7 Biggest Strategy Mistakes Golfers Make! Golf Monthly

[@jimmason8502]

I dropped my handicap from a 15 to a 9 just by playing more conservativelt: hitting 3iron or 3wood off the tee and aiming for the middle of the green and taking my three putts :) Once I got to a 9, I managed to knock two strokes off my handicap by switching back to hitting driver on par fours and fives. Go figure.

[@2Eaglez]

Gave up driver 3 years ago and gave up less than 5 yards. I hit more fairways, in addition to the 13 degree 3 wood I also carry 2 hybrid and 4 hybrid. 5-SW irons. At age 71, still a single digit index.

[@rkelley0375]

Phil Bartlett Super nice comment...

[@jayfangRSA]

I played recently with a similar vintage single digit handicap player and he was using a 12 degree Cleveland Hi launch to great effect. Also I had my driver taken to 44.5 " and am far more consistent. Possible for some that the right fit can come in a big head as well - not essential to go 3 wood for high loft and shorter shafts.

[@jimbeaver27]

My 5 iron is my go to for accuracy, when the fairway gets narrow or to avoid a hazzard. I can drive 200 with it, or lay up a 150 yard approach. I hit it straight almost always and catch it clean. I could play with only the 5 and a putter.

[@glennwiebe5128]

I found the stats regarding 80% of approach shots are short of pin high simply remarkable. I have, for the most part, been a part of the 20%. Mind you, I usually shoot in the 80's and occasionally, in the mid 70's. The facts regarding hybrids vs long irons was also interesting. Being almost 60 yrs young, I have not switched over to having hybrids in my bag. I have never felt the need. My irons are what now are called traditional lofts and old school. I don't need a new 7 iron that plays like my 5 iron and can't stop on the green downwind. Depending on the course, I still carry a 2 iron and can easily carry it 230. I suspect that the push for hybrids has come largely from manufacturers. But for those who struggle with confidence from longer distances out, hybrids can be a blessing. Great video.

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks Glenn!

[@hoseman18]

Interesting take. I agree right up to the comment on hybrids. I shoot similarly to you, but the hybrid is my go to from 180 to 185 in low wind conditions. Launches high, stops like the ball has disc brakes, and easy to hit from a dozen different lies.

[@rkelley0375]

Great point... aim for green center on approach. This eliminates a lot of negative mental energy ...sometimes

[@priayief]

Great video! Thanks. Years ago when I started playing the game, the superstars were Nicklaus, Trevino, Watson, Player and Palmer. I read an article talking about what made these players so good. I don't remember much of the article except for this comment by the author: It went like this ... most golfers don't have the natural ability and coordination to play golf like these superstars. But these superstars aren't mental geniuses. Most golfers have enough intelligence to think like a superstar. The superstars didn't become great based only on their physical ability. They learned to manage their game according to how they were playing at a particular time. And they learned sound course management. The average golfer has the tools to compete with these guys on an intellectual level. Great message and one that I'll never forget.

[@jayfangRSA]

Interesting on the Fairway Wood accuracy off the tee. I have taken to choking down and 3/4 swing on driver if need either shorter / more accurate shot.

[@shaner21]

Fantastic vid, Neil! Some really great data to back these points up! Here is a summary for those in a hurry: 7. Find out how far you carry each club & use those as your go-to numbers. 6. If you must hit the ball straight off the tee, choose a club you know you can hit straight (might not be the fairway wood). 5. Aim for the centre of the green (make less double bogeys). 4. Pace your putts to stop 18 inches past the hole. 3. Players hit the ball closer to the hole from closer to the green. Laying up to a full swing shot may not be helping you as much as you think. 2. Data shows golfers with over a 13 handicap tend to be more successful using hybrids instead of long irons. 1. Understand what side of the fairway you miss most often off the tee (left or right). Use this information to base your strategy around.

[@stevesmith8428]

Every golfer should watch this video. Excellent.

