Most golfers have two goals: a lower handicap and playing more consistent golf. If that sounds like you, then keep reading.
Golf is a complex game and a sport that requires patience, discipline, and hard work to achieve greatness. Because let’s face it, golf is a wildly hard sport and one that you can never really master. One day it feels like you can’t miss the sweet spot, the next day it feels like you’ve never played before.
However, if you want to improve your game and achieve the two most common goals, you need to develop seven golf skills. Keep reading to learn how to add them to your game so you can play better than ever.
7 Golf Skills to Lower Your Handicap
While most golfers have the goal of shooting lower scores and playing more consistently, I think the secret goal of every player is this… building a game that travels. Meaning, your game is great on any course on any given day.
If you’re a member of a country club, chances are you know exactly what I mean. So many golfers are great at their home course, but their game vanishes when playing other places.
This is why you need to build skills into your game so you can play well anywhere. As Tiger Woods said, “Talent is something you are born with and a skill is something you develop. 99% of what you need to succeed in golf are skills.”
Key Takeaways
- The more golf skills you have, the more shots in your arsenal to attack any golf course.
- It’s very important to work on your weaknesses so you can turn them into strengths sooner rather than later.
- Tracking your statistics makes it easy to spot weaker parts of your game and then make a plan to improve.
- Learn the seven skills below to build a more complete game so you can build a more repeatable swing and overall game.
1. Consistent Setup
Fundamentals aren’t the most fun thing to talk about but the most important, which is why it’s the first golf skill on this list. If you watch professional golf in person, always go to the driving range and watch their warm-up routine before heading to the course.
Why? So you can see how consistent they are over the golf ball on every swing. A consistent setup is the most important skill to build a repeatable golf swing.
Because if you set up differently on every shot, it will impact your takeaway, swing plane, and various other golf swing positions. To get into a great setup position, you need to focus on it in practice so it’s automatic on the course.
Here’s how…
- Record your golf swing. From a down the line angle, it makes it easy to see your setup position and get into a good starting point. Carry an iRange Sports Stick in your bag (they have an indoor model as well) so you can easily record your golf swing.
- Use alignment sticks. I’d argue that alignment sticks are the most versatile training aid in golf. If you watch the pros hit range balls, you’ll see they use them in various positions to ensure their feet and body are getting the ball started on the proper line. Carry at least two in your bag at all times.
- Try out training aids. Another reason to watch pros on the range is to see them using training aids. Despite being the best golfers in the world, you’ll still see them using different gadgets and accessories to get into consistent positions. Check out our list of the best training aids now.
Once you have a consistent setup, it makes it a lot easier to hit it better more often and set yourself up for success on every swing.
2. Speed and Distance
The second golf skill that is vital to building a better golf game is clubhead speed. Why?
Because speed equals distance and hitting it longer off the tee makes the game significantly easier. Golf.com shared an Arccos Golf study in an article showcasing the importance of distance to shooting lower scores.
“The data also backs up the accepted theory that golfers who are longer off the tee have the potential to have a lower handicap, because based on the data, a 0-5 handicap golfer hits it almost 25 yards longer than a 10-14.9 handicap golfer and that gap grows increasingly wider as the handicap discrepancy increases. Even at the highest level, golfers that have added speed and distance have shown greater potential for results.”
Whether you’re a 20-handicap golfer or a professional, more speed equals a better chance at a lower handicap.
So, how do you add more clubhead speed? Use these strategies below.
Improve Your Strike
If you’re hitting shots off the toe and heel all day, it’s hard to max out your distance potential. While forgiving drivers have made golf much easier than previous clubs, it’s still important to find the sweet spot for maximum distance.
The first golf skill – a consistent setup – is key. Then, make sure you read our article about how to hit a driver more effectively. Also, don’t forget the importance of driver loft and driver ball position.
Speed Up Your Tempo
Once you have a consistent setup and better strike, it might be time to speed up your tempo. The truth is that most everyday golfers swing the club too slowly and limit speed potential. If you watch the best golfers in the world, you’ll notice they swing fast – pretty much the blink of an eye.
Yet, most amateur golfers are slow and deliberate.
The easiest way to check your tempo and speed it up is with the Tour Tempo app. This paid app (only $25) will help you check your current tempo and speed it up so you sequence your swing better and improve speed.
Plus, the app also can help with short game tempo and putting tempo too.
Start Speed Training
The final way to add speed to your game is with overspeed training. By using heavier and lighter clubs, you can effectively trick your mind into swinging faster over time.
