Cut out Avoidable Errors and Play Better Golf

By: Richard Myers

We all make mistakes when we are playing a round of golf, if we did not, we would be up there with Tiger, Phil and co. You will never eliminate all of your errors but here are a couple of golf mistakes that can easily be avoided.

Teeing Up Carelessly

The teeing area is a breeding ground for mistakes. A few classics: Lining up with the tee box/markers without seeing where they're really aimed; playing from a spot that isn't level; not teeing up on the side that benefits your shot shape. Here are three things to check.

First, don't trust the alignment of the markers. If you've ever seen a grounds crew member mow a tee box, you know how little attention is given to replacing the markers. Use them as a guide, but be sure to align yourself. Also, be mindful that golf course architects sometimes design tees to point off line as an added challenge.

Second, give yourself as much room as you possibly can. If you play a slice, tee the ball on the right side so you can start it left without fear of clipping any branches, while allowing for your left-to-right ball flight.

Third, the teeing ground can be uneven due to erosion or to facilitate drainage. Locate a level spot as you approach the tee; it's tough to tell once you're standing over the ball. If you're still unsure at address, stop and re-tee.

Rushing While Playing Through

For many of us, the wave from the group ahead shifts our games into fast-forward. Sometimes we get away with a hurried swing, but playing through is often a tense and round-wrecking ordeal.

Why do we rush? We want to hit fast and get out of the way. We get uptight in front other golfers. Or we feel we have something to prove, as if being in a faster group means you're a better player.

It's all self-inflicted nonsense. Remember, it was their decision to let you through (assuming you weren't hitting into them from every tee). Move quickly between shots, by all means, but maintain your normal preshot routine and you'll get out of their way in fewer strokes. As for how well you play, there's little connection between skill and speed -- just watch the pros on television.

Wait for an appropriate hole to pressure the group in front. They will slow down at difficult spots, like long par threes and tight driving holes. If you don't want to make a tough hole tougher, wait until you feel comfortable with the shots you'll have to hit. Then make your presence known.

Article Source: http://www.bettergolfarticles.com

Richard Myers is a keen golfer and his golf tips and advice web site and Left handed golfers site contains many free tips and great golfing advice plus training videos and DVDs to help you to improve your swing and lower your score using some very simple exercises.

Please Rate this Article

# of Ratings = 2 | Rating = 3/5