Interesting insight. I have achieved a scratch handicap and held a hcp of between +1.4 and 0.4 for the last 9 months after 25 years of having handicap between 2 and 4. The 3 biggest reasons for my own game improvement, 6ft putts and in make % is far more consistent, better gapping control from 120 yards to 60 yards - so I have stock shot for every 10 yards change between that yardage which gives me more confidence to be more aggressive and attack birdie when I'm in that area, but the biggest factor is mindset, being able to accept that making a bad or good swing on the previous shot doesn't mean you will make the same swing on the next shot. Take each shot as individual challenge and not be effected but what shots you have already hit, its far too easy to get lazy and assume you are going to hit darts if you start striking it well and conversely making a couple of poor swings doesn't mean you are going to continue making those swings through out.
This is fantastic advice. It is clear and evident to everyone trying to break a hundred what the focus should be on and keep working and chipping away at it from the green backwards.
That’s just not true mate. Yes green side is low hanging fruit. Gut your full swing is your ceiling. Green side is easy to improve. Full swing is not. If you want to be good at golf improve your full swing and forget about scores. When your full swing is better then focus green side and backwards to reach your ceiling.
I started playing 5 years ago at 40 years old . I'm down to a 5.1 index. I've worked like crazy this year on short game . It's paid huge dividends . I'm shooting in the 70's 50% of my rounds . You're right chip and putt has been huge for me. My next step is mitigating the two way miss with driver .
I was told once that golf has two key aspects that need to be mastered. The first, work to develop a competent swing. The second is to learn "HOW to PLAY" the game. Two entirely different skill sets. I think you covered the "HOW to Play" here quite well. My index varies from 1.5-3 so I'm still trying to figure it out. Cheers!
I'm a 4 hdcp. It's all mental for me. If I have one bad hole or even hit a slightly bad shot and make bogey or double -- it's over. I give up for the entire round. If I have no bad shots and putt well, I shoot 3 under par for 18.
Great advice - I would add keep it on the fairway - there’s probably a correlation between number of fairways hit and handicap. I hit the distance ok but only 50% on the fairway.
Rather than fairways in regulation it should be in play. It’s amazing how many tour pros don’t hit the fairway but they are up and down from anywhere inside 150yards.
I've been keeping stats that last few years. What correlates with good scores most is greens in regulation. Second is up and down and third is putts. Fairways are 4th. It's really important to keep it in play so that you can hit greens but if you miss a fairway, you can make up for it. One of the keys to breaking 80 is to eliminate penalty strokes (OB, Hazards, bushes) but we're talking scratch.
I was very fortunate to get to a plus 3 handicap I could hit the ball very long an strait and had a very good short game and I became a very good putter. it all started when I started working out with weight I got strong an flexible. Strength an good balance is a must to be a good golfer
I just need to work on my patience ...everything else is coming around....hopefully by the end of this year my goal is to be scratch player or as low as 5 handicap .....started playing 4 years ago.....I am a 10 handicap right now.....been breaking in the 70's a lot recently with my lowest score being 76....so I know I have potential.
I’m near scratch, and I can tell you what turned 74’s into an occasional 69 for me. You must realize that you’re gonna hit bad shots. Period. Think about why you hit that particular bad shot, whether it’s a pull, a fat, or whatever. Then…. Make the adjustment in your mind, and forget about it. Also, DO NOT let a bad shot cause you to make double bogie, from lack of focus. As long as your “bad” holes remain bogies, you’ll be fine. And one more thing…. Make your goal 8 one-putts, and ZERO 3-putts. That’s 28 putts. Putts are over 40% of your score at scratch level. Take your time, and make them! Don’t just go through the motions on the greens, and be content with 2-putts every hole. Hope this helps…..
@@jamiesloan7259 solid advice bro.....I actually started paying attention to my stats like you mentioned ....and my putting is the best Its ever been because Im trying to reach a criteria so Im reading the green from all angles and taking my time..always read the green really good but I used to leave lot of my putts short...my focus still needs to improve during iron play
@@yayarea5109 It definitely helps to take the extra time on the greens. And…. My iron game is for sure my weakness too. Especially my half wedge shots, on the short par 4’s, and the longer par 5’s(third shot). These are supposed to be prime scoring opportunities, and I just don’t hit them close enough. Some days I even struggle with good strike on these shots. It’s very frustrating.
