How to Improve Handicap by 10 Strokes

Golf can be your favorite game on one hole and a "good walk spoiled," as Mark Twain once said, on the next. Golf is challenging because so many variables go into playing the game: physical makeup, equipment, course conditions and even the weather. Even the best professionals play several bad rounds each year. The biggest key to lowering your handicap by 10 strokes is to develop consistency with your swing, whether you are teeing off, playing from the rough or putting on the green. Lowering you handicap requires practice, muscle memory and quality equipment. Having an instructor to guide you helps as well.

Instructions

    • 1

      Have your swing analyzed. Have a friend take video of you playing golf and hitting from the practice tee and putting green. Take the video to a professional golf instructor. Have the pro look over your swing (likely for a fee) and listen to the tips he offers. Review the video yourself if you don't want to pay for professional advice and look for hitches or other flaws that may be causing your score to go higher than you'd like.

    • 2

      Take lessons from a professional golf instructor. Ask around to find out if anyone you know has had success with a certain pro. Seek out that pro and have him work on your game with you.

    • 3

      Stay physically fit. Work out with cardiovascular equipment twice a week and do several sets with low repetitions with light free weights at least once a week. Use the free weights to practice your swing motion. This will help you develop power as well as control in your swing. Do some running and bicycle exercises to strengthen your legs, which will also increase your swing power and lengthen your drives from the tee box.

    • 4

      Watch instructional videos. Look for videos geared to the specific aspect of your game that you want to improve or general videos that address all aspects of the game. Pick the ones with the best reviews.

    • 5

      Practice every chance you get. Go to the driving range and spend hours practicing your tee and fairway shots. Go to your local golf course and use their practice greens to hone your short game, including shots from the rough and the bunker as well as putting. Plan on practicing at least three times a week to improve your game quickly.

    • 6

      Make sure you have the right equipment. Have your clubs measured at a golf pro shop to verify they are the right fit for you. Take advice from the pro on what style of clubs you should be playing with. There are numerous styles of drivers, wedges and putters. Ensure you have the right clubs in each category for your style of play.