Every golfer is different — if not, we’d have a bunch of Jordan Spieth clones running around the golf courses. We all have different swings, different strengths and, frankly, different weaknesses. But every golfer has something in common — we can improve our game. Luckily, there are plenty of game improvement plans available to golfers of all skill levels.
So, just in time for the new year, here are five ways to make your 2018 golf game better than ever.
Focus on Fitness
It’s the beginning of a new year and there's no better time than now to configure those resolutions around improving your golf game. Many resolution lists include fitness, and a golfer's list should be no different. Getting into better shape will help your golf game by increasing stamina to allow more practice time, keep you strong throughout each round, improve your ability to get into proper golf positions, and help create more power and distance. There are plenty of golf-specific workouts you can try to get yourself physically ready to hit that first shot this spring. Here are a few exercises recommended by Men's Fitness Magazine.
Proper Practice Makes Perfect Golf
We all hit the range to warm up and try to groove our swing before a round. But, how many of us really spend specific, well-intentioned practice time in an effort to get better?
And just because it is cold outside, it doesn’t mean you can’t practice your golf swing. North Oaks Golf Club has two indoor hitting bays with excellent technology available to help you improve your game during the winter months.
Six Areas to Focus Your Time On According to the North Oaks Golf Club Professional Staff:
- Perfect your pre-shot routine
- Improve your aim
- Swing technique changes
- Control your pitching trajectory
- Know the distance that each club carries and total distance
- Start knocking in those putts under 10 feet
Maintain Your Mental Game
Golf is as much of a mental game as it is a physical one. Often times, as golfers, we will know exactly where we need to make improvements in our mental golf game. One area that most of us can improve on quickly is by not allowing any “gimmes”. Challenge yourself to put the ball in the hole each time. This will make you much more accustomed to doing it when you need to.
“To get acclimated to pressure, embrace it," says Joseph Parent, sports psychologist and author of Zen Golf Magazine. "Put yourself under it." For starters, Parent recommends taking every short putt, even if someone is waiting for you to finish. "Act like the shot matters, and you'll be more ready to hit it when it really does.”
Check Your Equipment
There is an old adage that says, “You can’t buy a good game.” But, there is also truth to the fact that your old equipment might be holding you back. Golf club technology has been improving at such breakneck speed, that if you are still playing with that same old wedge because you once chipped in for an eagle with it, the grooves might be so worn out that you are having difficulty getting close to every hole you approach.
Consider checking the grooves on your wedges and irons for wear. Examine the grips on every club and make sure they aren’t so old that your handprints are on them. Maybe even have an expert staff look at the shafts of your clubs and see if there isn’t something on the market that better suits your swing. Or take advantage of our club fitting services, which could certainly improve your game immediately.
Take Lessons to Learn From a Pro
Golf lessons with a pro may not be for everyone, but you will never know if it works for you unless you try it. We're not suggesting weeks and weeks of instruction if you have been playing the game for years, but we can safely assume just about any game can benefit from an objective assessment and some game improvement suggestions.
At North Oaks Golf Club, we have several professionals that would love to help you with your game today. Our staff will make you feel at ease, whether it is your first lesson ever, or you are looking for game improvement with a new voice. Call the golf shop at 651.484.1635 for more information, or feel free to reach out to our PGA Director of Instruction Chris Bailey at 612.306.6173 or Chris@northoaksgolfclub.com.