Pick Up Golf

Question: How do i improve my golf game without taking lessons?

(Posted by: Jason G on 2007-05-08 13:26:54)

Posted by: Harvey on 2007-05-08, 23:47:03

First off I would like to say all you guys that keep on tell this guy to watch TV and do what the pros do are crazy and thats probably why you are all 10 and up handicaps.I feel better know that I got that off my chests... I am in the Golf Bussiness, I work in a Golf Shop and also give Lessons for a living...My advice to you is read a book called Golf For Dumbies (no disrespect ment), which you can find at any book store. This is a great book, it teaches you everything from the basic fundamental, advanced swings, skill shots, to good practice routines and everthing in between...When I start to struggle with my game I usually refer back to this book... I agree with the guy that posted that you need to spend alot of time on the Chipping Green and Putting Green, those two parts of your game is what will make you or break you, it is an easy way to shave 5 to 6 strokes...I practice 10 to 12 hours a week and atleast 6 to 7 of those hours are on just chipping and putting... Another piece of advice I can give you is commit to practicing. The more time you practice the better you will get. Example: On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday plan on going to your local driving range spend one day on irons, one day on woods, one day on short irons, one day on chipping, and at the end of each day spend some time putting. This seems like alot of practicing its not, if you are ther for an hour a day that only 5 hours a week... Side Note: I know you are not looking to take lesson becasue of the price tag, but they are the best way to get better, beacuse it forces up to get into a routine. Also look for a Assisant Golf Pro that is just getting into the bussiness, usually there prices are cheeper becasue they are newer to the bussiness, however, they have just as good of a game as a Head Pro they just have not paid the time to become a Head Pro yet. I have been in the Golf Bussiness for two year and charge 20 to 30 dollers for 30 mins, the PGA Teaching Proffessional that works at the course I work at charges 40 for a half hour, 70 for an hour... These are my thoughts and hopefully it helps you out...

Posted by: playball on 2007-05-08, 13:35:24

I know you don't want to take lessons but it really is the best way and in the long run the cheapest way. But if you really don't want to take lessons I would suggest video taping yourself and watching your swing from several angles. Compare your swing to a PGA player that you like other than someone like Jim Furyk and you will get a pretty good idea of what you need to do to adjust your swing.

Posted by: ncarlsongolf on 2007-05-08, 13:50:24

You need to develop a practice routine and make sure you are practicing correctly. Try finding drills online or in golf books from Pelz or somebody like that. Like the other guy said maybe video yourself and find the descrepincies with your swing and those on tour. Find where your swing gets off track and try to see where their body moves and emmulate that. But getting lessons is the best way to improve, maybe even once a month is only like $50 and you can have positive reliable input on your swing and your entire game.

Posted by: Spartan Golfer on 2007-05-08, 14:35:34

What I do, is I go to the driving range alot and try to mimic good swings of pros I see on tv.

Posted by: Mike J on 2007-05-08, 14:39:54

Besides hitting golf balls on the driving range and spending time on the putting green chipping and putting. I like to golf one or two times a month alone at my local course when I know the course is slow. Then you got time to try a few things or work on something 'ON' the course. I usually hit a variety bunker shots and hit shots from under or around trees. Also a good time to fine tune your yardages on your irons by hitting and extra shot or two into a green. Just a suggestion, but lessons would be a good investment to help with your game.

Posted by: jbgolfer25 on 2007-05-08, 16:00:05

Watch alot of instructional videos read alot and vidoe tape yourself swinging, so you know what you are doing. You would be surprised how many people I play w/ that don't realize just how bad they swing.

Posted by: Rick W on 2007-05-08, 20:57:33

Okay, now it's time to listen to somebody who knows what they are talking about. if you want to shave 5 or more strokes off your game you need to spend the majority of your practice routine on the putting and chipping green. How many times do you find yourself needing one chip and one putt for par? Now, how many of those times out of 10 do you typically make par? That's what I thought, if you can develop a great short game, you can turn a would be 93 into an 85 no problem. Once you've seen your scores drop due to the improved short game, I don't think you will be so hesitant to listen to a professional on the range to fine tune the rest of your game so you can start shooting in the 70s.