golfrewind.com

Dear Low Handicappers,
I am going to devote a lot of time to working my game to a low single digit handicap. I am looking for the best advice on what training aids I should get as well as drills to improve phsyical strength and overall game.
Thanks,
GolfChamp

work on your putting!!

Be prepared to put in many many long hours of committed practice if you want to be good at this game. Work on your short game the most, this is what will save you.

I have never ran across a training aid that heled me out. Like the posters stated before, work on your short game. Trust me, if you can guarentee to put it in in 2 from 50 yds out, the score will drop.

Well the last two posts are about all you need.

Being good at golf just takes lots and lots of practice. It takes quite a few people many years before they can start to play with some consistantcy. Short game is the biggest factor. I would say work more on your 100 yards and in shots than you do on long shots and work on putting more than anything else.

I'm with the previous posters. Not too many training aids are gonna help you get to a single digit handicap. Most of them are a waste of money.

I'd say having a well trained PGA professional look at your swing and then lots of work on your game are your best bet.

Of course, if you're like some of us, that "work" is some of the most enjoyable time spent on this good earth.

Also, you don't say if you're 15 years old and currently shooting 85's, or if you're 40 years old and been shooting 98 for the last 20 years.

Big difference between those two. (the second guy isn't ever gonna see a single digit handicap)

And, it's not just short game. If you lie 5 by time you get to the green, it doesn't matter how good you putt.

Patience, enjoying the learning process, work hard on your short game- very hard, learn good habits- bad habits will then be hard to break, course management. Good luck.

+Yes like mentioned numerous times I think Pelz said the short game attributes to about 60% of the shots, and most if not all single digit players have good a short game.

Alright, so I am a teenage golfer who currently plays to a thirteen handicap and looks to play on his highly competitive high school vasity golf team. I currently lack power driving the ball only 220-240 yards, but also struggle with consistency. I commonly have terrible slumps, especially during a stretch where I play a lot, where my numbers really balloon all the way to the 90's. I am looking to put more time into my shrt game as I have always been a practice junkie. I have a net in my backyard which I was hitting several hundred balls into and proved the truism, "Practice makes permanent, not perfect". I hope to have more meaningful practice sessions as I plan to not hit at the net anymore. I feel like I have the potential as a tall, but skinny, young player.
Thanks,
GolfChamp

Okay - now we're talking.

Have you ever had any instruction? If not - do you at least understand the fundamentals (proper grip, posture, alignment)?

There are plenty of good books on the golf swing - and you can find good golf swing advice online too. Butch Harmon, Jim Flick, Dean Reinmuth and many other good teachers have numerous articles online.

So, that's a place to start. Since you're on a varsity h.s. golf team, (or at least working towards that) you may even be able to get some free help from a local pro.

Believe me, it is VERY difficult to become an accomplished player just by beating balls. (ESPECIALLY into a net) You need knowledgable eyes to make sure you're not developing bad habits that can be very tough to get rid of.

I work with the high school team in my town, and many of the players have to unlearn some horrid habits. If your fundamentals are unsound, you will never reach your potential as a player.

So, have someone look at your swing. The sooner the better.

And practice your chipping and putting.

At your age, just a little bit of properly focused dedication will get you shooting down in the 70's in no time.

Give up on the idea of a swing gimmick to help your game. I think most decent players on this site will give you the same advice.

On the surface, I'd say putting.

BUT...what you really need is exposure to a low handicap golfer. You need a pro or low handicapper to watch you play a round, and see what he says. I can see a couple ways of doing that.

Paying a pro for a playing lesson.

Getting in city or regional or whatever kind of tournament and play against people better than you as often as you can.

Ask the current team captain to play a round with you

hang around the pro shop long enough to get the starter to get you into a group with someone good enough and nice enough to give you a few hints about your game.

I agree that short game is the most likely place...but it will be worth your money to pay for a playing lesson, or have someone really good give you their ideas.

Here's what I did...

- Practice with a purpose
- Hit balls or play daily (I did for 2 years straight)
- Hit balls into a net when time/money didnt permit the range or a round
- Get into the money games on the practice putting green at your club
- Make sure the commitment is okayed by the wife

I suggest that you first go to church on your short game. Invest a small amount of money and some time in reading two books - Dave Pelz's "Short Game Bible" and "Putting Bible".

We have a winner!

Seriously...most of us hit less than 50% of the greens most of the time. Being able to get up and down is a great score builder/saver! This is probably the best advice given.