@@jamiesloan7259 same bro lol wedge game used to be money for me ...currently going thru a rough patch myself with the wedges....with the drives Im hitting lately if only my wedges cooperates...its in my head tho...gap wedge is the worst right now ...used to be my go to on my second shot on par 4's but low key scared to used it rn ...smh
Near scratch guy here…. You nailed it on chipping. If I leave myself more than 4 feet, I’m very disappointed with myself. I almost always get up n down over 50% of the time, during a round. If you can hit a little more than half the GIR, and have less than 30 putts a round, you’ll get there. It generally takes 12/18 greens, and 28 putts for me to shoot under par. These stats are KEY. Putting is over 40% of your strokes at this level. You MUST learn to one-putt more. Period.
I think as you figure out better golf strategy your handicap comes down. Every golfer (including tour pro's) hit some poor shots but they usually don't hit 2 poor shots in a row. Handicappers often hit a poor shot... Lose focus and compound the problem.
Adam Flynn great point!! There is so much more than just swing technique to playing good golf...the hope here is to help golfers understand where they can save strokes. Thanks for adding to the conversation!!
Strategy makes a big difference. I notice when tour players hit a bad shot, it's often to a bail out area which gives them an easy chip or a (long) uphill putt. They almost never short-side it. They are also lethal from 100yds in.
Todd, another informative video. I wish your school was closer. I live in Charlotte NC area. What you described is exactly my round Saturday. I started on fire. First 9 I was 2 under. 9 GIR. By hole 12 I was 3 under. Then I pulled two tee shots on the next two holes and was back to even. I settled down and finished 1 over. I should of, could of shot 2 -3 under. 😉 My mind was not clear on the bad holes. Strategy was not there. Definetly Poor decision making. I am a 3.5 index. I know I can go lower. Thanks for the tips. I will be thinking about them in my next round.
Brain...great story...thank you for sharing and adding to the conversation....very helpful....we are in the planning stages of our new golf schools which will be offered in 2020...going to be something special!
I was paired up with a random guy the other day. We were on a par 4 that had creek bed sitting right at 260. One would have to fly the ball 280 to clear it. I pulled out an iron and said I was going to layup. He snagged his driver and said "layups are for basketball!" Without missing a beat I said "...and low golf scores." I walked away with a par, him with a double. There is truth to strategy and choosing when to layup!
Ive been keeping track since watching your video, I hit my driver 250 avg middle Always, I have shot under a couple of times, but average 76 , you are right on why I shoot that, I will practice what you said thanks
Great post right here friends...nothing better than helping our fellow golfers start to think a little different and seeing the scores go down....thanks for adding to the conversation!
Good question, total distance. Here is a good video we did on increasing clubhead speed and distance th-cam.com/video/47cACs21Bmc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=2TTh48J1_2m-zfy9
Good Video. I usually struggle with my lag putting and my strategy. I hit about 280 with the driver, but since I reach very consistently 250 with my hybrid, I tend to hit that one. However, I score about mid 80's. I will practice all what you said.
US scratch golfer or British scratch golfer that’s about 2-4 shots difference depending who took you talk to. If your off 2 in uk your probably already a US scratch golfer.
Since WHS came into force nov 20. Nearly all my mates off 2 under congu are now suddenly off 0 under the new system. My mate ex pro was +1 October 31st he woke up 1st November off +5 under WHS. it’s a joke. Luckily I came down .3 still off 2 phew! So at least I’m competitive in sweeps
I feel like you got to attack more. People can be way too conservative. Have a 210 club be 210 off on a par 5 why you laying up. I’d rather be 10 yards off the green chipping then depending on a full wedge 3rd shot. Makes no sense to depend on a perfect third shot or a perfect second. Because if your second is perfect that’s the difference in a chance at eagle or even birdie. Even if it’s not your 3rd shot is 10-20 yards from the pin. But a miss hit on a layup is just dumb. Then you’re putting on your 5th shot.
Appreciate your thoughts and post. The key here is the quality of your short game. If you leave an challenging 40 yard pitch or a long bunker shot you will have problem.
@@USGOLFTVshow true, I can see the logic. But that’s the importance of the short game. Idk if it’s old thought but always heard the short game is the difference in the game, although maybe more challenging to master it. It’s kind of contradictory. I can see times when a layup is better but just saying for the guys that are splitting a 210-220 yard shot up into 2 depending on 2 good shots over one just seems like the analytics aren’t making sense for me. Just seems if you can make it in 2 you’d never layup. Because if you’re good enough for scratch golf or thinking scratch golf mindset, then your short game better be good or you’re really along the lines of playing breaking 80s golf which is a lot different. Just saying pros aren’t really laying that ball up unless they have a marginal lead and to me if you’re playing scratch golf even at 1-2 under or better to 3-5 over you should at the least be pro am. If you’re constantly laying up your realistically not playing scratch golf your playing maybe low handicap golf. Scratch you should be able to get up and down out of bunkers over bunkers bump and runs or they have to be real with themselves and realize they’re still handicap golfers. I mean nothing wrong with it don’t get me wrong.
