taking my game to the next level

[shakogolfer78]

First of all, I'm a senior in MN and I'm dying for the snow to melt and play golf. This winter i have really focused on improving my strength and flexibility by lifting every other day, taking lessons, and attending a velocity training program for golfers. In the past I have shot around 80-85 on the HS team, and I really want to spend my this entire season in the 70s. In addition to having a great senior year I want to try and walk-on to my college team this fall. They play Div-III and have won the last 2 national championships, but I need to drop to handicap from a 7-8 to around a 2-3 to have any shot at making the team. I was wondering what I could do to really make the jump from the ocassional sub 80s round to playing close to even par golf. Are there any tournaments or tours maybe a golf camp camp that can keep me involved with this great game after HS. Even if I fall short of my goals, I still want to play as much as possible on the highest level do you think you can give me any advice to help me out? I have heard stories that many people lose track of the game in college if they aren't on the team because of the high price and I want to play throughout college on the team or not to improve my game. Thanks

[wedge player]

First of all, I'm a senior in MN and I'm dying for the snow to melt and play golf. This winter i have really focused on improving my strength and flexibility by lifting every other day, taking lessons, and attending a velocity training program for golfers. In the past I have shot around 80-85 on the HS team, and I really want to spend my this entire season in the 70s. In addition to having a great senior year I want to try and walk-on to my college team this fall. They play Div-III and have won the last 2 national championships, but I need to drop to handicap from a 7-8 to around a 2-3 to have any shot at making the team. I was wondering what I could do to really make the jump from the ocassional sub 80s round to playing close to even par golf. Are there any tournaments or tours maybe a golf camp camp that can keep me involved with this great game after HS. Even if I fall short of my goals, I still want to play as much as possible on the highest level do you think you can give me any advice to help me out? I have heard stories that many people lose track of the game in college if they aren't on the team because of the high price and I want to play throughout college on the team or not to improve my game. Thanks

i would say get a swing coach and stick with them.

[TCCcaddie]

Good luck man, im actually trying to do the same thing that you are. Even though its cold still where i am (lucky to get into the 40s) im trying to play everyday to try and get down towards a scratch by the middle of the summer. Im even gunna try and get a win on the Titleist Junior Tour and maybe qualify for the higher Junior Tour in my area, which i think is Nike. I'd also appreciate any advice as well.

[imtomtomim]

this being my senior year in college, I really wanted to join a golf team but they simply don't offer golf for guys at my school. Given, swimming is my sport, but I really wanted to learn how to play golf, and practice with a varsity team. I feel like there's a lot to be learned in a training context and I wish I had picked up the game when I had that kind of chance in hs. I'll probably be taking private lessons on a semi-regular basis with the school's coach so I can learn how to hone in my game.

I do feel the need to tell you that Division III (I swim d3) is not supposed to be an exclusive form of sport. I don't think you can manipulate your roster according to performance ability. From what I understand about NCAA D3 golf, our girls team has more than 4 players, but I've only seen 4 score at a time at any tournament. Unless the team has hit it's school's budget on people they'll sponsor for travel, I don't think you'll have trouble playing for them.

[MiniMoe]

To go from an 8 handicap to close to a scratch improvements have to be made in all areas of your game. Of course the short game is at the top of the list. Get really good from 100 yrds in, and around the greens. That is where you will notice the most progress. Also, learn how far you hit your irons (not maxed out). Many players know a maxed out distance for a club.. say 8 iron goes 160. The result is shots that fall short. It's better to understand your tendencies. My 8 iron goes 160-165 Max. So If I have 160 and the conditions are not perfect, or I have to hit it over water or a bunker, I don't hit the 8.. I hit the 7. I never count on having to hit a perfect shot the get the distance I need. The next thing you have to work on is course and game management. Play to your strengths and away from your weaknesses. Golf is game of adjustments. Every day and every shot is different. Learn to adapt and go with the flow of the day, your swing, and the conditions.

Above all else.. have fun. Don't put too much pressure on any individual shot. Every shot counts just once, so don't look at what happened, look forward to the next "just one".