[@roberthind3394]

I carry each club in the bag about 4 miles

[@kysondawson8347]

i guess Im asking the wrong place but does anyone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost my login password. I would love any tips you can offer me.

[@ronnierayan6610]

@Kyson Dawson Instablaster :)

[@kysondawson8347]

@Ronnie Rayan thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site through google and im trying it out atm. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@kysondawson8347]

@Ronnie Rayan it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my account!

[@ronnierayan6610]

@Kyson Dawson Happy to help =)

[@joeboyle6728]

Good presentation of strategy, backed up by solid data. Confirms what I suspected that I almost always under-club. Many thanks.

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks Joe!

[@gfyd6999]

Love the videos Neil. Keep em coming. I think you should focus on maintaining your spine angle through the shot for maximum consistency. Allowing the momentum of your swing to stand you up straight is fine. You look like you’re initiating the loss of spine angle before impact, and you are doing it on short shots too. This is evidence that it’s hard wired into your central nervous system for all shots. This might be a tough fix.

[@whitneymacdonald4396]

Helpful info for an "improving" golfer. Thanks.

[@yadthink]

Great data! I'm amazed the 3-wood is practically no more accurate in hitting fairways than the driver! It'd be interesting to see the accuracy results for golfers hitting driver but gripping down to match the shaft length of a 3-wood.

[@annefilippobertozzi7601]

I just checked it a couple of weeks ago and I was quite surprised, as I thought I would have been much more precise with my 3 wood, but I’m definitely not...

[@ciaranra1]

@@annefilippobertozzi7601 My 3 wood is my go 2 cant understand this stat

[@mavallarino]

Howie Land there is no data.

[@pierochicco7914]

What stuff are you using to get all the data from your irons? May you tell me the brand? Thanks!

[@stuartlowe3196]

Great helpful vid. but …. Are you referring to handicap index or just the shots you take at your home course ?

[@mw3686]

I just recently found your channel. Your videos are so information dense! Tons of value in every video...keep up the great work!

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks - glad you are enjoying them!

[@oumagic6924]

Really good stuff here. I think that if you combine tip one and five, most golfers are better off hitting to the safest back of every green. Most golfers do not hit the distance that they think they do and as you said, most approach shots miss short. If most golfers aim for the back and widest part of the green, I think their scores will improve.

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks Sean - that seems a very sensible idea!

[@stefancoors1102]

Interpreting these stats is awesome, both on a personal as on a wider audience ie all shotscope users. More of this, please

[@sas949]

I really liked this video, especially the data and the scientific approach. I’m a 34 handicap, new to golf and I need you talking in my ear when I’m about to play a stupid shot. It’s only when I get to the ball that I realise if I’d used a club less I wouldn’t have made the bunker/if I had used a club more I wouldn’t have come up 2 yards short of the green and rolled 30 yards down a steep hill.

[@GolfMonthly]

"I need you talking in my ear when I’m about to play a stupid shot" - Me too!

[@danthemanwhocancan]

Nice presentation. Enjoyed that 👍

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks Dan

[@etherblitz4796]

Great job. Did not know about all the data. Great shots into the those greens.

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks Mike!

[@ml9316]

I’m interested in the data collected for #6. I’m thinking that driver gets some inflated numbers from the big inviting fairways. Any tight tee shot will be tough for the amateur golfer so they try to hit three wood there and miss but may not miss as badly as they would with driver. I would interested in the lost ball/OB/unplayable percentages between driver and fairway wood on more narrow holes.

[@scottscot5734]

Comment for provider: I thoroughly enjoy your work. Like your narrative Golf and its frustrations, enlightenment and joy is global. Big thumbs up from Oklahoma, U.S.A....dont be reluctant to cover same material, maybe speak to mental vs physical within the same shot. Which voice to listen to?? Am I mental?