@@USGOLFTVshow just say for instance you’re 220 out bunkers on both sides of the green you hit a 220 and end up in the bunker. With 3rd shot. Why depend on a possible 4th shot out of the same bunker
Interesting insight. I have achieved a scratch handicap and held a hcp of between +1.4 and 0.4 for the last 9 months after 25 years of having handicap between 2 and 4. The 3 biggest reasons for my own game improvement, 6ft putts and in make % is far more consistent, better gapping control from 120 yards to 60 yards - so I have stock shot for every 10 yards change between that yardage which gives me more confidence to be more aggressive and attack birdie when I'm in that area, but the biggest factor is mindset, being able to accept that making a bad or good swing on the previous shot doesn't mean you will make the same swing on the next shot. Take each shot as individual challenge and not be effected but what shots you have already hit, its far too easy to get lazy and assume you are going to hit darts if you start striking it well and conversely making a couple of poor swings doesn't mean you are going to continue making those swings through out.
Solid post right here....thanks for sharing
This is fantastic advice. It is clear and evident to everyone trying to break a hundred what the focus should be on and keep working and chipping away at it from the green backwards.
That’s just not true mate. Yes green side is low hanging fruit. Gut your full swing is your ceiling. Green side is easy to improve. Full swing is not. If you want to be good at golf improve your full swing and forget about scores. When your full swing is better then focus green side and backwards to reach your ceiling.
I started playing 5 years ago at 40 years old . I'm down to a 5.1 index. I've worked like crazy this year on short game . It's paid huge dividends . I'm shooting in the 70's 50% of my rounds . You're right chip and putt has been huge for me. My next step is mitigating the two way miss with driver .
J2 Martnz smart golfer right here! The short game is where it is at...good for you!
Great insight. Thank you
I feel like this guy is attacking me as a 4 handicap. It seems like he knows all of my problems
I'm a scratch.... I'm 44 years old and have a full time job..... My secret :
1. Don't have kids
2. Practice every day
DJ's Half marathons 😂 well, that also works. 👊
I’m 38, scratch, and have 4 kids. Also confused why you wrote “have a full time job”. So does 90% of the population.
I was told once that golf has two key aspects that need to be mastered. The first, work to develop a competent swing. The second is to learn "HOW to PLAY" the game. Two entirely different skill sets. I think you covered the "HOW to Play" here quite well. My index varies from 1.5-3 so I'm still trying to figure it out. Cheers!
We agree on your two skill sets. Many golfers only focus on the swing part and forget to work on simply playing the game. 👍
I'm a 4 hdcp. It's all mental for me. If I have one bad hole or even hit a slightly bad shot and make bogey or double -- it's over. I give up for the entire round. If I have no bad shots and putt well, I shoot 3 under par for 18.
great video. Exactly what I was looking for to help figure out the difference between the low handicaps and scratch golfers!
Great video!
Much appreciated, are you a subscriber?
Great advice! 👍
Glad you think so!
I love the strategy side of golf.
It is an important yet overlooked part of the game many times.
Great advice - I would add keep it on the fairway - there’s probably a correlation between number of fairways hit and handicap. I hit the distance ok but only 50% on the fairway.
You got it...hard to make pars from the trees and OB!!
Rather than fairways in regulation it should be in play. It’s amazing how many tour pros don’t hit the fairway but they are up and down from anywhere inside 150yards.
I've been keeping stats that last few years. What correlates with good scores most is greens in regulation. Second is up and down and third is putts. Fairways are 4th. It's really important to keep it in play so that you can hit greens but if you miss a fairway, you can make up for it. One of the keys to breaking 80 is to eliminate penalty strokes (OB, Hazards, bushes) but we're talking scratch.
Awesome tips and i can relate with the problem that i am having as 4.7 hc.🙏TQ
Glad it was helpful! More to come…are you a subscriber?