[Quinn07]

It sounds as though you are definitely on the right track. I would say that the areas you need to be stellar at are your tee shots, short game and your putting. I think if you become deadly from 120 yds and in you see the strokes just fall off your hdcp. Good Luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[denver_nuggs_15]

First of all, I'm a senior in MN and I'm dying for the snow to melt and play golf. This winter i have really focused on improving my strength and flexibility by lifting every other day, taking lessons, and attending a velocity training program for golfers. In the past I have shot around 80-85 on the HS team, and I really want to spend my this entire season in the 70s. In addition to having a great senior year I want to try and walk-on to my college team this fall. They play Div-III and have won the last 2 national championships, but I need to drop to handicap from a 7-8 to around a 2-3 to have any shot at making the team. I was wondering what I could do to really make the jump from the ocassional sub 80s round to playing close to even par golf. Are there any tournaments or tours maybe a golf camp camp that can keep me involved with this great game after HS. Even if I fall short of my goals, I still want to play as much as possible on the highest level do you think you can give me any advice to help me out? I have heard stories that many people lose track of the game in college if they aren't on the team because of the high price and I want to play throughout college on the team or not to improve my game. Thanks

You could try to get a job at a course. You'd get to play for free (usually) and may even get to use their practice facility. This one kid (he's 23) I know who's on the Hooter's Tour practices for like three hours at a time...just hitting balls! I think to get to a 2 handicap in under a year from a 7.5 may take that kind of commitment and practicing.

Short game, putting, and consistency are the major differences that I see between 7-10s and 2-3s. The high single digit golfers mess up occassionaly, where the lower single digit golfers rarely (if ever) mess up. Short game and putting speak for themselves, but try to work on getting up and down. It's almost a cliche in golf that short game and putting save strokes, but it's true. Just a final note: keep your head on your shoulders at all times. The one thing that you can always keep consistent in golf is the way you think about and react to a shot. Composure is key at any high level sport.

[David in FL]

Going from an 8 to a 2 is a big deal......a lot tougher than most people can comprehend. It's definitely not the same as moving from a 14 to an 8 was.

The improvements that you'll need to make are no longer obvious "low hanging fruit". A high level of consistency, ability to flight the ball differently, mental toughness, course management, et.al. Trying to go it alone.....in one year..... just strikes me as leaving too much to chance. I'd get some help in the form of a teacher who has experience and success with higher level players.

Good luck.

[Norm3333]

I am very impressed with the advice being given by you low handicappers.

I too am trying to get to my goal of a 5 handicap this summer. I have hit thousands of balls, incorporated a swing change and will work at the short game with the same commitment (when the weather warms up).

It warms my heart and emboldens my spirit to hear of you "players" (<6 handicap) working to lower your handicap and willing to share your "secrets".

Could any of you share your story of what you personally did to lower your own score. I know it's different for everyone, I like to hear success stories.

[shakogolfer78]

I would like to thank all of you for all the great responses. At the moment, Our season will start on the 9th of March, and I'm looking forward to using all your advice and hardwork to try and reach my goals. I have had some lessons this winter, and I have seen my consistency drastically increase. Also, I hung a mirror in the basement to work on posture, address, and takeaway. I will be working at our high schools home course this summer, so I will follow all of your great advice, practice constantly, and keep a level head trying to go to the next level.

[SasQuatch<3]

I was also wondering about the same type of question! Of course my handi-cap is much higher then yours but I was wondering maybe about some sort of summer camp where I can improve on my needed areas and then just play with others from around! Please give me some info. on sumer camps!

[wachesawgolfer]

Not being a "player" but observing juniors the only thing I can add is not to overplay things to make that birdie but play smart to your strengths to insure par. Make some putts and the birdies start to happen. At the better levels, its being able to nail pins from 160 in and sink the putts. Do you play rounds with just one iron and a putter to force you to make all types of shots?

[shakogolfer78]

While at practice, our coach makes us play nine holes with just three clubs, and I like the idea of hitting all types of shots. I just need to do this more often then once or twice a season thanks fot the help. I'll keep you all posted.

[birdiemachine]

the biggest things you can do to drop your handicap once your below 18 are

a. roll the rock....i can not stress how much more important the short game is than your long game, on the whole

b. mental game....read a book by Bob Rotella, pick a guys brain who is MUCH better than you, take your medicine when need be....some of the best improvements to my game came from seeing what better players did than I didnt

c. have a go to shot, under pressure, know you have hit a high draw or low fade ect. have the "go to" shot when you can really count on it, this should be your natural, favorite shot


once you have your fundamentals down, these are three areas where you can catalyze the process

[shakogolfer78]

great idea with the wedges, using I will definately use this techinque. One quick question though. At my driving range we don't have it very well marked to the specific pins, so if I used a Leupold rangefinder would I get exact yardages to these pins on my range? If so how about yardges to other areas on the range such as trees, bunkers, and ponds. If I could use this on the range this would give me the most accurate yardages to help me improve my game. At the moment its more of a hit and guess which is terrible I know, but now I know what I need to improve and make the college team.

[shakogolfer78]

Great idea with the Rotella books, I read Golf is Not a Game of Perfect about a year ago, and I have seen my temperment improve instantly. I recommend this book to any golf fanatic.