9 Expert Tips to Improve Your Golf Game

Golf is a sport that demands both skill and strategy, requiring players to navigate challenges with finesse and precision. While the allure of the game lies in its blend of competition and relaxation, the quest for improvement is a never-ending one. 

Whether you’re seeking to gain more distance off the tee, refine your short game, or simply improve your overall consistency, this blog is your guide to unlocking the potential within your game to become a better golfer. Let’s take a look at ways you can improve your golf game to make the most of your time on the course. 

1. Set Clear, Measurable Goals

If you want to improve your golf game, the first thing you should do is set goals for yourself – both short term and long term. This will help you pinpoint exactly what parts of your game you want to work on. Take the time to write down specific, measurable goals. No missed fairways off the tee, hit 80% of greens in regulation, only two three-putt holes per round, break 90, 85, and 80. Overtime, you will be able to look back at them and see just how far you’ve come. 

2. Get Fitted for Proper Equipment

Having the proper equipment can significantly impact your game. Maybe you need a stiffer shaft, more loft on your wedges, or softer golf ball to help stick approach shots on firmer greens. For the most optimal results, getting fitted for proper golf clubs and balls can enhance your swing. 

Take advantage of what your home club has to offer. Many of the top equipment companies provide demo days for their members, and their staff can help you discover all the amazing advancements in golf equipment technology. Keep in mind significant technology improvements in equipment usually only happen after a five year period. 

If you visit a professional fitter, you will discuss your different swings, unique playing style, and get measured to determine the right golf clubs for you. Oftentimes, this simple fix can make even your most challenging shots a bit easier. It may even take a few strokes off your score! 

3. Experiment With Your Swing and Grip

Many times, golfers get so caught up in a single approach trying to perfect their swing that they forget to try other techniques. Don’t be afraid to try something new with some of your golf shots.  A simple adjustment on your takeaway, or how you bring the club back, can significantly improve distance and accuracy. 

You may even consider experimenting with different grip styles to find one that feels comfortable and allows for a natural, fluid swing. Ultimately, making slight tweaks to your current grip and swing may feel more comfortable and improve your overall game in the end, even if it feels a bit awkward at first. 

To ensure you avoid developing any bad habits, we highly suggest scheduling a session with a golf professional at your club. They will be able to analyze your swing, identify areas for improvement, and provide tailored guidance. They can also help correct any flaws in your technique and provide valuable insights to enhance your game.

4. Swing, Swing, Swing

Ben Hogan once said, “The secret is in the dirt.” So what did golf’s all-time ball striker mean? Simple… practice, practice, and more practice. With golf, you can do this by trying new drills that focus on increasing the number of shots you take. A great drill to try is “the worst ball drill.” Here, you set up a scenario, hit two balls, and play the next stroke from the “worst” one.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to find time to make it out to the golf course or driving range as often as the game demands. When this is the case, do your best to practice your swing at home. Find an open area and take 100 practice swings a day. Not only will this improve your technique, but it will also make you stronger and improve your overall endurance.

Many of the top professionals in the game use a heavy weighted club when warming up, which helps their flexibility, thus providing the body with more torque during the downswing.

5. Focus on Your Fitness

By the time you make it to the 18th hole, you may become fatigued, causing your golf swing to fall apart. In order to prevent this, it is crucial to work on your fitness outside of the golf course. One way to start is by simply walking more. This can increase your level of endurance, not to mention the added health benefits you’ll see off the course. 

Building strength should be another area of focus. This will add power to your drive, improve accuracy, and allow your body to have more stamina towards the end of your round. Power from your legs and core are vital to your golf swing. Check out these exercises from Golf Digest to help get you started.

Lastly, don’t forget about the importance of stretching, specifically your hamstrings. In golf, this muscle plays a vital role in your swing. If not stretched properly, it can lead to a serious back injury –– keeping you from enjoying the game you love.

6. Create a Pre-Shot Routine

Golf is a sport that requires a great deal of discipline and is very much a mental game. You may have already noticed that many of the top golfers in the world have a routine that they follow before every shot. If you want to improve your golf game, you may want to consider creating a routine for yourself to build that muscle memory . This can help you develop discipline in all areas of your game, and help you get in the right mindset before each shot.

Be sure to follow this routine at all times, whether it be practicing at home, out on the range or in practice games. Then, when the time comes to compete, you will have the confidence in your ability, even if you feel nerves start to creep in. 

7. Hold Your Pose After Every Shot

The way you finish your golf swing can tell you a lot about your technique. In a proper finish position you should feel balanced, your belt buckle should be facing the target, and your back heel should be completely off the ground. After hitting the ball, hold the pose and check for these three indicators of a skillful swing. Follow-through and do not decelerate your swing before or after striking the ball. Move your hips! Be sure to add this tip to your routine and watch how your ball striking improves over time!

8. Play More Practice Rounds

It may sound like a no-brainer, but if you want to improve your golf game, you’re going to have to play more practice rounds. No amount of time on the driving range can replicate the mental and physical experience of playing a competitive round of golf. Plus, during your round, you are often hitting off of a sloping surface more akin to playing in a tournament, rather than the comforts of a flat driving range. After you play, take some time to reflect on what you did well and areas of improvement. Write down your missed shots and opportunities. This can help you come up with a plan that focuses on the parts of your game that need additional work.

Additionally, you should consider challenging yourself by playing on a variety of different golf courses. Each course presents unique obstacles and shot scenarios, allowing you to refine your skills and adapt to varying conditions.

9. Play to Your Strengths

Another tip to consider if you want to improve your game is identifying your strengths and play to them –– and in order to do so, self-awareness is a must. Take the time to analyze your game and identify the areas where you excel. Are you particularly accurate with your shots? Do you have a strong short game? Are you consistent in your putting? Understanding your strengths will allow you to focus on honing those skills and applying them strategically during your rounds.

Once you have identified your strengths, it’s important to develop a game plan that capitalizes on them. By focusing on playing smarter shots that optimize your strengths, you can set yourself up for success on the green.

Golfing Experience at The Cliffs

At The Cliffs, golf is a way of life. If you are an avid golfer looking to improve your golf game, we welcome you to join our tight-knit golfing community. With our prestigious golf membership, you have access to seven premier golf courses located across the Carolina mountains. Designed by some of the greatest golfers and architects in the game, including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and Gary Player, each award-winning course offers a unique playing experience. 

With each course, you will have the opportunity to practice alongside our talented teaching professionals to improve your skills and learn more about the game. Thanks to state-of-the-art practice facilities, including driving ranges, practice tees, short game greens, and putting greens, you’ll quickly see an improvement! 

In addition to golf, your membership includes access to the other amenities at The Cliffs, including our wellness centers where you can work with experienced trainers and instructors on your strength and fitness.

Become a Golf Member

If you are interested in joining our golfing community, there’s only one way to do so: purchase a property at one of our seven communities at The Cliffs. Choose from countless homesites to build your custom mountain home or discover our wide selection of estates, cottages and townhomes. Once you have found the one that is perfect for you, you will be given the opportunity to become an exclusive member. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us below. 

This piece was originally written in September 2020 and refreshed in July 2023