Golfers: Getting Over the Hump

lessons and consistent practice. hit the range at least twice a week and work on the clubs you hit the worst until they become solid or a strength. Also, learn how to manage your misses. you don't have to hit driver on every hole just because everyone else is doing it. you can lay up at par 5's if its a 1 in 10 shot to get on.

Do not abandon your putting to become a better ball striker, you can still practice putting once your hands start to bleed baw

lessons and playing/practicing as much as you can

I've gone from 100s to mid 80s over the past few years. Gotten close a few times at breaking 80.

How is your long iron game?

Mine wasn't great, so I went with hybrids. Now, my hybrid game is the the most reliable aspect for me. I have 4 hybrids that I can hit at will, but I couldn't with he corresponding long iron.

Dropped many strokes off my handicap.

Here's something else minor you can try if you don't do this already: develop a regular pre-shot routine you are comfortable with. Whether it be a few full practice swings.. half swings.. a few waggles of the club.. whatever.

It will help get you into a rhythm and improve consistency.

I like to stand behind the ball and visualize my shot before I approach it and start my routine.

Tee it forward. Use shorter clubs from the fairway and enjoy the game. When you get better you can move back.

Course management, playing to your strengths on the course and overcoming your weaknesses on the range. Distance will come, but right now you need to focus on hitting fairways and greens and eliminating big numbers from your scorecard.

For example, if you're not comfortable hitting a a long iron or 3 wood off the deck then layup and with a club you're comfortable with. You'll shoot better scores by laying up to 100 yards and pitching it close than you will trying to hit a miracle shot from the fairway. Buddy of mine goes for every par 5 in 2 and 90% of the time he hits into a hazard or puts himself in a terrible position for his third shot. The few birdies and rare eagles he makes don't come to close to cancelling out the bogeys, doubles, triples, and others he has made by not having some basic course management.

Step 1: Make sure you have proper equipment. Though it only helps to a certain extent, using proper clubs and balls are a big way to get that handicap down.