How to Drop Strokes

Golf tries the patience of all who play, and nothing irritates a golfer more than losing a game he knows he could have won. Dropping strokes from your game takes effort and time, much like the game itself, but almost every golfer can improve his game with proper technique. A golfer who wishes to consistently shave points off his game must master the fundamentals of a proper swing. After all, golf demands a single, basic skill: swinging at the ball. Golfers can drop strokes off their game by employing a number of basic strategies.

Things You'll Need

  • Golf balls
  • Golf clubs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice chipping the ball, either by mastering the use of single chipping club and using it for all chip shots, or by taking the necessary time to learn both the 8 and 9 iron. Many beginning golfers have an excellent initial swing, but struggle to chip the ball.

    • 2

      Practice putting: beginning golfers add many strokes to their game by missing easy putts. Begin practicing from three feet away from the hole, and work up to greater distances as you improve.

    • 3

      Focus more on striking the ball squarely with the driver than on hitting the ball a long distance. Remember, losing a few yards of distance isn't disastrous, but going a few yards into a sand trap or treeline can indeed spell disaster.

    • 4

      Practice your swings at different speeds: swing at 50 percent speed, 75 percent and ultimately 100 percent to improve the mechanics of your swing.

    • 5

      Purchase golf clubs that work for your body type: many beginning golfers play with rental clubs or borrow golf clubs from a friend to their detriment. Find a set of clubs that matches your height and arm length by consulting an expert, and you might find you drop many strokes from your game immediately and without further effort.