Everyone knows the secret to lowering your scores in golf, right? It's all about the short game. But why is that? Have you ever had someone break it down in a way that makes you excited to work on your short game instead of just heading back to the driving range? Well, give me a shot to explain the importance of focusing on the short game and the mental approach to golf that is so very important.
It’s all about something I like to call “the pressure principle.” When you’re looking to improve your golf game quickly, you’ll want to start from the hole and work backwards. Begin with 3-foot putts and practice until you’re extremely confident in sinking them consistently. This confidence in short putts will ease the pressure on your longer lag putts. You won’t feel the need to get the ball so close because you’re confident in your short putts around the hole.
As your confidence grows, your chipping game will improve as well. You won’t feel as much pressure to chip the ball as close to the hole, because you know you can rely on your putting skills to make the up-and-down.
As your chipping skills get sharper, the pressure on your approach shots will decrease. You’ll be more at ease knowing that even if you don’t hit the perfect shot, you can rely on your chipping to get you out of trouble.
Finally, as your iron play improves, you won’t feel as much pressure on your tee shots because you trust your ability to execute precise approaches. It’s a domino effect of confidence.(hint hint.. Mental Game! !)
So, take it from me: start at the hole and work backwards. Trust in the process and watch your scores drop!