[@Whatever-qr1li]

Excellent video, both in content and presentation. For me, the most “aha” point was hitting the 3 wood off the tee instead of the driver. I do this because I am very inaccurate with my driver, but actually not much better with the 3 wood! So I need to face up to my problem with the driver ... getting a lesson will be the first step forward😀

[@GolfMonthly]

Great - glad you found it useful Jackson!

[@ladiadegbite]

Nice and very educative, thank you. What is the most effective way of playing a low shot from under trees? I have a one iron which is often helpful but for some reason I miss those under tree shots often. Whenever I try with a 7 iron it goes high up into th he tree. What can you advice ?

[@jimbeaver27]

choke up on a 5 iron, move the ball back, and give it a whack

[@ladiadegbite]

@@jimbeaver27 thank you for this will give it a try.

[@tryNtryAGAIN]

I can draw my 3 wood nice and my driver fades so I use what ever the holes demands .Hybrid 19 degree is my go to straighter down the line shot if things are getting messy off the tee .

[@FenwayJoe7129]

I would add this. If I wanted a much higher percentage shot off the tee I would not hesitate to use my Ping G 410 # 5 Wood. I have it set at 18 degrees right now. Its become a huge weapon for me both off the tee if I choose to use it or off the turf.

[@eclipseflooringdaz1656]

Great tips Neil.

[@billw5823]

I'm a senior golfer, driver goes about 240. However on my home course, there are 4 of the 14 holes in which I can get to the scoring area without a driver, mainly a 3 or 5 wood gets me in position. I average 86% Fairways hit, it just shows that you don't need the driver all the time, play the club that is accurate and gets you in position.

[@matthewwhitby3169]

He never misses a Tappin.

[@davidwilson1952]

good advice. i`m a 14 handicap and my best round ever had no birdies and only 1 double.

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks David

[@deadlymantis4210]

For a total of???

[@davidwilson1952]

Deadly Mantis 79 on a par 69. So 5 under handicap which got me cut to 14 from 15.

[@deadlymantis4210]

David Wilson nice work. I'm currently 15.1 with a lowest round of 81 on a par 71. Yet to break 80, but it's close.

[@mikejarrett6144]

An excellent product , doesn't miss many shots !

[@BenSmith-lm9yb]

Well done GM I don't think there are enough vlogs and information about course management. Great info and good job.

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks Ben!

[@openminded1923]

I have a 4 wood set open that I cant hook. And a 7 wood set neutral to slightly closed. That way I always have an option. Just my 2 cents

[@GolfMonthly]

Makes perfect sense. Your bag line up is about much more than hitting different distances. At the top end, you need options because if you can get yourself on the fairway, no matter how far up, you are likely to start shooting good scores

[@markturriff994]

Great content as usual Neil

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks Mark - glad you enjoyed it!

[@Golfadddict]

Refreshing presentation to start the Mental season ....... Thanks Nick

[@GolfMonthly]

No problem - glad you liked it! (It's Neil, by the way! - ha ha)

[@ajaytuk7416]

there is a lot of discussion on another site about strokes gained ( but based on pro data) this pretty much supports the same conclusions- hit driver and get as close to the green as you can :-)

[@jamesconnor4479]

ajaytuk True. Unless you need spin for pin placement, its better to be hitting a closer approach shot.

[@jimwhite2341]

That was excellent. Thanks

[@thecallawaykid1763]

Great video, really enjoyed it!

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks!

[@R24444]

Great tips thanks

[@sturees9075]

Wow great data on driver v 3 wood....

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks Stu!

[@harrylalli]

good video, took quite a few things away from this. Thanks

[@GolfMonthly]

Great - thanks Harry!

[@jimstinchcombe9667]

re distance, how many yards are added when hitting range ball

[@tletsoalo]

Great vid!

[@kjj2550]

Brilliant content

[@tevieray123]

great tips!!!

[@stevensandy6610]

Good sound advice, loved the content and the logic of the video 👍

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks Steven!

