If you’re a golfer struggling to lower your score or just looking to refine your game, you’re not alone. Frustration on the course is common, but there’s good news—you might be overlooking key strategies that can help. Here are five things you probably haven’t done yet that can shave strokes off your scorecard and transform your approach to golf.
Forget Lessons—Get a Coach
Taking a lesson or two is like putting a Band-Aid on your game. It might provide short-term fixes, but it doesn’t address the deeper issues or set you up for long-term success. Instead, invest in a coach.
A coach goes beyond mechanics, offering guidance in areas like mental focus, course management, fitness, and even nutrition. The good news? You don’t need someone local. Apps like Golf Live allow you to connect with expert coaches remotely, ensuring you get tailored advice no matter where you are.
Get a Full Bag Fitting
Your equipment might be holding you back. Many golfers don’t realize how much their clubs impact their performance. A full bag fitting—from putter to driver—ensures that your equipment suits your swing and playing style. Here’s what to expect in terms of the cost of a golf club fitting.
If a full fitting isn’t in your budget, start with these priorities:
Putter: Accuracy begins on the greens.
Wedges: Dial in your short game.
Driver: Maximize distance and control off the tee.
Having the right tools in your bag is crucial to shaving strokes off your game.
Improve Your Flexibility
Fitness might not sound like the most exciting part of golf, but flexibility is essential for an effective swing. Your body needs to rotate smoothly to generate power and maintain accuracy. There are a bunch of golf workouts you can do. But at least consider a simple plan for stretching.
Here’s a simple plan:
Stretch for five minutes in the morning and evening.
Add a short stretching routine before and after your rounds.
Consistency is key. Improved flexibility not only enhances your swing mechanics but also reduces the risk of injury.
Lock in Your Carry Distances
Knowing your carry distances is more important than total distances, especially with your irons. Carry distance determines where the ball lands, making it critical for hitting greens and setting up better scoring opportunities.
To get accurate carry distances:
Use a launch monitor or Toptracer-equipped range.
Hit 5–10 shots per club, discard the two highest and lowest, and average the rest.
Write these numbers down, laminate them, and attach them to your bag for easy reference.
When you trust your carry distances, your confidence—and accuracy—on the course will soar.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is often overlooked but plays a vital role in maintaining physical and mental performance during a round. Sip water on every hole to avoid fatigue and ensure you stay sharp, especially in the later stages of your game.
If you’ve ever noticed your focus or energy dipping toward the end of a round, dehydration might be the culprit. Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to improve your endurance and consistency.
With nearly three decades of experience in the golf industry, including 16 years as a PGA professional, I’ve seen firsthand how these tips can make a difference. By prioritizing coaching, equipment, fitness, precision, and hydration, you’ll be well on your way to improving your game.
Try these five strategies, and you’ll not only shave strokes off your scorecard but also enjoy the game more than ever.
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Brendon is Class A PGA Professional and founded Little Linksters, LLC, and its nonprofit arm, the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development. He won 25+ prestigious industry honors, including the 2017 PGA National Youth Player Development Award. He graduated from the PGA of America Management Program and has a handicap index of 7.8.He has played golf for over 40 years and currently plays twice a month at the Eagle Dunes Golf Club near Sorrento, Florida. He loves Srixon clubs and plays a ZX5 driver with Z 585 irons. He’s written over 60 articles on GolfSpan and specializes in sharing tips to improve your golf game. You can connect with Brendon at LinkedIn, X, IG, FB, his website, or BrendonElliott@pga.com.
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