How i got a 5 HANDICAP in just 12 months playing golf! (12 simple tips)

How I went from 30 handicap to single figure handicap in 12 months!
Some fundamental tips going from a 30 handicap new golfer shooting in the 100's to breaking 90 consistently and then breaking 80 as easily as possible. I talk about hitting fairways, playing safety shots, consistent tee shots, knowing your shot shape, playing draws and playing fades, how to chip, how to putt, how to get up and down, hit more GIR's, know your carry distances, wedge distance control, driving range alignment, making short putts, reading lies (flyer lies)
0:26 Tee shot consistency
1:06 Tee shot alignment
1:50 Playing safety shots
3:12 Shot shaping
4:39 Hole after bogeys
6:09 Wedge distance control
6:42 Partial swing distances
8:23 Driving range alignment
9:52 Variety of chip shots
10:53 Making short putts
11:55 Reading lies (flyer lies)
13:32 Short siding yourself

[@chayekhartwell7644]

Joined a club in 2020 and got 38 handicap. Now at 12.5. totally addicted. Goal is to get to single figures next year. Golf changed my life

[@jimsaddler942]

Great video- really enjoyed it! I'm an 8 handicapper and will be working this winter to shave off additional strokes off my game. After watching your video, I realize I am playing too aggressive- getting myself into trouble with penalty strokes and lost balls (trying to cut off doglegs too much). Keep making these videos! I love these course strategy concepts! 👍⛳

[@JS-wr9ft]

I rarely comment on videos, but I believe you are a 5 handicap because of your drive to better yourself, your fitness and your attentiveness, well done sir. I have taken more than golf tips from this video

[@MJSherwood]

Some content creators spend thousands on cameras but you've already fixed the biggest quality set back, a good microphone. KZbin is 30/70 video/audio and hearing jackets scraping or voices get quite as they walk away from the camera are big red flags. You're crushing it man found this by accident but will be sticking around, you have my subscription

[@rickylee3161]

Kudos to you with such rapid improvement. I started in 2018 and now at 19HC. Did almost everything you stated, but driver is definitely my weak link, hit the same distance with my 3 wood most of the time, but I can’t resist the thought of missing distance if I don’t hit driver. 🤦‍♂️

[@GolfLife_]

Great content again. Nice and clear. Brilliant explanation keep up the good work 😉💪🏼

[@Rookscarcare]

Really good wee video mate I came back to golf after 6 years off and started with a 13 handicap , been chipping away at getting down to single figures but as this is my first competitive season back it’s been all about getting the feel back and I would say my biggest improvement in course management is certainly choosing a lesser club off the tee and playing for position rather than stepping up with the big stick all the time as that’s my most inconsistent club and my putting is a big score card improver

[@tombarnard4355]

As a new subscriber and someone who has taken up golf, these are excellent videos for beginners like myself.

[@maxtradesofficial]

Just started playing around 2 months ago, looking forward to seeing more of your content

[@121music4life]

5 handicap in 12 months is very impressive. I’m around your age and have been playing for years.. every weekend in the summer. Im still a 20 handicap

[@JackFowlerGolf]

Thanks, I’m super competitive probably why I’ve been so focused getting it down!

[@danielfiumetto1830]

Prolly cap

[@Adam-mg8ke]

@@danielfiumetto1830entirely possible. I started in September 2022 and broke 80 last summer. Got a job at the golf course, I was there from 4:30 am till sundown

[@Adam-mg8ke]

I also had a free par 3 municipal golf course in my town. Astro turf greens and nobody works there, anytime I wasn’t at the 18 hole course I was there working on my short game. I really owe everything to having those opportunities to play golf for free

[@tomhallett1804]

Enjoyed your video. Very simple explanation and demonstration. Keep it up.

[@ShahidKhan-pq4cr]

Thank you so much Jack for such a valuable video with full of lessons I am 30 Handicap and just stared last 2 months Could it be possible for you to make video regarding what you did when you exactly were 30 handicap like how many days in driving range , how you improved your swing to this smooth sing , how you trained yourself for switching weight from right to left while ball striking 😊

[@JackFowlerGolf]

Will come out with some more videos soon

[@scottnorris6529]

Great video. Your instruction was easy to understand and concise. Keep up the good work and good luck with your KZbin journey!