[@masterliver101]

What a great video. Much food for thought

[@andrewtownend2769]

Hi. I enjoyed that. Have you done a comparison of shot scope technologies? Is shot scope worth buying?

[@geoffcohen613]

7.21. Better way to avoid DB is to forget about par. If have a shot on the hole then lay up short of trouble and chip on and 2 putt. 5 for 2 stableford points is still good.

[@stefancoors1102]

Terrific, pls more like this!

[@MPerski]

My biggest strategy mistake is missing the green left, right or long. Here, in southern Wisconsin, most greens are mounded, thus a miss left, right or long us "dead" requiring a lofty, soft flop shot (a difficult shot). A better strategy is to play for the FRONT of the green. Even if I come up short, I still have a reasonably easy chip or putt, UPHILL, vs a near impossible pitch to a downhill green. Maybe it's just the courses we play, but playing for the center of the green brings in more bogies, doubles or worse where playing extremely conservative, laying up short, is a much better option for scoring.

[@spooderman9266]

Who's here from Caleb city's video? Also nice vid!

[@chex313]

Good info , I like hard statistics.

[@catgolfer1]

Excellent video. You've got that 'Tony Finau' short swing. Best of luck. David 🐈

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks David!

[@jaywalk4446]

Good video and some great info. 2 points i'd make though, at 10:00 you show data to demonstrate that people are not necessarily better laying up to play a full shot in. But you compare 50 and 80 yards in. I wouldnt have thought either of these were full shots for most people. So its comparing a short finesse shot with a longer finesse shot. How does 80 yards compare with 120? My only other point is at 13:30 you say that you should stand on the tee and say to youself "i mustnt snap hook it left". I know you're only saying that to make a point, but no, you should never tell yourself not to do something, because you dont want the image in your head. Just like you never stand there and say to yourself "now just dont shank it!!" Because you will! You should tell yourself what you DO want to do. But still a great video

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks Jay - both fair points. Regards the pitching distance, the data shows that you are always better off being closer to the green, regardless of the actual numbers. You are quite right about the self-talk element. Perhaps i could have phrased that better. However, most mind coaches will tell you that you can't ignore the danger and pretend its not there (your subconscious is too clever for that). You need to acknowledge it and then devise a strategy to avoid it. Very good point tho!

[@wing690]

The driver vs wood comparison should not be just hitting the fairway, but should b if u hit it poor is it still in play.... when i miss hit my driver ... its just not in play anymore

[@alfiepar722]

Nice one 👍

[@jamesconnor4479]

I am waiting on next gen of shot trackers even tho current models are pretty good.

[@yobeatthat85]

Perfect name ‘tappin’

[@warholscircus]

Way back in the 60s, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus were playing a practice round together. Jack was about to chip from two feet off the green. Arnold, old and wizened, asked, "What are you doing?" "I'm gonna chip." Jack replied. Arnold told Jack he was making the game harder than it had to be. He should always putt if his shot allows. Jack listened. He never chipped in competition if he could putt ever again. Jack calls it the best advise he was ever given. Just do that. Putt when you can. Save a lifetime of frustration in heated moments. Thank Arnold later.

[@riagnol]

Great video, course looks great too.

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks Stuart!

[@danshofner4427]

Very helpful

[@marc6652]

Very relevant advices. Thanks. An other big strategy mistake : play to impress your partners instead of keeping a low profile.

[@garyco766]

I thought #1 mistake would be always trying to hit your longest club regardless of risk instead of doing course management. #2 could well be swinging too hard, and both of these revolve around the emotional need to be a big hitter.

[@MrCannonls]

The issue of missing short is because we have egos and think we hit farther than we actually do. Or we judge our distances off of our best shots with a specific club and not our averages.

[@TheGunnyUSMC]

I am a high handicapper and I hit my irons a lot better than my hybrid. Not sure why.

