Helping high-handicaps play like low-handicaps was a popular topic in 2023

Improvement in golf requires an enjoyment of process. Gains are rarely linear, and valleys are to be expected. Playing better golf is a lifelong pursuit, and it’s a game that can never be perfected.

But even though perfection is unattainable doesn’t mean it’s a game rife with complacency. Just the opposite, actually. Improvement is addicting, and golfers are always looking to hit that next milestone.

Having players to look up to and try to replicate is a part of that process. Pros are an obvious subset to aspire to, but most of us are playing a far different game than them. But in a game with so many different skill levels, we can set our sights a bit lower, and try to replicate the games of those with lower handicaps than our own.

That seemed to be the roadmap for our readers in 2023, as one of our most popular instruction stories covered the topic of things low-handicappers do that high-handicappers don’t. The article came courtesy of GOLF Hall of Fame Teacher Mike McGetrick, which we’ve summarized below. (You can read the full article here.)

1. Have a pep talk

Golf is a mental game, so keeping yourself engaged between the ears is paramount. Sometimes, that means giving yourself a good ole pep talk.

“Good players rehearse their swing, then address the ball with only positive thoughts, thinking about what they want to do, not what they don’t want to do. They program success,” McGetrick says. “You? Just the opposite. Think of what typically runs through your head (see left) just before you start your swing — not good. Carrying over confidence from your practice swing to your actual one — in the absence of negative or internal thoughts — is a very powerful tool.”

2. Train … then go play

Making swing tweaks is common for even the very best players, but you can’t be thinking those technical thoughts on the course. Make those changes on the range, and then trust your training when you get to the course.

“Limit mechanical work to training sessions,” McGetrick says. “Good players know that swing thoughts have no place on the course. Separate your practice from your play, using range time to rehearse swings so you can execute them without thinking.”

3. Find a swing you can score with

Sometimes your swing just doesn’t feel right on the course. When that happens, put a bandaid on things and do whatever you need to do to post a decent score.

“What really turns things from bad to worse, however, is trying to “fix” a misbehaving swing on the fly,” McGetrick says. “That almost never works. Good players — while they might not love it — are okay with changing tack to protect their score, knowing the fixing will have to wait for later.”

4. Dial in your wedges

Solid wedge play is imperative if you want to take it low. The best way to start dialing in those wedges? Learn your carry numbers.

“During your next training session, find out how far the ball carries off each wedge with a quarter, half, three-quarters and (of course) a full swing,” McGetrick says. “You can even make your own yardage chart. If you put in the time, you can generate 16 different yardages with your scoring clubs (assuming you carry four wedges).”

5. Play smart

Great players don’t always aim at the flag — in fact, it’s quite the opposite. They aim for the fat parts of the greens and avoid trouble at all costs.

“[Make] a two-putt the worst possible outcome,” McGetrick says. “If pros use this strategy, there’s no reason you shouldn’t too. And who knows? You might just make a bomb, even after playing it ‘smart.’”

6. Chip to a spot

Too many recreational players just hit it and hope around the greens. What you should be doing is dialing in on a spot on the green and trying to hit it right on top of it.

“Good players look at the distance from the fringe to the hole and base their landing spot from there,” McGetrick says. “Best to use an example. Say there’s 30 feet between the edge of the fringe and the cup. Good chippers will cut that distance in three parts, planning to land the ball 10 feet on, then rolling it an extra 20. Ten feet is the target in this scenario, not the full 30. Once you get your head around this relationship, more of your chips will end up in tap-in range.”

Zephyr Melton

Golf.com Editor

Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the team at GOLF, he attended the University of Texas followed by stops with the Texas Golf Association, Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists on all things instruction and covers amateur and women’s golf. He can be reached at zephyr_melton@golf.com.