I was very fortunate to get to a plus 3 handicap I could hit the ball very long an strait and had a very good short game and I became a very good putter. it all started when I started working out with weight I got strong an flexible. Strength an good balance is a must to be a good golfer
I just need to work on my patience ...everything else is coming around....hopefully by the end of this year my goal is to be scratch player or as low as 5 handicap .....started playing 4 years ago.....I am a 10 handicap right now.....been breaking in the 70's a lot recently with my lowest score being 76....so I know I have potential.
I’m near scratch, and I can tell you what turned 74’s into an occasional 69 for me. You must realize that you’re gonna hit bad shots. Period. Think about why you hit that particular bad shot, whether it’s a pull, a fat, or whatever. Then…. Make the adjustment in your mind, and forget about it. Also, DO NOT let a bad shot cause you to make double bogie, from lack of focus. As long as your “bad” holes remain bogies, you’ll be fine. And one more thing…. Make your goal 8 one-putts, and ZERO 3-putts. That’s 28 putts. Putts are over 40% of your score at scratch level. Take your time, and make them! Don’t just go through the motions on the greens, and be content with 2-putts every hole. Hope this helps…..
@@jamiesloan7259 solid advice bro.....I actually started paying attention to my stats like you mentioned ....and my putting is the best Its ever been because Im trying to reach a criteria so Im reading the green from all angles and taking my time..always read the green really good but I used to leave lot of my putts short...my focus still needs to improve during iron play
@@yayarea5109 It definitely helps to take the extra time on the greens. And…. My iron game is for sure my weakness too. Especially my half wedge shots, on the short par 4’s, and the longer par 5’s(third shot). These are supposed to be prime scoring opportunities, and I just don’t hit them close enough. Some days I even struggle with good strike on these shots. It’s very frustrating.
@@jamiesloan7259 same bro lol wedge game used to be money for me ...currently going thru a rough patch myself with the wedges....with the drives Im hitting lately if only my wedges cooperates...its in my head tho...gap wedge is the worst right now ...used to be my go to on my second shot on par 4's but low key scared to used it rn ...smh
Good one. It’s been hard getting down to 5. It has taken a few years of hard work. Going lower is, well, seems like light years difference.
Yes, the lower the hdcp becomes the more challenging it is to see improvement. Keep up the great work...hope you are enjoying the channel.
Near scratch guy here…. You nailed it on chipping. If I leave myself more than 4 feet, I’m very disappointed with myself. I almost always get up n down over 50% of the time, during a round. If you can hit a little more than half the GIR, and have less than 30 putts a round, you’ll get there. It generally takes 12/18 greens, and 28 putts for me to shoot under par. These stats are KEY. Putting is over 40% of your strokes at this level. You MUST learn to one-putt more. Period.
You speak the truth...thanks for posting!
Great instruction videos! Keep up the great work!
Will do! Thanks for watching and taking time to post...more good content to come....
Always keep your grip pressure light on full swings.
Robert Wynn solid advice right there...consistent grip pressure is highly underrated 👍
Doesn’t matter
That’s the one piece of advice I remember that my Grandpa taught me that when I first played with him when I was 10.
Great vid. Thx for that 👏
I’m off 2... I have no patience. I know if I had more patience and not get down on myself I could get to scratch.
Need more of these type of videos, how to play the game.....
You got it..thanks for the input!
Great lesson, thanks!
Mark Watson our pleasure! What suggestion did you find the most surprising?
I think as you figure out better golf strategy your handicap comes down.
Every golfer (including tour pro's) hit some poor shots but they usually don't hit 2 poor shots in a row.
Handicappers often hit a poor shot... Lose focus and compound the problem.
Adam Flynn great point!! There is so much more than just swing technique to playing good golf...the hope here is to help golfers understand where they can save strokes. Thanks for adding to the conversation!!
Strategy makes a big difference. I notice when tour players hit a bad shot, it's often to a bail out area which gives them an easy chip or a (long) uphill putt. They almost never short-side it. They are also lethal from 100yds in.
Todd, another informative video. I wish your school was closer. I live in Charlotte NC area. What you described is exactly my round Saturday. I started on fire. First 9 I was 2 under. 9 GIR. By hole 12 I was 3 under. Then I pulled two tee shots on the next two holes and was back to even. I settled down and finished 1 over. I should of, could of shot 2 -3 under. 😉 My mind was not clear on the bad holes. Strategy was not there. Definetly Poor decision making. I am a 3.5 index. I know I can go lower. Thanks for the tips. I will be thinking about them in my next round.
Brain...great story...thank you for sharing and adding to the conversation....very helpful....we are in the planning stages of our new golf schools which will be offered in 2020...going to be something special!
