There is little doubt that golf is one of the finest sports on this lovely green planet, so why do such a lot of golfers absolutely blow when it comes to getting a decent set of scores together? Okay, we can’t all be Tiger Woods or even John Daly for that matter, but wouldn’t it be nice to at least hit a scratch score every once in a while? This article takes look at the most common failings that distances us mere mortals from the legends of the game. If you see your own shortcomings within these 5 imposters, fear not because they can all be fixed with a little expert tuition.

You can’t be Perfect

Let’s face it, who doesn’t want to hit that perfect score or swing each time we step onto the tee? But if you strive to achieve the impossible, the rest of your game will definitely be in the toilet before you can even pull those gloves on. If you manage a Green in Regulation shot, don’t beat yourself up just because the putt is not doable in a single stroke. Plan the whole game out and aim to make the average shot instead of the outstanding one. Feel good about your last shot and your next one may be even better.

Swing Away

Just because there may be 12 or 13 irons and woods in your bag, doesn’t mean that each one needs any different treatment. You only need one swing and the less that you think about it, the better the swing will be. Of course you can shorten the swing and open the club face, but that action needs to remain constant each and every time.

Putting Matters

If the likes of Fred Couples or Greg Norman feel the need to practice their putting on a regular basis, why don’t you? No matter how great you think that your short game is, the putting can always be improved. If you make less than 36 putts per round, that makes you a decent putter, but how many of us can say we do this each and every round? Just a few minutes a day or 30 minutes a week can make a real difference.

Tips, Tips and More Darn Tips…

The biggest problem with golf magazines and online forums are the plethora of tips that seem to be offered, whether we like it or not. These can be awesome and really useful but they can also confuse and baffle many of us. Instead of chopping and changing your swing or chip stance each week, settle on something that works and keep improving it constantly.

Plan, Don’t Score

Instead of having a particular number in your mind when you start a new round of golf, try to plan the game out in your mind. Look at the hole ahead of you and plan the way that you intend to reach that hole. The score is important, but if you formulate a plan and achieve that, your score will definitely be lower as a result.

So…

If you follow these 5 rules and practice like a demon, your game will certainly improve. Just don’t tell your golfing buddies any of these tips because that would be daft!

Jim Demello, the author of this article, is a freelance blogger, currently writing for Golf Clearance Outlet, leading online retailers of golf balls. Jim loves snorkeling and enjoys going on road-trips with his friends on weekends.