[@ProdigyHighlights]

Another thing about punching out to safety...have a look at the green and see if you're better approaching from the left or right side of the fairway. That will let you know to punch it out across the fairway or to keep it just onto the fairway. Makes your approach shot more comfortable.

[@dougm659]

Good work Jack, your game is solid….one small point; practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes permanent….if you’re practicing the wrong things or in the wrong way you won’t improve, you’re just ingraining your mistakes or weaknesses. One reason that lessons are so important, they can help eliminate the bad elements in your swing to make your practice more effective. 👍

[@JackFowlerGolf]

Yeah good point, can’t be perfect. Practise with intent is important

[@mrfatuchi]

Yeah I found its better not even go on the range if you arent 100% focused and doing what you know you are doing good repeatedly and adding to it. You literally go backwards.

[@elzorromagico]

This has cost me years. Getting 'not bad' with a terrible swing from constant rehearsal requires a lot of undoing.

[@Adaywithliamlee]

Nice and easy video to follow! Good job

[@jlee7294]

Just found this channel & subscribed 👍🏻 thought I recognised you & turns out I followed your old car channel! I’m a new golfer & this video was great, keep it up 🔝

[@TylerWolstie]

Great video. Been playing for 3 months now

[@richard99cookify]

Amazing getting down to 5 in 12 months. Natural talent would definitely come into this, but I would say probably down to around the 15 mark it has to be said, but that's no blight on your achievements, and especially to get it to 5 takes some serious skill, good work

[@user-xy3bc1vl2g]

My game has improved significantly based mainly on the tips included in this video. I have been 10+ handicapper for decades but this year I spent more time at the range figuring out how to hit different distances with my wedge and adopted the tips included in this video. The change in my game has been unreal. I’m in my fifties and I shot even par for the first time in my life. If you follow Jack’s simple tips and you put in the effort I’m sure that your game will take a significant jump forward.

[@miniotaj5418]

Yeah of course you didn’t make this account and post this comment yourself

[@FlagnarBoobz]

@@miniotaj5418 hahahahahahahaha

[@hothamandfauri]

I started golfing two summers ago. I don't play alot, but maybe once a week or once every couple of weeks. My current goal is just to break 100 on 18. The closest i have come is a 101. The beginning of this summer, i bought two vokey wedges, a 52 and a 58. I have been trying to focus mainly on chipping and putting. I normally slice my driver and irons, so i figure getting the short game down will help me more than anything. I actually got my first two birdies this summer. I hope to continue improving and have more birdies to come.

[@Will-yp8zp]

Keep it up!

[@dangore6601]

My first time watching your channel, this is one of the best golf / course management videos I've seen in a long time. Great content , editing and you are a natural in front of the camera. Keep up the great work , il be watching more 😎👍⛳

[@jordandowling9377]

I’ve been playing since July of last year so about 9 months, and I can shoot mid 80’s to mid 70’s depending how I’m putting that day, the biggest thing I did was at least 3 lessons and practice chipping. Biggest thing that changed for me from before the winter was I don’t lose balls anymore and I don’t waste strokes with bad chips (thin and fat shots) if I can improve my putting I think I can get close to scratch

[@gunshow2121]

Mad props man! 5cap is insane. 12 months I went from like 25 to 12. Can’t complain but well done mate.

[@Villywoodworking]

this season I pass of 24 to 10.9 in 104 game and the season is not finish I played almost every day and get a job at my local golf club I need to finish this season with a single digit i have take two lesson from a pro and that pay a lot for me but practice practice and more practice hahah

[@gunshow2121]

@@Villywoodworking I feel you! Super impressive man well done 👏🏻 rooting for you to get single digits you can do it!!

