back nine I shot 37, front nine 44😅, now this is the 4th week my handicap started dropping from 11 back to single solid 8, sometimes you unintentionally change without you noticing it until some1 told you.
Don’t understand how u took a 5 at hole 4. Ur drive never crossed the water (yet ur drop was at 305 adjacent to the water). That shot ( ur 3rd) should been played from the end of the Teebox where u last crossed the water. But maybe I just missed something.
If I planned on driver-7 iron on par 4’s, I’d be teeing off halfway up the fairway…..
This isn’t high handicap golf.