[@Eiizen]

I'm a 20 handicap. I can't hit a hybrid but hit my 2 iron consistently 190 meters. Hybrids just go straight up in the air for me

[@GolfMonthly]

That's fine - every golfer is slightly different!

[@8dragonsx]

As Lee Trevino has asked ... “exactly what is WRONG with being on the middle of the green?” Thanks for a very helpful video!

[@alanharris8310]

Great video,,, cheers Alan,😀😊😅

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks Alan

[@TruthDefender]

That was fresh and interesting

[@robertreese6999]

Good video as always, however I feel the stats in this vid are worth taking with a pinch of salt, definitely depends on your handicap. If I hit a 50 yard pitch to 40 feet, I've pretty much shanked it. If I hit a 80 yard shot to 48 feet, same. Also, FOR ME, 3w is more accurate than driver - in fact its almost 50% more accurate - while losing around 15% distance. Good luck on the course!

[@GolfMonthly]

Thanks Robert - all good points. The 3w one is interesting - the data tells a story that is true for many, but not all

[@stephanorths9549]

Thx ! Please more stats like those

[@nicolasstergaard4992]

Great video, but I think you're rushing the conclusion on point no. 6(driver vs 3w). The data might show, that the 3 wood is only 1% more likely to hit fairway, but I think your conclusion is a bit faulty. Wouldn't it be fair to assume, that a lot of the data from the 3w of tee is from harder holes(narrow fairways and such)?

[@GolfMonthly]

Hi @NicolasØstergaard - this is a good point and I would agree that most of the time amateurs choose to leave driver in the bag is because of the potential card-wrecking danger as opposed to laying up short of bunkers etc. However, I think the point remains that if you are going to leave your driver in the bag in search of accuracy, you need to pick a club that hits the fairway more than 1% more than your driver. I understand the point you are making about harder holes but this just reinforces the idea that you need to have a fairway-finder in your bag - that might not be 3w...

[@jmanblob]

Or how far off center they both miss? I might miss fairways with both but the 3 wood tends to be just off.

[@rkelley0375]

The hybrid is a money club for sure... Even when I was on the beginner level, This club worked for me more than not.. It’s good for long -out of the bonker shots ...and 2nd shots on long par 4’s The ball stops with backspin. I’ve taken my 2 and 3 irons out of my bag

[@juhanj7909]

Is this guys surname really tap-in? Gotta give it to him!

[@sandramaier2781]

He needs to meet the lady at my club with the surname Mulligan. Could be a match!

[@michaelburris3587]

Nice info, just needs a quick summary of the seven, at the end.

[@brendenknight8]

I surly need to improve on the 100 yards in shot

[@RichardsAquarium]

i had same issues i play off 18 now. say i have 100yards in instead of hjtting full sw ill now hit a 3/4 swing GW its way more accurate if you dont hit a full shot i always club down now and hit a 3/4 shot on all my clubs

[@michaelbarker3749]

Pause at 4:50 ... a little too excited about talking about shafts, balls and holes. Remember, finish in as few strokes as possible. 👍👍👍

[@catgolfer1]

I have watched this fine video many times. I would only add one more thing: play from the appropriate set of tees! The PGA of America and the USGA publishes a chart concerning this. Before you leave for the golf course leave your manhood in a baggie in the the frig then reattach it when you come home. 🐈

[@briankinread2293]

Biggest mistake trying to get max distance with wedges

[@jimbeaver27]

I agree, I club up rather than have to blast a PW I grab the 9 or 8. I find nice 3 quarter type swings much more consistant and accurate. I can blast the 7 iron though pretty well.

[@NineEyeRon]

Biggest mistake is trying to get max distance from ANY club

[@Karma-qt4ji]

Strategic mistake no 8: The night before heading out to the course, it is a bad idea to watch any golf on TV. Because regardless of the fact that you know how to play to your strengths, your brain has other ideas XD

[@GolfMonthly]

Ha ha - so true!

