I went from 30 HANDICAP to 13 in 12 Months - HERE'S HOW

In this video I give some tips and ticks on how I lowered my handicap from 30 to 13 in only 12 months.
We talk through some tips that were fundamental in me going from shooting high 100s to low 80s in less than 12 months, such as how to chip, how to putt, what to use off a tee, should you use driver, golf mental game, golf swing thoughts, how a high handicapper plays golf, how a high handicapper thinks about golf, chipping techniques, aim point putting, putting techniques.
Plus a bonus video where I talk you through every shot of a PAR 5 hole.
Instagram: / hicksgolf
#golf #golfswing #golfdrills #golftips #break80 # break90 #break100 #golfing #highhandicapgolf #highhandicap #loweryourscore #chipping #puttingtips #chippingtips

[@cHConn]

I’ve gone from a 30 handicap to 29 handicap in a year. I needed this video 😂

[@SortaLikeGolf]

You are not alone, my man.

[@rickayala6485]

wow, to go from a 30 to a 13 in one year plus having the time to create a youtube channel that gives others tips. i'm impressed!

[@luismuniz8655]

True ,and he has seen a lot of Amuturs golfers do wrong things ,,,I thought he would focus on his game ,,,

[@Steven-jn2cw]

Great tip on not focusing on power. I see a lot of new golfers trying to absolutely smash the ball as hard as possible when actually a nice easy swing is best until you feel confident applying the power. Accuracy is key!

[@andylouth1]

I normally don’t leave comments but so glad I stumbled on this channel , im a high handicap who started playing golf 8 months ago. Excellent video with brilliant tips and a demo, much more relatable to the normal person than all the so called ‘bigger’ channels with pga pros. I really think this KZbin channel will grow, seems like a real genuine person and really well produced and thoughtful content - wishing you the best of luck with it and of course the golf ⛳️ game!

[@HicksGolf]

Thank you so much, those are some really kind words. I only started the channel a couple of months ago and the feedback from everyone has been beyond anything I could of imagined. Really appreciate you joining in and good luck with your journey in golf ⛳️

[@stevenl.halesr.6894]

Standing Ovation... 30-HC to 13-HC in a year is OUTSTANDING!!! Use every tip you get, and learn from the mistakes you make, and before you know it, you'll be a single digit golfer!!!

[@HicksGolf]

Thank you! Currently 12 and have set a target for 5 next year 😬 let’s see how it goes.

[@jaguevarae]

Love the video! Can’t wait to try your tips next season :) Cheers mate!

[@davidbuchanan2106]

Super video and great advice. I lopped my handicap in half this summer by working on mainly my short game and putting. By using a PW, 9i and 8i around the greens, gripping down the shaft a bit and using a simple short swing (same swing for each club) my PW goes 30yds, 9i 40 yds, 8i 40yds - ball flies 1/3 then rolls remaining 2/3rds - it works like a charm and must be saving me 5 shots a round. As for Aimpoint, I have found this to have removed most of the mystery of trying to ready greens - once you have your line (plenty of videos on internet) you just have to work out the putt weight to get the ball to the hole, it removes 80% of effort of trying to gauge breaks.

[@noddy1414]

Very enjoyable video, thanks for sharing your tips and great stuff with your birdie putt at the end 👍

[@justinkatipa9577]

I feel like having one swing thought on something that I’m doing very well in my swing. Helps keep positive and re-enforces good behaviour

[@ShallowPlane]

Excellent solid advice .I really enjoyed the aim point idea .

[@81griffin]

this needs to be seen by every high handicappa , well done

[@danielisenhood7086]

I’m 49 and took up golf in November just passed so as to not make a tit out of myself at a corporate event. After 3 weeks of practice, I survived but realised how interesting and addictive the challenge happens to be. So far KZbin has taught me plenty including this gem. Thanks a bunch, Hicksy. I love practicing but need to be careful to not overdo it because the old skeleton isn’t really up for 700 balls a week 😅

[@gamebaggolf]

Super mature course management, thumbs up!

