How to play consistent golf

Quick tips from our staff of 35 top players and teachers 

1

ROB AKINS

Learn to be indifferent about results
Once you get a recipe that produces good spaghetti sauce, the only way to re-create that sauce is to follow the recipe exactly. Treat your golf swing the same way: No matter what the results from shot to shot, stick with the swing thought that you know works. You have to be indifferent about shot results to think and play consistently.
 
2

AMY ALCOTT

Let your right hand go along for the ride
Here's a simple idea that has helped me groove my ball-striking over the years: Take a relaxed grip on the club with your right hand. Too much tension in the right hand is the kiss of death in the golf swing. For more consistency at impact and a better release through the ball, keep your right hand passive and let it just go along for the ride.
 
3

JIM FLICK

Two steps to square alignment every time
Many amateurs tend to align themselves to the right of the target. One reason is that they aim the body first, then set the clubhead behind the ball. Instead, after you complete your grip, train yourself to set the clubface square to the target line, then position your feet and body to the clubface. Watch the tour pros -- that's how they do it.
 
4

HANK JOHNSON

Practice with one ball to make it real
Short-game consistency comes from practicing like you play. Learn to simulate real situations and play shots in sequence. Take one ball to your short-game practice area, and try to get it up and down from as many places as you can. Drop the ball and don't improve your lie. All that's missing is the pressure.
 
November 22, 2009

lesson tees

Butch Harmon
Butch Harmon
Add zip to iron shots with these swing thoughts
Jim Flick
Jim Flick
For more up-and-downs, 'see' the ball land and roll
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
Try my new driver cut shot on tight dogleg-rights
Tom Watson
Tom Watson
My favorite tips for uphill bunker shots
David Leadbetter
David Leadbetter
Grip down on short irons and pitching wedges

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