[@charlieodom9107]

You hit every single fault of my game on the head here. I do have a couple of points as applied to my game though. I am a bogey golfer, therefore I tend to short most of my greens, although mostly on purpose. I also have a really hard time with my yardage, since I have no real way to measure distances for each club accurately, but I'm working on that. I also tend to miss right, so I play for my miss. As far as hybrids vs long irons, I have long irons, but not by choice. Money plays a huge role in that. For the layup shots, i prefer shorter distances, up to the fringe even, since my short game is the best in my bag. When it comes to driver vs other off the tee...I absolutely suck with a driver off the tee, but again I am limited to what I have in the bag. When i buy a new set of clubs, I'll most likely get a set of forgiving irons, 4 wedges, a couple hybrids, driver and 5 wood, and blade style putter. I'll probably rotate out a wedge and 5 wood based on course, but I love having at least 3 wedges in the bag. Thanks for this very good video.

[@nap152003]

Which course is he playing??

[@stangetz534]

Smart.

[@Thundawich]

Sorry..... But how do you get an average of 6.1 double bogeys per round when the handicap bracket is 29-36? At least 5 of those 'doubles' would have to be triples to even reach 29 over the card.... Did the stats you pulled up just not count scores of more than a double? I don't get this at all ;-;

[@Special___K]

I crunched the numbers and Neil uses hand gestures 97.9% of the time during this video.

[@brother5671]

One thing. Is Calebcity subbbed to GOLERS MONTHLY

[@onlywavy2496]

Sammy Yessir 😂

[@jradak7541]

Carry vs total distance is huge. Can you really trust the yardages at the driving range? "my driving range" slopes downward about 20 feet, so can't I trust the posted numbers. If you can, use a scope or a trustworthy simulator. Another caution: mats versus grass. Mats help, so take those distances with a grain of salt. The BEST indicator, after doing off-course research, is an actual par 3 at your local course. The length is verifiable and you have an actual green that's been watered.

[@Permitmon]

Hmmm…i don’t play with too many 20 handicappers who hit irons 200 yards. 🤔

[@touristguy87]

Simple answer to getting distance off the tee with long irons: don't hit them. Hit a driver instead, but play a cut shot with enough offset to get on the green. The real problem is getting distance off the fairway with long irons which essentially forces either the use of a 3-wood or a mid-iron then a short iron.

[@TheXanUser]

" fairway woods are the hardest.."...."a full athletic swing" there's your problem. just swing the 3 wood like you would a 6 iron.

[@GolfMonthly]

That would be a full, athletic swing then...

[@R-o-u-X]

I'm almost guilty on all accounts, I feel attacked 😂

[@GolfMonthly]

Sorry Martin!!

[@tryNtryAGAIN]

Getting your distances on a range is near impossible unless you use real golf balls not the range ones .Trackman with your regular balls is way more accurate.

[@GolfMonthly]

Good point - trying to work them out on the golf course seems to make sense!

[@tryNtryAGAIN]

@@GolfMonthly indeed, I found on the range my 7i, 6i and 5i were all so close togeather it no sense then practising with regular golf balls on the course they were spaced out nice .After that I stopped going to the range for checking distance .

[@Quebicrecords]

Some of the comments on here are unbelievable

[@tomashallenberg]

Tappin must be a taken surname, right?

[@v4o82]

TIp 6 - Better golfers are better.

[@iannonhebel677]

These averages relate to players with the money to buy the tracking ET / these are better players / this video is not relevant to the average crap player.

[@isctony]

Not true. Shot Scope is £100. thats a few rounds of golf... I'm crap (improving) and i'm getting the tech to help me out, plus i love stats

[@martinpicker1773]

I'm a "crap" player, too, but I found this video helpful.

[@justinbennion7205]

maybe don’t rip your score card in half. that way you can keep score properly.

[@br5448]

Too many ads. Stopped Watching