Read our reviews of the three most popular speed trainers below:
3. Clean Iron Strike
The previous two skills will help with the third vital skill – a clean iron strike. If you hit a lot of thin and fat shots all day, good luck playing consistently.
As I mentioned in the first step, go to the driving range if you watch pro golf… not just for their setup, but to hear the strikes. It’s a sound unlike any other, pure shot after pure shot.
But if you go to a normal driving range, chances are you’ll hear more clunks, thins, and mishits. While game improvement irons can help, they’re a band-aid fix, not a long-term solution.
To improve your game and build one that will stand the test of time, work on your iron strike. This might mean hiring a golf coach, buying a training aid, or spending more time in practice on impact. For more guidance, read these articles next:
4. Two Basic Short Game Shots (Chip and Pitch)
If you can acquire the first three skills, you’re well on your way to a solid golf game. But the long game is only half the battle, as so much of the game happens inside 100 yards. This is why it’s crucial to develop a few short game shots for when you miss greens in regulation.
Don’t forget, the average PGA Tour player only hits about 67% of greens in regulation. No matter how good your iron game gets, you are bound to miss greens.
While there are a lot of specialty shots, I recommend all golfers develop two go-to shots above all else; a basic chip and pitch. If you’re on the fringe, putt in most cases. Then, use these two shots.
5. Go to Greenside Bunker Shot
Another greenside skill that every player needs is a greenside bunker shot. A bunker shot is very different from any other shot in golf for one main reason – you do not hit the ball. You hit the sand, which carries the ball out of the bunker.
Unfortunately, most golfers fear the bunker and don’t understand the right technique. Not to mention neglect a routine and might use the wrong wedge. While there are multiple bunker shots you can learn, focus on a basic greenside shot above all else.
The goal for every golfer is to get out in one shot and hopefully give yourself a putt. If you get up and down, great but make it a priority to escape on the first shot. Read our full guide to greenside bunkers here.
6. Repeatable Putting Stroke
The next golf skill is building a repeatable putting stroke. If you have confidence on the greens, you will beat your golf buddies fast and reach your potential quicker than ever.
To build a solid putting stroke, use this three-part plan:
- Choose the right putter. This will help you stare down at a club with confidence and find one that is right for your unique stroke.
- Improve your putting tempo. To improve speed control, use a metronome or the Tour Tempo app to find more flow in your putting stroke.
- Use a putting mirror. Refer back to the first golf skill you need for your full swing – a consistent setup. The same goes for putting, you need a consistent setup with putting to get your eyes over the ball properly.
7. Pre-Shot Routine
The final skill that every golfer needs is a solid pre-shot routine. Because never forget that the mental side of the game is crucial to reaching your potential.
A good process behind the ball makes it easier to analyze every shot, take rehearsal swings, and pick a target. Which makes it easier to walk into every shot with confidence.
If you watch any good golfer – pro or amateur – you’ll notice they do the same thing before every shot. This helps their mind and body prepare for every swing and step up with confidence.
Click here to learn more about creating a pre-shot routine.
My Experience
I’m someone that had little talent as a junior golfer and had to earn everything in this game. Case in point; in my first tournament as a freshman in high school, I shot a 124. Fast-forward to my first tournament as a senior, and I shot 74 – a nice 50 shot improvement.
How? By learning these skills, getting the right equipment, and an unrelenting work ethic. The good news is that you can improve too, but it takes consistency and hard work.
Start by tracking your statistics so you can learn which areas of your game need the most improvement. Then make a plan to strengthen them – whether it’s getting a lesson, buying an indoor putting mat, adding in some golf workouts, speed training, or something else.
Check in on your goals every month, adapt your plan, and stay consistent.
Final Thoughts
Talent will only get you so far in golf and why it’s crucial to put in the work at the practice area to develop skills. The more skills you have, the more your game will travel from course to course. And the more likely you are to achieve the two biggest goals for all golfers; a lower handicap and more consistent rounds.
Don’t forget to enjoy the journey and remember that it’s not supposed to be easy. As Amy Alcott said, “Keep your sense of humor. There’s enough stress in the rest of your life not to let bad shots ruin a game you’re supposed to enjoy.”
Once you’ve added these seven skills to your game, make sure to read these articles next to add more shots to your toolbox:
Michael Leonard
Michael is an avid golfer of 25 years who played in high school, college, and now competes in Arizona amateur events. He is a full-time writer, podcast host of Wicked Smart Golf, and mental golf coach.
