Other than golf lessons, what practical steps can I take to lower my handicap and improve my game? My logical beginning point is to self-assess – better understand how I play the game and what parts of my game need improvement.
I have tracked my scores online since 2001 using some free golf score tracking websites so I have some statistical information for analysis. These provide me statistical details like average overall score for par 3s, 4s and 5s, average putts per round and per hole, greens hit in regulation per round, and penalties per round. To date, I’ve really only used the information to know what my unofficial handicap is. Now its time to put this info to better use.
What game parts make sense to track? A recent article published in the Ottawa Citizen (One Way To A Lower Handicap) identifies some key items based upon another golfers experiences. Greens in Regulation (GIR) – improvement here means fewer chip shots and you are putting for birdie and par. This immediately highlights the need for a better short game – the ability to get on the green with your tee shot on a par 3, your 2nd shot on a par 4, and your 3rd shot on a par 5. Can’t argue with that. Course management seems to come go along with GIR improvement as well – knowing where you want to hit the ball and keeping in mind where you want missed shots to end up (as best as you can control that). Basically using your early shots on a hole to provide you with the best chance to make par or better with the remaining shots on the hole.
The noted article indicates you need to improve your game by starting at the green and working backwards. Improve your putting from 3 feet and in, then from 10 feet and in. At the same time you need to work on chipping and pitching – first from 50 yards and in and then from 100 yards and in. The article also notes not to worry too much about having your tee shot land in the fairway but you need to keep your tee shot in play.
This does make sense when I look at the parts of my game in a typical round:
| Driver |
12 to 14 times |
| wood / utility |
6 to 8 times |
| long iron (3, 4, 5 or 6) |
5 to 8 times |
| short iron (7, 8 or 9) |
12 to 17 times |
| wedge (I carry 4 wedges) |
14 to 19 times |
| putter |
I average 32 putts per round |
| penalty strokes |
I average just over 2 per round |
What does all of this add up to? Pretty much my average score of 90. I clearly see that more than 2/3’s of my game is short iron/wedge play and putting – sometimes this approaches 3/4’s of my game. Obvious where I need to concentrate when I look at it in this way.
My initial self assessment reveals the following mistakes:
- trying to sink long putts on the practice green – correction: concentrate on shorter putts, 3 to 6 feet.
- inconsistent at hitting greens on approach shots (low GIR)
- poor course management – play to spots on the course that give me the best chance to get par
Things I’m doing right:
- continue practicing my short game on the range – hitting my 9 iron and wedges so that I attain better accuracy, consistency and distance control – something I started a few years ago and has improved my game to date
Becoming a better short putter and improve my GIR………this will result in a lower scoring average and a lower handicap.
Lane@lifepast50.ca