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Taking Stock of Your Game
Ralph Kramden (of the old T.V. show, The Honeymooners) wrote down all of his weaknesses and strong points in an attempt to better himself. The idea was to "eliminate the weaknesses, and build up the strong points, making them stronger". And while we're not concerned whether or not you can "speak French", (inside H.M. joke) it's important to write down what is costing you the most strokes on the course and focus on that area first.
Start off by listing any shot the plagues your whole game. If you're a chronic-anything (slicer, hooker, dribbler, choker, whatever), write that at the top of your list and start there. See "Learn to do the opposite".
If you have an all around decent game, no consistent slice, hook, balloon ball etc, then you've got to dig a little deeper. Separate your game into category's according to your golf bag. Driver, fairway woods, long irons, short irons, wedges, and putter. Rate yourself from 1-10 on each. Keep in mind that the Driver, wedges and putter are probably your most used clubs. Give these extra weight when deciding what "needs fixin'" first.
Pay careful attention to the weight you place on your short game. This includes short pitches, chips, and putting. These shots account for at least half the strokes on your scorecard. Many don't practice these shots because practicing chipping isn't as satisfying as whacking the driver at the range. Keep in mind that practicing chipping can really be free. You can work on it at home, on the practice green before your round, etc. See The Short Game for tips and practice strategies
Look in quick fixes first, to see if you may be doing something so fundamentally wrong that you can shave strokes with one easy correction. .
Look through the articles in the ISAG instructional area, focus on your problem area first, but eventually take a peak at the other areas. You may find some ideas that you hadn't thought about in the way of practice etc.
No matter what your skill level, check out the mental game area. The mental approach is MORE important then any other aspect of golf. The mental game includes not just strategy, but staying in the moment, letting bad shots go, the ability to focus on the green and not the water in front. It effects the way you practice and play. If you feel you're lacking in a specific area you can also ask a question to our sport psychologist!
