Tips for Lowering Your Golf Handicap

Understanding how your golf handicap affects your game is an essential part of golf. Handicaps allow less skilled players to be evenly matched with more experienced players. As a result, players are better equipped to play on fairly equal terms.

Why does a handicap matter in golf?

The purpose of golf handicaps is to help players better measure their potential. A handicap should never be viewed as an average of your previous games or how well or bad you did. Rather, handicaps help you determine the number of strokes above or below par you could achieve.

Typically, handicaps are calculated based on taking the best of 10 rounds out of the previous 20 rounds played. There are handicap calculators that can be used to determine one’s average best and handicap score.

Most players find that once they know what their handicap is, it helps them continue improving their games. Eventually, many players find they start to level out to give them a more accurate handicap.

Even after leveling out, players can continue lowering their golf handicap by using these tips:

#1: Make sure you are using the right golf clubs.

It is worth your time to get correctly fitted for your clubs. Slight variations in the length of the clubs can affect your game. Once correctly fitted, allow yourself some time to adjust to the new clubs. As you do, your handicap may fluctuate somewhat before leveling off and potentially becoming lower than it was previously.

#2: Learn how to find your proper grip on each type of club.

Golf clubs require different grips, depending on whether you are teeing off, putting, or playing the short game. You may want to take some golf lessons from a professional golfer to learn the correct way to grip each of your clubs.

#3: Make sure to practice proper posture and balance.

Another factor that will impact your handicap is your posture and balance. It takes time and practice to develop your stance using the correct posture and balance. Once you learn the proper stance and how to distribute your weight between your front and back feet, your swings will start to feel more natural.

#4: Practice your golf swing.

You need to get used to swinging your golf clubs. Spending time at a driving range can help make your golf swing feel more natural and comfortable. Some beginners also find getting help from an experienced golf instructor can help with their swings.

#5: Practice your short game.

The short game is where most golfers find they struggle with their golf game and lowering their handicap. Most hits on the ball occur typically about 100 yards or so of the hole. The majority of strokes off your game tend to happen because of a poor short game.

Spend time practicing hitting golf balls toward the green at different short distances until you start to make improvements. As you do, also do not forget to practice putting since you will be using various clubs the closer you get to the hole.

#6: Remember to have fun.

Golf is about having fun, no matter your objectives or goals in lowering your handicap. It is easy for you to let your mental game take over to the point you are not having fun and are becoming discouraged. While developing your mental game can be beneficial, do not let it take the fun out of golf.

For example, you should visualize what you want to happen when hitting the ball. If the ball is not traveling how you envision it, switch things up and try a different club and approach. Part of enhancing your mental game is knowing what your limitations are and adjusting your game to match.

Can a residential launch monitor help lower your handicap?

Practicing your golf game is a major part of lowering your golf handicap. If you want to spend a few hours every day practicing, a residential launch monitor can be a good choice. Even professional golfers use launch monitors when they plateau and want to improve.

Depending on the system, hardware, equipment, and software, you can learn a lot about your golf game. Launch monitors can track golf balls’ paths, speeds, spin, and other valuable data. Some monitors are portable, so you can take them with you when on the golf course or at the driving range.

Additionally, a decent at-home setup includes a wide range of golf courses for you to challenge. By playing different virtual courses, you will continue to improve your golf game and lower your handicap.

For further information about launch monitors or assistance in building the right residential simulator to fit your needs, please feel free to contact Foresight Sports at (858) 880-0179 today!