Not only have the top pros been blessed with a natural ability that allows them to do the unthinkable time and again, they also take care of the little things, making sure their job is as simple as it can be. In the video and article below, Neil Tappin takes a look at some of the things tour players do that you don't...
1. Properly Warm Up
We all know how important a warm-up is but how many of us actually do it? How many of us also warm-up before heading to the range or practice ground? We guess not many. The pros warm up before they start hitting golf balls on the range. This means they don't waste a single shot or lose confidence hitting poor shots as they get loose.
2. Flight their wedges
The pros will rarely hit a flat-out pitch shot with their most lofted club in the bag mainly because it takes away some of their flight control. What the pros do is take a little bit of speed off the swing, which reduces the spin and flattens out the flight. So when required to hit a pitch a shot, it makes sense not to play to the limit of your speed. Take an extra club if you need to and keep the tempo nice and smooth.
3. Know their miss
Another reason amateurs don't get better at golf comes down to strategy, or lack of. When plotting their route, the best players in the world are very good at knowing where they absolutely cannot hit the ball. This is how they keep the big scores off their cards. Identify where the big number comes from and then build a strategy that takes it out of play!
4. Focus on start lines when putting
The pros are meticulous about making sure that when they are putting, they are starting the ball on the right line. They do so by using training aids and training techniques to make sure they aren't pulling or pushing putts and you can do the same with simple gate drills and aids. Learning how to practise putting will be an invaluable tool to add to any golfer's arsenal.
5. Know their game
Top pros performing at the highest level will all have a clear idea on what their strengths and weaknesses are, which gives them a framework for what to work on in practice and helps them make key strategy decisions in the heat of competition. Amateurs could do with understanding their games more and then implementing what they know into practice on the range and on the course.
6. Work on their mental game
These days pros have a clear idea on how important the mental side of the game is because it controls everything and has an impact on performance on the course. The question is - are you doing work to try and improve your mental game?
There are lots of things you can do to train yourself, such as pressure practice, performance practice and also looking at how you process a round of golf. Also, if your standards are too high, it might be worth considering why par doesn't matter and how it could be ruining your game.
7. Use visualisation
Seeing the shot in your head is something the pros do on every single shot they are faced with, but amateurs rarely do this. Doing so can help narrow your focus and give you a clear idea on the shot you want to play. It can also be hugely beneficial to your game because it acts as a positive mental rehearsal for your shot.
8. Practise with purpose
Going to the range and just hitting balls without any clear objective is pretty much a waste of time. The pros are very good at making sure their practice sessions have a point to them and a clear idea on what they are trying to achieve. Whether you want to stop slicing the driver or are just looking to improve your rhythm, don't hit balls away aimlessly. Additionally, performance practice can help create the same pressure situations that you experience out on the course too.
9. Clean their clubs
The pros clean their clubs after every shot they hit, not just the wedges. They know that anything trapped between the face and the ball will affect the outcome in terms of spin, distance, and so many other variables. And not only will learning how to clean your clubs before you hit help create a more reliable and consistent outcome, but it is also one of the best ways to ensure your gear lasts longer.
