From my point of view, playing golf the way you would like to play means minimizing your mistakes. A “mistake” on the golf course can mean many things to many people. But, fundamentally a mistake represents a result you would like to erase if you were allowed to do it over again. Over the years, when I have watched high-handicappers play, I have noticed several typical mistakes that they make. Note that these tend to be different errors than a scratch golfer or pro would make. The pros tend to make their mistakes in the areas of decision and judgement, rather than skill or technique.
A lot of dedicated, high-handicap golfers (18 to 30 handicap) can move the ball off the tee with some degree of talent. Of course, with the ball on the tee, there is a boost in confidence. A full swing with a long driver demands mostly large muscle coordination and is not a finesse play. The mistakes for our high-handicapper seem to happen the closer he gets to the green. Inside of a hundred yards the problems with the finesse play begin; this is not disrespect, mind you, just observation. Let’s say our 24-handicapper has 80 yards to an elevated, shallow green, with a deep bunker guarding the hole location. Chances are he will aim at the pin, and either hit it “fat,” advancing the ball only a few yards, or “blade” it over the green so he is left with an impossible chip back downhill toward the same bunker. On-course coaching would advise our novice to run the ball along the ground to the left of the gaping bunker onto the green and give himself a chance for a two putt. Finesse shots are difficult for high-handicap golfers because they have not mastered the touch and feel of those delicate shots. “Feel” is mostly a golfer’s estimation of what will happen with a ball hit from a particular shot in a particular situation. “Touch” concerns the actual execution of the shot that is planned. And skill with those shots comes from learning the fundamental technique involved, and many hours of practice.
It’s agreed among all golf instructors everywhere that high-handicappers make most of their glaring mistakes next to and on the greens. Once on the green it seems that putting speed is something that escapes notice. The most glaring omission seems to be failing to appreciate the proper speed inside of ten feet. Folks with decent eyesight are pretty good at seeing the line of the average putt, sensing a right or left break. But there is often a disconnect when it comes to stroking the putt firmly and letting the ball follow the intended line.
Here are some things you can do immediately to reduce the mistakes you tend to make. First, spend five minutes on short putts (inside of six feet) on the practice green before you tee off. This will familiarize you with the speed and help your confidence. Secondly, play away from hazards, whether they be sand or desert or water. With your GPS and laser yardage devices you should be able to see and estimate exactly where and how far to position your ball for an easier next shot. Thirdly, ask your pro or an expert to go out with you on a playing lesson where he can help identify and pinpoint where you, personally, are prone to make mistakes.
Charlie Blanchard is a guest columnist. He is a retired golf teacher and writer. He worked with Herb Wimberly, NMSU’s head coach for men’s golf, and is credentialed by the PGA for playing ability. He can be reached at docblanchard71@gmail.com.