[@danielcorrigan6998]

I’m a mid handicapper. I choose two holes a side to use driver. Don’t pick holes with low handicap indexes. No one hits 80% GIR! Even pros hit like 1/2. Great tips

[@Crawsy1]

I’m a total beginner. Loved this video, subscribed mate nice one.

[@murphy6619]

Great video. I love that it comes from an amateur. Thanks for sharing such value of course management and lowering scores

[@HicksGolf]

Thank you!

[@whitneymacdonald4396]

I love the relaxed feel of this video and that you're a real amateur. I'm taking golf seriously for the first time in my life and this is exactly what I need to see. By the way, your swing looks great for only a year in!

[@jonassolberg1330]

Brilliant video!

[@grahamhilldrup1256]

Very good, sensible tips.

[@steveperry1344]

the swing left thought helps me too. i enjoyed the show, thnx.

[@HicksGolf]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@rstar88105]

Really great video and thank you! I also started this year after a 10 year hiatus from golf and began hitting around 100 to 110 and now I’m more around 85 to 90. You hit a lot of really good points that I stand by as well like when we’re not to use a 58° Lobwedge also with Aim Point. I have always read greens in part by using my feet to decipher slope left to right and front to back. But I never correlated it to a visual aid like my fingertips and the hole I was putting to but now I see the great value in being able to use this aim point system more fully. By the way, I found a correlation that blew my mind the other day: Pace out or in my case measure 10, 20, 30 and 40 feet from the hole and note the relative size of the hole to one of your finger tips. In my case, at 10 feet my index finger nail tip width matches the size of the hole when holding it visually to the edge of the cup, 20 feet is double the size, 30 feet is three times the size and 40 feet is 4 times the size. I was shocked at how accurate that was.

[@HicksGolf]

Thanks for the tip, I will give that a go! Good luck out there!

[@scottlandb6579]

That is actually the greatest tip think 80% I am a 30+ handicap golfer a true double bogey master. I played with my uncle a round on a private course and said I’m just going to slow my swing down & trust in the club doing the work. I shot an 89. The following months later found myself trying to crush every shot and was shooting 104&110? It’s ridiculous that I couldn’t remind myself to just slow the swing down and trust that the club will do the majority of the work. And worse case not as much distance but will likely be more in play. But even as you said the majority of the time you’ll actually strike it better and farther cause your contacting the ball better. Awesome to hear this again. Off to the range 👍🏼

[@justbobgolf]

Interesting video mate, I'm sure this will be very helpful for a lot of people! Great to see you've managed to get your handicap down so much in just one year! Keep it going!

[@HicksGolf]

Thanks 👍 I appreciate it.

[@angelaaguadopuig8491]

A have a similar storie and its truly all about handling your skills. When i played with my freinds all with the same skill, i did better not because a was a better ball stiker but specially because i took smart decisions, i reallyrecommend theup and down tecnique with the irons

[@jonathanderhy5865]

AWESOME VIDEO!! love the tips

[@HicksGolf]

Glad you like them!

[@HypnosOW]

The quality of your video was quite nice. Even in the more talkative parts it was super informative and still etertaining.

[@HicksGolf]

Thank you 😊 it’s a learning process.

[@charlesnugent8266]

Great advice, especially from someone that has been playing for such a short time. I play with many guys who have played for a very long time....and have failed to grasp some of those points of golfing wisdom. Biggest point that I agree with.....driving is fun and important, but mastering the short game is the key low scores.

[@HicksGolf]

Thanks Charles, genuinely don’t believe a high handicapper can see any major improvement in their scores unless they improve short game and putting. A good short game is what saves us, as we’re simply not good enough to hit enough greens in regulation. Thanks for watching.

[@garyreilly1544]

sound advice here. Good Course management, types of shot to play around the green, putting. Excellent video

[@HicksGolf]

Thankyou!

[@idrivewithmysockson]

great content, keep it coming! Very true with the 80% swing ✅

[@HicksGolf]

Appreciate it!

[@brettcollins2210]

Just subscribed. Brilliant video and such good ideas. Great job.

[@HicksGolf]

Thank you!

[@TomWang]

Great video!

[@asiankiller007]

Actually an amazing video. I hardly leave comments but every single point in this video is 100% accurate, especially swing 80% part. I improved my handicap so so quickly over the past few months and literally, every single point in this video I would vouch for.

[@HicksGolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@firthy6234]

Great video mate. Anyone starting out can learn a lot from the advice given. I play at Rushmore and you hit the nail on the head re the 3rd hole, and many on the course, the position is more important than distance

[@HicksGolf]

Thanks!!

[@dougm659]

Amazing how few golf tip videos mention the humble 7/8 iron bump n run…..it’s one of the simplest and most reliable shots you can play and so much less risky than using a lofted wedge! Good work man!

[@HicksGolf]

Percentage golf is key 🔑! Thanks for watching.

[@TheThriveDude]

Fantastic improvement 🎉

[@stepkycopky9354]

Mate that is awesome….. great work….

[@AIforlyfe]

great video mate

[@Bech285]

This May, I've been playing for 2 years, I went from a beginner to my current HCP at 13,5 in about a year and a half, and the secret, short and simple really, is putting and short game. Even now, my irons and off the tees are probably at least 15+ HCP, but my putting is a single digit and pitching/chipping high single digit low double HCP. My goal for the year is becomming a single digit player :D

[@lkae4]

MyGolfSpy did a little test and found that swinging hard with driver is usually better according to the data. But please practice this on the range first and warm up before the round. I found that getting fit for my putter on a camera-based system helped a lot.

[@DonMago323]

Holy crap!! Thank you..

[@JohnUssher-jk2qo]

Awesome video. Some really good common sense stuff here that often gets left out by the pros.

[@HicksGolf]

Thank you 😊

[@dry509]

Excellent.

[@jayafow84]

He is so correct about chipping and putting. I spend 10 hrs a week at the range and 8hrs pitching, chipping and putting.Two hrs driving and hybrid work and irons. Handicap 15

[@c.j.conneally5421]

great video. thanks

[@axenico]

Nice tips man! I dropped a lot (36 to 20 in 8 months and now started to get high again (24 now). I will try your tips and see how they go! Ciao

[@philipbaddeley9163]

Good solid advice. As you say, for chipping, get a favourite club, I use a 46 deg wedge mostly. Off the tee I often use a 5 wood which goes nearly as far as a driver. You’re correct in saying that most amateurs just pull their driver out without considering a different club. Your lag putting is good but I recommend anyone with poor distance control to try looking at the hole, not the ball…..difficult at first but you quickly improve. After all if you throw a ball to someone, you don’t look at your hand - just the person !

[@HicksGolf]

Yep, exactly, it could be a 7iron or even the dreaded 60 degree wedge, as long as you practice with that club and are really comfortable with it. Become a master at one, than a master of none. I have personally tried that putting technique, it was very hit or miss for myself, but it’s worth people trying it out for themselves as I know it has worked for some. Thanks for watching 🤘

[@Golfishard]

Enjoyed that. Nice swing. Like the putting.

[@HicksGolf]

Much appreciated.

[@pngo2017]

Beautiful golden hour colors on this course!

[@AndrewDCDrummond]

I spoke to an English pro golfer at a pro-am, can’t remember his name but Jack Nicklaus had commented about how good a prospect he was (had back problems later though) and his one swing thought was to keep the butt of the club a constant distance from his sternum, which I think is a very simple and repeatable thought, as long as your swing is somewhat sound. Feels don’t last because you get used to the movement as the muscle memory develops, and then the same feel would cause you to overdo it.

[@DistantGreensGolf]

If I recreate the swing I use for axes and sledge hammer I barely feel my body move thought it moves a ton. New movements feel foreign and over time evaporate into reflex. I agree wholeheartedly. My only swing thought is my path for takeaway. That’s it. Everything else happens too fast. Set up right and trust your body

[@citanullunatic4084]

Good video. A 13 handicapper comfortable with 4 iron! I suppose teed up it's not so bad, but off the fairway - difficult.

[@Mtnbike121]

Its difficult for most high handicaps because they spend no time practicing with it on the range.

[@stevealino2899]

Makings of a future Rick Shiels right there. Well done 👍🏻

[@roberthawkes2023]

Great video. I’m 51 and just started playing golf at the end of September and I found this fantastic advice. Keep up the good work.

[@brandonderrick006]

Buy a chipper👍🏾

[@Superlethal100]

Nice work my friend. +30 handicapper here and I can use some of this to improve my scoring.

[@HicksGolf]

Thank you! Hope anything that helps me, helps you lowers your scores.

[@jimmyn1357]

I really like your smooth swing bruv

[@Isaac-tf9qv]

Great video I'm a 29 handicapper been playing for a year and the mental part is the hardest part of golf for me, I can out drive my friends and hit some really nice shots but when I stand over the ball It's like I'm having a fight in my own head when I'm about to take a shot

[@HicksGolf]

It was initially really hard to play golf without thinking but when you stop it becomes soooo much easier.

[@thechisoxboy]

I am also new to the game. started earlier in 2022. shot on average a 130 for 18 holes. i have gotten to within 6 strokes to break 100 a few times. i actually learned something from this vidio and hopefully can apply it. Thanks...

[@HicksGolf]

Good luck with that milestone, I’ve also got another video specifically on breaking 100. A lot about golf is between the ears (your brain) once I broke 100 I was quickly doing it all the time, same with 90 and now 80! Good luck!

[@frelis71]

When i realised that to break 100 you need 9 double bogeys and 9 bogeys i made a stroke budget with a realistic score on every hole. I got more relaxed and it really helped my mental game to think in terms of par 7 or par 6 instead of par 5 and 4 on the hardest holes of the course. Started with golf at the age of 51 in the beginning of september 2022. 30th October i broke 100 the first time with 95. My best score is 90 which i made 2 days later,that round i had two birdies. Good luck and a good tip is to change mindset and play on your hcp par more than the course par.

[@The_Norse_Hunk]

For me it's the putting. I've improved my short game dramatically, but when I get to the green, I often 3 putt. My last round, I could have taken about 18 strokes off if I could have 1 putted easier ones.

[@stevenwhiting8941]

Great video, do more, nice coming from an amateur, can relate

[@HicksGolf]

Thanks pal. UK weather has been cruel but more content coming soon.

[@TheDarrellma]

good vi and all the points are very sound

[@HicksGolf]

Thank you 🙏

[@fetchtv2636]

Great video, just love the swing thoughts comparing to driving a car!

[@HicksGolf]

Glad you liked it!

[@anzu3439]

Bump and run with a hybrid 🤩💪🏻

[@christianpimblett2011]

I played my 1st ever round of golf start of June and hut 102 on par 70 with in my first 1 month I hit a 97 then I got a hand injury torn ligaments that the doctor said would keep me from playing 4 to 6 weeks, I stopped playing for almost 4 weeks, now it's been almost 4 months since I started but with 1 month out the game and my handicap is +22 and my lowest score is 86 which I've now scored 3 times

[@Rich-in6ds]

Useful video, good job! You know, your actual swing is a lot better than your practice swings. You're quite severely over-plane in your practice swings but then not so much when you hit the ball. Opposite to most people!

[@huddwah]

over the year, what has been your weekly or monthly schedule of playing rounds (9 or 18), practicing (driving, approach, short game) and lessons?

[@thomasstrother3962]

Very good stuff and sound. One thing is your swing is not your typical high handicap swing. You’re ether a natural or have spent a ton of time with a swing coach. It’s a great swing and your are crushing it at impact. That’s why the rest of us struggle to break 90. Fat and thin second and third shots are a plague. Keep it up my friend

[@HicksGolf]

Thank you! To be honest, I had lessons when I first started but not very often at all now. I do practice, but when I practice I really focus on areas of the swing, rather than just hitting balls at targets and also record myself a lot to analyse what I’m doing as feelings can be very misleading. My swing is definitely improving all the time, but I still have days where I go out and can barely hit a ball 😂 The joys of golf!

[@marcmanion4264]

Nice video - and yes - great advice! Quick question - saw the Ping covers what irons are you playing - same as when you started?

[@HicksGolf]

I started with Ping G425 Irons, then went P790 and I've now literally just brought the P770/P7MC Combo set.

[@Mtnbike121]

This is how i went from 24 to 14. I started using my 42° pitching wedge around the green and strokes have been falling off like crazy

[@canarywundaboy3944]

What a hole at the end....especially the putt!

[@HicksGolf]

Thank you! If only they all went like that 😉

[@Hobo_Mojo]

Went from a firty handicap to a firteen very quickly!

[@vtcrafter6626]

Excellent video. Course management is an excellent way to lower your handicap and make the game a lot more fun. My self I’m a little hard headed. Took me little longer to figure this out. I must say playing from the rough and the woods a lot makes you pretty versatile and when you do start staying on the fairway then it feels so simple

[@majen66]

Great "driving a car" analogy!

[@HicksGolf]

Glad you liked it!

[@davidwaters9876]

Great stuff. Handicap coming down very quickly as well. I have subscribed. Would love to come down and play sometime...although I am still at 19.3

[@HicksGolf]

Absolutely, anytime. Keep grinding, it will come down if you focus on the right areas.

[@davidwaters9876]

@@HicksGolf I started my vlogs with an iphone, but moved onto a DJI action camera. Now also have Instamic Microphone. Couldnt get tracer app to work. What do you use?

[@HicksGolf]

@@davidwaters9876 this was filmed with a Rode Mic attached to my iPhone. I have recently upgraded to a Sony Video Camera and wireless microphones with lab mics

[@zachariahzedd8124]

I carry a 64 degree wedge. 60 percent of the time, it works, every time

[@stephenlake8043]

I've been playing almost a year and my handicap has come down from 25 to 9.6, wish I'd of filmed my journey.

[@sageagbonkhese4091]

Is this based on playing the same course? What is your average score when playing at visiting courses?

[@steveperry1344]

i would probably hit a fade too but i have always set up with a bit of a closed club face and that's why my misses are pulled left if i don't allow for it. i mean i can hit fades if i set up for it.

[@HicksGolf]

Swing thoughts ruined my golf for months. It’s so hard not to but surprising what can happen when you stop and trust it.

[@steveperry1344]

@@HicksGolf sounds good.

[@MikkelNagy]

I went from 54 (completely new to the game) to 15 hcp in 8 months.. My wife went from 54 to 21hcp...

[@BAD_GolfHawaii]

🤙🏾😎

[@themeadigolfers]

👀🔥

[@user-yj3ui3op4s]

Half way through the video I realised I've played at this course hahaha

[@scotttempleman1287]

why play a choked down 4 iron instead of a full 5 or even a full hybrid?

[@dry509]

Thanks. What irons do you like for your skill level.

[@HicksGolf]

Irons are really personal choice, so I started with Ping G425 but later moved to P790 as I just found I preferred smaller top line with irons. P790 were awesome and genuinely think any skill level could use them, super forgiving. I have recently moved to T100s because again I wanted smaller top line and something with a bit more finesse around the greens. I’m thinking of swapping out the longer irons of the t100s to t200 but see how I get on.

[@dry509]

@@HicksGolf Thanks for the feedback. I found your tips helpful, btw. Just started yesterday to incorporate. I have been playing regularly and still about 22-25 handicap. Have a horrible history often hitting behind the ball with irons and fairway wood, now mostly topping. Yesterday did play irons more than fairway wood and was more consistent. And not much distance with driver 150-170 yards average at best. I do prefer a thinner top line on irons also.

[@anttisavolainen547]

this is MONEY! im hcp 19,1 last year from 22.6,. yes, one good club, mine is PW, to play tour short game almost all the time and you get some routine.

[@darraghmcinerney9213]

Nice video, try and hold your finish on each shot, this will do wonder's for building up balance and tempo.

[@HicksGolf]

Haha thank you, that’s actually what I’m working on at the moment. My coach keeps moaning at me for not holding my finish.

[@darraghmcinerney9213]

Single digits in no time 👍

[@frelis71]

I am 51 and started in beginning of septemper with 52 hcp, when golf course closed here in north Sweden in beginning of November i was on 25,3 hcp. Cant wait for May to come so i can play golf again and see how low i can go 🏌‍♂️⛳️

[@HicksGolf]

Great stuff, awesome improvement!!

[@lloydunett206]

4 iron seemed to go a long with with what looked like a 3/4 back swing.

[@HicksGolf]

It’s a 4 Sim DHY, definitely recommend if you don’t get on with hybrids. I’m currently working on full backswing, but been using almost 3/4 swing as I feel it gives me a lot of control and consistent strike.

[@johnnyrotten5905]

I chip more with a PW and 8i than any wedge I have.

[@HicksGolf]

They’re still the two clubs I play with the most.

[@IIISWILIII]

When it comes to reading putts, always trust your feet over your eyes

[@standlegweak9854]

From what you've shown you're better than 13 handicap.

[@FourtyLoveTennis]

I went from 54 to 4 in 2 years. ggwp

[@Blackhawk182182]

The irony of golf, is, when you try to close the face down like you are, you are actually coming over the top, and so you will keep on hitting the cut. If that's your thing and it work, great, but just to illustrate how this is impacting your shape, looking at the last hole that you played, you are set op for the draw and still you had the ball cutting. Its severe over the top swing path that does that. squaring the face has nothing to do with swing path, its a wrist function. Most armatures start golf by cutting, and to fix that they aim left causing the over the top swing path making it worse. Going against intuition and swinging to the right will actually promote a draw and even if you struggle to square up the face and leave it open , you will hit it a bit straighter.

[@steveperry1344]

i've been a 13 for 30 years and can't get it down. like i hit a wall, but always tryin.

[@HicksGolf]

Have you ever looked into Arccos sensors? Random as that may seem, but it's really helpful to see how your stats compare to a lower handicap and then you can focus on the areas where you're losing strokes compared to your desired handicap. I may do a video on Arccos sensors soon. Good luck and keep grinding.

[@dry509]

Do you play your irons toe up? If so why?

[@HicksGolf]

Sorry, I hoped people would understand but I suppose the correct term is "heel up" so you're toe of the club is more exposed the ground. The sharpest edge of the club is heel so it just helps reduce the fat chips!

[@IamCoast2coast]

Also get loads of coaching, and play very often, he forgot to mention.

[@HicksGolf]

There’s no shortcuts in life, there’s tips and tricks they might help, but ultimately you’ve got to put the work in to see major improvements. Thanks for watching 👍

[@PJo336]

I’m a 15 currently. Where’s all your chunked shots?! 😮

[@HicksGolf]

Oh it happens, haha.

[@stevep927]

Getting to a 13 is easy if you have some talent. Now it's going to get much harder

[@HicksGolf]

Thanks! Down to 12 now, let’s see how it goes from here, stay tuned to see how that goes.

[@anzu3439]

I won’t play par 5’s safe until I get my first eagle

[@samjgolf]

Worlds shortest back swing 😂

[@HicksGolf]

John Rahm has the shortest backswing on tour. I think he does okay 😂

[@simonnielsen9458]

nice content but get a new intro song

[@meydinantobagus8916]

Well it's like a tutorial on how to transform yourself from the worst golfer to a bad golfer 😂

[@johnhenderson9205]

What a hortible comment!

[@jayafow84]

Douchebag

[@vintageswiss9096]

I just watched you "play" and I don't even think you're an honest 30 handi, let alone a 13, lol...