The Thinker

12/01/2024

Are you thinking ways to improve your handicap index?

I've got good news and bad news. The good news is that, according to iGolf, there are ten proven strategies to reduce your Handicap Index.

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1. Consistent long-distance drives

A well-struck long drive is essential to keeping your score and handicap low. It gives you an easier short-game shot and allows you to attack par 5s. The drive is the platform for the rest of your game, making it a crucial skill to master.

2. Good club-to-ball contact

Most of your shots should come from the middle of your club face. It's doubtful that this will happen with every shot you play, but with good, crisp contact, the number of recovery shots you will need to play will reduce.

3. Learn to curve your golf ball

Playing an intentional slice or hook shot can help you avoid hazards and tackle dogleg holes. One of the easiest ways to do this is to adjust your grip on the club. For right-handed golfers, turn both hands to the right so that your thumbs sit on the right side of the shaft; this will curve the ball left. The reverse is also true. Practice finding the right amount of grip adjustment necessary to slice or hook your shot to achieve the desired result.

4. Learn bunker distance control

A recovery shot from the bunker can make or break your hole. The closer the shot lands to the hole, the easier the putt becomes. A simple way to control the distance of your bunker shots is with club selection. Use a lob wedge for short shots, a sand wedge for medium-length shots, and a gap wedge for longer shots.

5. Learn distance control on pitches and chips

Your short game mainly comprises pitches and chip shots (pitches have a higher arc and sit close to where they land, while chips bump and roll). A low handicap in golf requires distance control in both disciplines. An excellent way to work on this is to know what your distance range is for your wedges to ensure you choose the right club for the right shot.

6. Aim for greens in regulation

'Greens in regulation' refers to reaching the green in enough strokes to two-putt the hole to par. For example, on a par 4, hitting the green in regulation would mean the ball rests on the green with your second stroke.

7. Eliminate three putts

Three putts refer to the number of putts you take on the green to sink your ball. Putts are tricky, and three-putt greens quickly add to your score. Practice green speed and distance control so your first putt regularly settles close to the pin.

8. Drain your mid-length putts

If you can start to sink your mid-length putts, you will naturally lower your handicap. Mid-length putts require excellent distance, directional control, and good green reading ability.

9. Know when to play for the bogey

Sometimes, good golf comes down to reading the hole and realizing that a two-stroke bogey is better than risking a tough shot to save par.

10. Cut penalty shots out of your game

Keep your ball in play and look to avoid any penalty hazards. This may seem like an obvious golf tip, but look for ways to keep the risk to a minimum – such as playing a shot over the smallest water distance rather than aiming for the flag.

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You've read the good news, but now the bad news: the golf season ended on November 30th. This means you won’t be able to post your updated scores or see your handicap index gradually decrease during the winter. However, don’t let a frozen index and a frosty fairway discourage you! Consider all the skins you can win during the winter season. Sign up for golf lessons with SGL's professional staff. Purchase waterproof golf shoes from the pro shop, or buy waterproof socks like I did and enjoy playing on the course. Take advantage of the new membership perk: Trackman time in the Player's Lounge. When you submit your scores next March, your index will reflect your progress.