While on my annual ski trip to Colorado with my son, I was reminded of the importance of improvement in both skiing and golf — and the role that information plays in your advancement.
As an average skier myself, I realized that with better guidance, I could have avoided a few missteps early on that made it more difficult to develop good technique and ingrain good habits on the slopes, like not taking lessons.
I look at someone like my son, who has attended ski school since he was little and has top-notch technique as a result, and I wonder how much better I could have been if I had been equipped with the right information.
Which got me thinking about all of the golfers out there who might be in the same boat, so I wanted to share my expertise and give you a few takeaways that will help you make a faster improvement.
1. Good communication is key
A key element in improving in golf is receiving the right information in a way that ‘clicks’ for you. Having a teacher who can communicate effectively and explain concepts in a way that you understand is crucial.
While you might not notice that progress immediately, over time, you can develop a solid foundation — ensuring lasting improvement.
To find the right teacher for you, check out GOLF’s Top 100 Teachers.
2. Work on your setup
In every sport, your setup is crucial — but in golf, it’s particularly important. A proper grip and posture ensure that you can deliver a square clubface and follow the correct swing path. Whether you’re skiing or golfing, if you’re off-balance from the beginning, it becomes much harder to perform efficiently and consistently.
3. Equipment matters
Equipment plays a significant role in your success, especially when it’s been fitted to your individual proportions and swing. I recommend using fitting tools, like this one from Ping, as a great starting point to ensure your clubs are suited to you.
4. Get to the root problem
In skiing, I’ve learned that if I don’t position my weight correctly, I struggle to make an efficient turn. This weight distribution issue is the root cause of my difficulty, not the turn itself.
The same can be said for golf. For example, an incorrect grip can lead to problems with your clubface alignment, making it harder to execute a proper swing. Identifying the root of your problem will help you avoid falling further down the rabbit hole of making quick fixes that only lead to more bad habits.
5. Drills are necessary, and not always fun
I’ve always emphasized the importance of practice drills when teaching. Though they can be tedious and sometimes difficult, drills are a fast path to improvement. I find them particularly useful when you lose your way and need to get back on track quickly.
6. Repetition with feedback
Change takes practice. To improve, you need to repeat motions and receive feedback to refine them. This process of repetition and feedback is why training aids are so valuable. For example, a divot board is an excellent tool for improving ball and turf contact, helping you understand how the club interacts with the ground and when it makes contact with the ball.
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7. Try saying it differently
As a teacher, I find that changing the way I explain a concept can make a huge difference in my students’ understanding. The next time something isn’t working, remember, it might not be you. It might be how you’re receiving the information. The same idea, phrased in a different way, can often be the key to finally having your breakthrough.
8. Embrace the ups and downs
There’s nothing quite like that feeling of “I’ve got it!” — when everything clicks into place. However, it can also be frustrating when that feeling fades, and the skills seem to vanish. This is normal and part of the process.
The more you experience those moments of success, the more likely you are to make them habitual. I learned a lot about this at a PGA educational event from Ian Highfield, whose insights on teaching and learning have proven helpful in both my golf and skiing improvement journeys.
Improving at golf — or any sport — requires time, effort, and a willingness to learn. Embrace the process, trust your teacher, practice diligently, and before long, you’ll see the improvements you’ve been working toward.