I was paired up with a random guy the other day. We were on a par 4 that had creek bed sitting right at 260. One would have to fly the ball 280 to clear it. I pulled out an iron and said I was going to layup. He snagged his driver and said "layups are for basketball!" Without missing a beat I said "...and low golf scores." I walked away with a par, him with a double. There is truth to strategy and choosing when to layup!
Truth!
The distance you talk about off the tee, is that carry or total?
Ive been keeping track since watching your video, I hit my driver 250 avg middle Always, I have shot under a couple of times, but average 76 , you are right on why I shoot that, I will practice what you said thanks
Great post right here friends...nothing better than helping our fellow golfers start to think a little different and seeing the scores go down....thanks for adding to the conversation!
Thank you. To clarify on Driving Distance - do you mean Carry or Total?
Good question, total distance. Here is a good video we did on increasing clubhead speed and distance th-cam.com/video/47cACs21Bmc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=2TTh48J1_2m-zfy9
56 years old. +0.6 handicap. Can't disagree with much of this.
Robert Wynn wow, good for you... that is some solid golf my friend 👌
The real key is the short game and elimination of one side of the golf course. Learn a steady fade and you got it made.
I had 2 chipins from 15-25 yards in my tournament
Aarush VM nice!
These guidelines sound great for someone like me. I shoot 75 or so every time out.
Of course when I get to 75 I might be on 13 or 14...
More understanding the Golf tech
Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺
Good Video. I usually struggle with my lag putting and my strategy. I hit about 280 with the driver, but since I reach very consistently 250 with my hybrid, I tend to hit that one. However, I score about mid 80's. I will practice all what you said.
7 feet average chip, I'm going to start measuring that
Damn I better get in the gym
damn right
I'm a B grade golfer and I aim my chips into an imaginary 3 foot circle around the cup. Most amateurs will 2 putt from 7 feet. Get close!
Matthew, you are spot on...as players we need to set realistic expectations.
+20.1 handicap rn....
US scratch golfer or British scratch golfer that’s about 2-4 shots difference depending who took you talk to. If your off 2 in uk your probably already a US scratch golfer.
Mark Anderson - who cares? The point is to get better here are some things to do and to think about. UK /US, Bah!
So i´m a +3 in England playing in Portugal cuz courses r tough here. Good logic!
That will change
Since WHS came into force nov 20. Nearly all my mates off 2 under congu are now suddenly off 0 under the new system. My mate ex pro was +1 October 31st he woke up 1st November off +5 under WHS. it’s a joke. Luckily I came down .3 still off 2 phew! So at least I’m competitive in sweeps
I feel like you got to attack more. People can be way too conservative. Have a 210 club be 210 off on a par 5 why you laying up. I’d rather be 10 yards off the green chipping then depending on a full wedge 3rd shot. Makes no sense to depend on a perfect third shot or a perfect second. Because if your second is perfect that’s the difference in a chance at eagle or even birdie. Even if it’s not your 3rd shot is 10-20 yards from the pin. But a miss hit on a layup is just dumb. Then you’re putting on your 5th shot.
Appreciate your thoughts and post. The key here is the quality of your short game. If you leave an challenging 40 yard pitch or a long bunker shot you will have problem.
@@USGOLFTVshow true, I can see the logic. But that’s the importance of the short game. Idk if it’s old thought but always heard the short game is the difference in the game, although maybe more challenging to master it. It’s kind of contradictory. I can see times when a layup is better but just saying for the guys that are splitting a 210-220 yard shot up into 2 depending on 2 good shots over one just seems like the analytics aren’t making sense for me. Just seems if you can make it in 2 you’d never layup. Because if you’re good enough for scratch golf or thinking scratch golf mindset, then your short game better be good or you’re really along the lines of playing breaking 80s golf which is a lot different. Just saying pros aren’t really laying that ball up unless they have a marginal lead and to me if you’re playing scratch golf even at 1-2 under or better to 3-5 over you should at the least be pro am. If you’re constantly laying up your realistically not playing scratch golf your playing maybe low handicap golf. Scratch you should be able to get up and down out of bunkers over bunkers bump and runs or they have to be real with themselves and realize they’re still handicap golfers. I mean nothing wrong with it don’t get me wrong.
@@USGOLFTVshow just say for instance you’re 220 out bunkers on both sides of the green you hit a 220 and end up in the bunker. With 3rd shot. Why depend on a possible 4th shot out of the same bunker
Everybody seems to know the secret. That’s why there are thousands of videos on just that ( THE SECRET ). There is no Secret 🤫