How stepping away from golf helped this low-handicapper get better | Most Improved Golfers in America

By: Nick Dimengo

July 7, 2023

Working with the USGA, we identified the most improved golfers in America. Here's how a break from golf helped one player get better

In seven months last year, Gossett improved his handicap from a 3.7 to 0.4.

Stacy Allen

More than three million players carry a USGA handicap. In a collaboration between GOLF and the USGA, we were able to identify five of the most improved golfers in America, who lowered it, percentage-wise, more than any other players in the past year. Each player is proof that there’s always a chance to shoot your dream score. Don’t have a handicap yet? Sign up for one right here.

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Matt Gossett, 31, Trussville, AL / Handicap change: 3.7 to 0.4 (110% improvement)

Matt Gossett isn’t your typical weekend warrior. As someone who has played the game his entire life, he knows all the tips to improve — he just needed a reset button to help him focus on what was most important to his game.

That’s when the full-time territory manager from Birmingham, Ala., decided to take some time away from playing.

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“I just quit the game for a good while and picked it back up about three years ago, getting really serious about it as a young professional.”

After the time away, Gossett admits he’s “gotten addicted to the game again” — and with great results.

In seven months last year, Gossett improved his handicap from a 3.7 to 0.4, which he attributes to an added emphasis on his short game.

“I really started focusing on my short game and my putting a lot more than I previously had,” he says. “I figured out that that’s where I’m going to save the most strokes.”

Gossett says a renewed focus led to new practice routines. Stacy Allen

For other amateurs looking to see improvement on their scorecards, Gossett doubles down on the theory that the short game will lead to the biggest gains.

“I probably make the short game and putting about 80 percent of my practice now. You’re going to have ups and downs, so try to keep your confidence and continue practicing on really specific or particular shots in your game — all kinds of different pitches and chips.

“One of the coolest things in the world is being able to say ‘I’m a scratch golfer,’ ” he adds. “My grandfather was a scratch golfer his whole life and to be able to do that is something I’ve always wanted to do.”