If you made lowering your golf handicap a New Year’s resolution this year, you are hopefully already well on the way to achieving that goal. However, some people are not always sure where to start. So, here are five key tips you can use to make not only the most of your golf membership, but also lower that handicap.

Hone Your Short Game

Having a good long game is all very well. But, it’s a sharp short game that will keep you strokes ahead of your competition. While the short game does require a lot of technical proficiency, it also depends on you acquiring a good feel for it. Spend more time in the short game practice area and experiment with different shots. In particular (and you probably already know this but it bears repeating) you can never get enough putting practice!

Upgrade Your Equipment – Get Fitted if You Can

Take a look at your clubs, and splash out on fixing and tuning them up a little. Replace those worn grips and damaged shafts, and clean out the grooves. In fact, maybe it’s time for a golf club fitting. Getting the right set of clubs for your swing and body shape will help your game enormously.

Work on Your Stretching and Fitness

Many amateur golfers underestimate the importance of being fit and limber. Golf is a sport after all! So, start a good exercise program, and make sure you do a proper stretch before hitting the course. Focus on your core strength in particular – that’s where the power behind your swing comes from.

Play Alone

Playing the course alone helps you to focus on your own game without distractions. Play when there are few other people on the course and take note of your strengths and weaknesses. Observe your game and try to coach yourself.

Keep Track of the Numbers

Start tracking your game like a rabid sports fan. Take note of the number of fairways you hit, the number of greens you land on, the average number of putts you take on each green, as well as noting where you tend to miss shots on the fairway. Use one of the many apps available. As you keep track of your game, you will see that you start to get a very good grip on your strengths and weaknesses. As you focus on the areas where you need improvement, you will start to shave strokes off your game.

To fast track your improvement even more, sign up for some lessons at the Royal Ashburn Golf Club. Provided you have the will and energy to work on your game, we will get your handicap down in no time. Contact us for more information.