Identifying your Strengths and Weakness

As I mentioned in my last post (Course Management: 7 out of 10 rule) being able to identify and understand the strength and weaknesses of your golf game a crucial to course management.  Most individuals that have played the game for any length of time might be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses quite easily. However, simply keeping some basic statistics over the course of a few rounds you will have concrete evidence to base your decisions on.  I'm not talking about any elaborate stats like you see on  the PGA tour.  Just keep track over 5 rounds or so (obviously, the larger the data set the more reliable it is) the number of fairways hit, your greens in regulation, your up and down from around the green, and putts.  This information should begin to tell you where your strengths and weaknesses lie. 

So, how can this help you on the course.  Well, first off I want to mention that most people spend the majority of their practice time, practicing their strengths (its just more enjoyable to do something your good at).  However, if you spend say 50% of your practice time on your strengths and 50% on your weaknesses you will see that statistics you've been keeping will begin to morph and your scores will lower as you become more of an all round golfer.

On the course, you can use the information to make educated decisions.  For example, say the strength of my game is the short game, and my weakness is my long irons and fairway woods.  Well, if I'm faced with the decision to go for the par 5 in two (as was the case in the video in my previous post) what is the thought process?  Well, at this distance it would be a stretch to get it there, and there is trouble on the right and left side of the green.  Can I hit the centre of the green 7 out of 10 times.  No, at least five of those times I'm left or right and making a big number.  So, why not take less club hit a controlled shot to the front of the green where I can rely on the strength of my game (the short game) to get up and down for birdie, and a worst par.  This is playing  the percentages and knowing how to score.

Eliminate the big numbers on your score card by knowing your strengths and weaknesses and using course management to play the percentages.

Cheers,

RP

Practicing with a Purpose and feedback

When you head to the driving range what are your intentions?  Are you going to work on weight shift, balance, your grip, a specific drill?  Well, that's the point of this short blog.

So, many amateurs hit the driving range with one thought in mind.  How am I hitting it today?  This quite possibly could be the biggest mistake you are making in improving your game.  Practicing with a purpose is vital to lowering those scores.  You most certainly can't do it on the course, from my experience the uncertainty in your thoughts leads to poor shots, and frustration.  Practicing with a purpose is one thing, but its important to practice with feedback.  It's the sure fire way to ensure your practice is effective.  The following are a few ideas for practicing with feedback.

1)  Go to a teaching professional (I know that's obvious, that's why I listed it as # 1).

2)  Use teaching aids.  There are hundreds of gimmicks out there, some work some don't.  If you can find the tools that provide sensory feedback, then typically they will help your game.  A simple mirror can provide the instant feedback you may require.  I've come across a few putting aids that help. Putting tracks for instance, help develop a repeatable stroke.  (you can make your own rather cheaply too)

3)  Take video of your swing at regular intervals, and compare.  With the advancements in digital photography, its become easier and easier to do this.  All you need is someone to hold your phone and push the record button for a few seconds.

4)  Use games in  your practice sessions.  Not only will it keep practice entertaining, but you can use the results to measure your improvement.  (In an upcoming blog post, I will list a few that I like to use).

5) Ask a fellow golfer for their opinion.  I wouldn't consult with a newbie, but someone who has been playing regularly might be able to help.

Its my belief that if you are practicing without a purpose and feedback, you a wasting your time.  And really, you could be developing bad habits.  So, next time you head to the driving range or practice green develop a strategy for your session. 

Cheers,

RP