Lowering Handicap

*Everardo*

For my first year of competitive golf I started 2005 at just over a 20 handicap and just ended my season at a 14.5. For my 2006 goals I want to get my handicap below 12. Am I being realistic or too easy on myself with that goal?

I've heard that getting below a 20 is fairly easy provided you spend quality time practicing but that getting into single digits is where the real work and challenge lies.

**iacas**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everardo

For my first year of competitive golf I started 2005 at just over a 20 handicap and just ended my season at a 14.5. For my 2006 goals I want to get my handicap below 12. Am I being realistic or too easy on myself with that goal?

I've heard that getting below a 20 is fairly easy provided you spend quality time practicing but that getting into single digits is where the real work and challenge lies.

I think you have a realistic chance. A 2.5 drop when you're a 14.5 is only 17%. Anything over 20% when you get into the low teens or single digits is tough unless you have some massive issue like the yips or something that cost you a few strokes per round by themselves.

If I were you, heck, I'd set my goal at getting inside of 10.

**NCGolfer**

Heck yeah. I don't know your game at all Everardo, but I think that you could easily drop 2.5 shots. If I had any advice, it would be to spend 1 hour, 3 times a week working on nothing but putting. I've done this over the past 2 years and it has paid off big time.

I'm probably preaching to the choir though...

*Leftie_power*

I think it's very fessible goal Everardo, Just like Ncgolfer said, work on yur putting, i would even expand that to short game, as long as you keep the ball in play, the easiest way to reduce your handicap is short game. I work at a lil nine hole muni and before shotgun tourneys(or mens and ladies nites) i usually take 20 balls and drive out and just chip, pitch and putt on the first green. Make sure yur chipping and pitching and putting with yur own balls. You want to develop feel with your short shots, so don't use the range balls when practicing your short game, use your own balls, that way when you get out on the course, you know how your balls react. I also recommend a consteint pre-shot routine if you don't have one.

Keep it short the grass,
Adam

*Ben*

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCGolfer

If I had any advice, it would be to spend 1 hour, 3 times a week working on nothing but putting. I've done this over the past 2 years and it has paid off big time.

Good advice there. I'd throw in the short game in general. You're bound to save strokes knowing that you have (and are comfortable using) a wide variety of up-and-down shots.

*Everardo*

Well I've made improving my short game my first priority for 2006. Of all stats and shots within 125 yards my worst stat is my up and down percentage, hovering right now around 26%. I've committed myself to spend more time at the chipping and putting greens than on the range also. While i still plan to use the range more I'm starting to think I'll get better results by just playing the course more.

*muskegman*

I've committed to just a few clubs in practice this year: 48°, 54°, 58° Vokey wedges and the putter. I want to improve GIR's this year and develop some much needed feel in the scoring zone. I hope to spend some quality time with those sticks on the range.

I think upgraded woods shafts will improve my driving and approach shots. Plus, I think my full swing is improving the last few months.