Obsessed with your score? It could be causing more problems, says top teacher

Welcome to Shaving Strokes, a GOLF.com series in which we’re sharing improvements, learnings and takeaways from amateur golfers just like you — including some of the speed bumps and challenges they faced along the way.

How many fellow mid-handicappers only measure their success based off their golf score? Understandably, it makes plenty of sense. After all, the name of the game is to score low and reduce the amount of shots you have each round.

Problem is, that’s not necessarily the only positive takeaway — and if your sheer focus is only on the golf score, you may be doing more harm than good.

For example, over the past year, I’ve gotten some of the best golf instruction money can buy. I’ve worked with numerous GOLF Top 100 Teachers, picking their brains on how to improve my fundamentals and lower my scores.

Instruction

Here’s the real crappy part, though: Despite visually having a better swing and becoming an improved ball-striker, my scores are still hovering around 90 each round.

So what gives?

First off, it’s important to avoid listening to too many people at once — a mistake I’m making. Second, just because I’m still a bogey-golfer doesn’t mean I’m not a better golfer, even if the scores aren’t showing it.

I’m hitting more consistent tee shots and have improved my putting, but other parts of my game still need some attention.

That’s why trusting the process, sticking to a routine and enjoying the little wins is so critical — something GOLF Top 100 Teacher Joe Plecker reminded me in a recent lesson.

Trust the process and ignore your golf scores

It’s such a cliche phrase in sports, but “trusting the process” often holds true in lots of different situations — and in golf, Plecker thinks it’s critical for improvement.

“All golfers want to rate themselves on how they shoot. But [long-term] what we’re working on in your game is your skill development — which takes time to develop and frequency, good feedback and practice,” Plecker tells me. “A lot of times, you might hit the ball really well, but the circumstances of the round didn’t add up.”

Instruction

Just because you hit a flush shot, doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a low score. In fact, for most amateur golfers, that’s where they get frustrated — because they think hitting a fairway off the tee or a green in regulation means they should make birdie or par.

But Plecker thinks that part of skill development is understanding how to score, not just hit good shots. It’s why he likes to compare golf instruction to baking, reminding me that if a recipe calls for an hour in the oven, taking it out after 30 minutes means it isn’t totally done yet.

This is the approach he thinks that many amateurs need to use when it comes to gauging their own improvement.

“What I want you to do is realize that you’re in a long-term process for development,” he tells me. “A lot of amateur players really have high expectations of when they should improve and how fast. But elite players and players who play the game professionally look at a much longer haul with them working on something in their swing.”

Plecker then suggests skipping the driving range and just going to play a round to practice on your game — but to resist the temptation of keeping a golf score.

“If you’re only practicing shots on the range, take an afternoon and go out on the golf course with no scorecard. Just hit shots,” he tells me. “Be sure to trust your process, stay frequent in your feedback, and keep working the steps that you need.”

Instruction

Finally, Plecker reminds me that playing loose, ditching any expectations and just having fun will be the best way to enjoy the game — and, ultimately, play your best.

“When players come out with a rigid mentality of scoring and it’s the only metric, they lose the ability to score and really have a good day,” he says. “Be aware that we want to have that goal of a good score, but let’s take away the expectations and enjoy the round. Just trust the process and hit those great shots that you’ve been practicing on the golf course.”

By celebrating even the smallest wins — like hitting a good tee shot or chipping it close to the pin — Plecker thinks more golfers will find rewards from specific areas of their skill development.

“Your best golf starts to be played when you’re not thinking about score,” he adds. “You’re just invested in the process and the joy of hitting a great drive, or chip or putt, and that’s going to drive the scoring down.”

Sure-Strike Training Aid by Sure Golf

$139.99

Sure-Strike The golf swing trainer designed to help you master your swing mechanics to swing like a Tour Pro! The Sure-Strike is not just another training aid; it’s a game-changer. This new golf swing trainer is meticulously crafted to instill perfect swing mechanics, creating a permanent shift in your performance. Say goodbye to inconsistent swings and hello to a new level of precision and power.  Key Benefits of the Sure-Strike Training Aid Transform your timing for solid contact and an efficient swing. Improve swing path and attack angle for optimal ball-then-turf contact and true compression at impact. Enhance swing sequence, ensuring perfect coordination between body, arms, and club. Train a shallow swing plane for true lag and increased clubhead speed. Experience freedom and effortlessness in your swing, unlocking your natural athleticism. Suitable for golfers of all skill levels. Crafted with precision and durability in mind. Elevate your golfing experience and unleash your true potential. With the Sure-Strike, you’ll experience a transformation in your timing, resulting in solid contact with the ball and an overall more efficient swing. This training aid focuses on improving the path of your swing and attack angle, allowing you to find the ideal low point and achieve that coveted ball-then-turf contact. The result? True compression at impact and a newfound level of control over your shots. One of the key benefits of the Sure-Strike training aid is its ability to enhance the sequence of your swing, ensuring that your body, arms, and club work together in perfect harmony throughout the entire motion. By training in efficient transition, impact, and follow-through, you’ll experience a level of consistency and fluidity you’ve only dreamed of. The Sure-Strike empowers you to feel and train a shallow swing plane, leading to true lag and a powerful impact. This shallow plane not only promotes better contact with the ball but also generates greater clubhead speed, resulting in longer and more accurate shots. Feel the satisfaction of hitting crisp, penetrating shots that soar through the air with ease. By incorporating the Sure-Strike golf training aid into your training routine, little and often, you’ll witness a remarkable improvement in your range of movement. This swing trainer helps you achieve a feeling of freedom and effortlessness in your swing, unlocking your natural golf swing and allowing you to unleash your full potential on the course. Crafted with precision and built to last, the Sure-Strike is your trusted partner for transforming your golf game. It is easy to use and suitable for golfers of all skill levels, even for kids with the junior version. Practice with confidence and witness the evolution of your swing. Invest in the Sure-Strike today and elevate your golfing experience to new heights. Experience the joy of a consistent, efficient, and powerful swing that brings your game to a whole new level. Order now and unleash your true golfing potential! FAQs About the Sure-Strike Do Swing Trainers Actually Work? Yes! Golf swing trainers, like the Sure-Strike, teach you how to swing consistently while giving you instant feedback on your swing mechanics. Enough practice over time will build muscle memory that will translate to the course. How Do I Train My Golf Swing? In today’s age, there are an infinite number of ways to improve your golf swing. Golf training aids and repetition are some of the most popular and effective methods to improve your swing and your game overall.

Buy Now

View Product

Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor