4 tips to become a single-digit handicap golfer
Want to become a single-digit handicapper? Follow these tips.
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What constitutes a “good” golfer is relative, but a generally accepted threshold is having a sub-10 handicap index. You may not be elite, but you know how to get around the course.
According to USGA data, just over 30 percent of golfers in the U.S. carry a single-digit index. For the remaining 70 percent of golfers, single digits remains elusive.
If you’re trying to become a single-digit golfer yourself, read on. In the text below, some of GOLF.com‘s resident single-digit handicaps share their best tips for breaking through and joining the ranks of “good” golfers. And if you want your own handicap index to monitor your progress this season, sign up through the USGA here.
Focus on your short game
The biggest key for me was focusing on my game from 100 yards and in. It was pounded into me that a good short game can solve a ton of problems, so I spend double the amount of practice time chipping and putting than I do my long game. I could always hit it decent, but when I learned to chip and putt, my whole game transformed. —Johnny Wunder (1.7 handicap)
Dial in your speed
When I was trying to lower my handicap and shoot lower scores, it always seemed to come down to putting. I was a chronic three-putter — mostly due to poor speed — often hitting my first putts too hard and then overcompensating on the way back. A tale as old as time. Once I was able to dial in my speed on the greens, I noticed that my scores dropped dramatically. Not only was I cutting down on three-putts, but I was also making more par and birdie putts with my newfound confidence. —Maddi MacClurg (6.5 handicap)
Find confidence in your short irons
Try to find confidence with your short irons and wedges. Once you get to the point where you are hitting greens consistently with your shorter clubs — and not losing shots to the left and right or getting in bunker trouble — it works wonders on your overall game and index. —Jessica Marksbury (9.6 handicap)
Have a go-to tee shot
Eliminating penalty shots — especially off the tee — is crucial if you want to shoot consistently low scores. The best way to do that is find a safe, “go-to” shot with the driver you can lean on. For me, that’s a low cut off the bottom of the face. It may not go quite as far as my normal drives, but when there are penalty areas in my landing zone, I know I can squeeze the ball in there with my go-to shot. Find your own go-to tee shot and it’ll save you a couple strokes per round. —Zephyr Melton (4.6 handicap)
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