Handicap Question

[mapa94]

I'd say the most important aspect that separates a 20 from a 10 is hitting greens in regulation. Most 20 HC's hit 0-3 GIR. It is difficult to score if you aren't hitting greens.

I was a 20 last year and am now 10-11. I am just as accurate off the tee now as I was as a 20 HC but I am about 20 yards longer (this helps a bit). My putting has improved some but improved ballstricking with irons has lead to more GIR (average 6-8)which results in lower scores. I'm now working on improving chipping/sand/shots around the green/ which I hope will get me to single digits.

[lollavid]

I guess I'll chime in here. I think concentration and stamina are important as well. I have done the exact same thing in my last three rounds (at different courses). I've shot in the low 40s (bet. 42-43) on the front nine, and in the high 40s on the back 9. I am sure stamina and concentration are also functions of other things like physical conditioning, stretching, hydration, etc.
I am also simply inconsistent. I hit some wonderful shots from all over the course, but I'll also duff chips, miss 50% or more of putts around 6-8ft, my driver can be god awful some days and spot on during others, and although my long irons have been working lately they have also been a source of unpredictability.
I am only glad this season that I've shaved off about 8 strokes from my handicap (I also score EVERYTHING now and take no shortcuts), but I have a long way to go still.

[McGolf-Doggie]

Seems like there are two kinds of 20 cappers.

I fall into the category where the long game gets me into trouble a bit too often, leaving me facing difficult shots around trees, under branches. I don't get many GIRs at all, and fairways are about 33%. Ball striking has plenty of room for improvement in consistency.

My short game has helped bail me out on many occasions. Often that means a little chip from the fringe or a little further out because I hooked an iron or bounced out of the green. Except from sand, there I need to do put in some time and thought to improve.