Great points. Some echo my experience, especially the fitness bit. When Im loose and playing freely I score better as well.@alistaird just thinking a bit on my own journey here and thought I’d jot a few things down that I found helpful.
We’re all different so I’m not saying this is what you should do, just that these are things that I feel contributed to lowering my cap quickly this season. In no particular order:
-Physical fitness - huge factor. The fitter I get, the better I play. I recommend the Fit for Golf program.
-Walking most rounds. I just play better when I’m not in a cart.
-If you’re gonna walk, bring nutrition with you.
-May go without saying, but: no alcohol until the 19th hole.
-Play with people who are better than you and who “get it.” I stopped playing with the “hey I’m outta beer where’s the cart girl” set for the most part.
-The mental aspects of the game are super important. Routine, course management, etc. Lower overall scores come from avoiding doubles (and bogeys if possible), not from chasing birdies.
-Ball striking skills - if you don’t already know the ball flight laws, familiarize yourself with them, and work on controlling low point, face angle and swing path. That’ll help minimize poor strikes and also assist in triaging problems when they arise.
-Play it down and putt everything out. It’ll pay off in the long run.
-Enjoy the good shots, laugh off the bad ones… it’s a game after all.
Practical Golf (Jon Sherman) and Adam Young Golf are great resources.
This last bit is probably controversial;
I post solo rounds. I find the USGA’s rule on this issue silly. I play a ton of golf (posted 100 rounds this season) and at least 25% were solo. I play it down, by the rules and count every stroke whether anyone’s watching or not.
Good luck and keep us posted.