[@Villywoodworking]

@@gunshow2121 oh yeah I know I can I just have to keep grinding I’ve played 84 today almost my first chip in eagle Danm I need to play more hahahahaahh golf is worst than the drug haha

[@viralexotics8031]

I hit 80 and been golfing for 1 year I’ve gotten better since I took my driver and 3 wood out could never hit them straight I use irons and try to hit the ball at least 150-170 every shot it’s been helping me make more pars instead of trying to bomb it 200+ yard with a slice

[@therealdannyg]

Just subbed lad good luck and these are good tips

[@waynedavis9397]

I can only play once a week an iam 58 , 4 handicap but as you know inconsistent because off lack off play . I mainly aim for any where in the seventies when in competition on a Sunday .driver is the key an yes course management, love to play more golf but working doesn’t help .great vid an great knowledge off your game , definitely get a few lessons an fitted clubs everyone an remember it’s only golf an enjoy it

[@lewmano7367]

I float around 10 handicap but only play 10-15 rounds a year… kids innit… looking forward to when I can play more! Biggest thing I found if you can’t play 30-40 rounds a year is just focus on your safe shots and course management if you want to score. Worst thing is thinking about your swing and mechanics when you don’t play enough

[@JackFowlerGolf]

You play your best without many swing thoughts for sure

[@chrislaing8444]

I really like this video and the advice given. I don’t believe this gentleman is suggesting anyone can go from 12 to 5 handicap in a year, as this type of progress is atypical. However, his methodology is excellent, and if everyone seeking to improve followed some of his tips, they will see improvements to their game. Do not underestimate his work ethic being the main factor in his success. Looking forward to seeing his progress.

[@jpdst29]

I’ve been playing for 25 years and have a 20 handicap. 5 handicap in 12 months is mind blowing.

[@matthews1256]

Very insightful video. How much do you focus on working on the technical aspects of your golf swing?

[@davidwaters9876]

Great explanation. Down to 5 is fantastic. Subbed. My vids were not of a similar style. Must start again. Beating Bogey Golf.

[@maccybee2144]

Spotted some courses local to me in that intro!

[@wiggleberd3903]

congrats on reaching 2k subs :)

[@JackFowlerGolf]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@rushh4780]

Much easier to have a consistent ball flight after being fitted, I feel as though that’s my biggest flaw at the moment but I can’t afford a fitting 😂 good video mate

[@JackFowlerGolf]

It does help, but your swing will change over the months/years

[@Meatbrish]

Good videos, really enjoyed it. I was off 10 when 16 years old then stopped. At 35 I've just started playing again, do you think it'll come back quite quickly with practice?

[@peterwyoo]

Great video! Can you do a WITB (What's in the Bag) video?

[@tristenmartinez3756]

I just hit my 7 month mark, self taught and am consistently shooting low 80s. This game is all mental for me if I let a bad shot get to me its over... if I brush it off and hype myslef up I can continue to feel like I am in the zone !

[@yongminkim6544]

Some great tips... other YTers would have made a video for each tip... this is pure gold! Just added to share to my mates! One question, what are your lofts. Ie. 9i vs PW?

[@JackFowlerGolf]

I use stock i525 ping irons

[@dizzy5057]

Definitely at first when he said the first thing you need is a good tee shot. I heard T shirt and could only think “respect”

[@motown6832]

Loved the video, I think it would be good if you did an outro. Also where are you from?

[@swiper1131]

Subbed! Great video

[@user-xn7uh5ch2z]

11 handicap after 6 months of golfing? That sounds unreal tbh. Every golfer knows how hard this game is to become decent

[@kimhallborn7768]

i got my green card last april this year and im at 15 hcp atm ;)

[@eswag153]

I got to 5 in 10 months with poor mechanics

[@user-xn7uh5ch2z]

Ur seriously genius golfer if you got to 5 in 10 months

[@eswag153]

@@user-xn7uh5ch2z I played 10 years ago in high school for 5 months to be fair. Then played a lot recently. Now moving towards a more textbook like short swing to bring the number down further. Chipping, putting, and irons were generally strengths for me. Had no faith in my driver being a reliable swing

[@patrickwelton4970]

Makes no sense, 11 handicap without ever breaking 80?

[@davidcarlson3463]

I’ve been playing seriously for about a year and a half and have about a 14 handicap A good round for me is 82 and my goal is to break 80 this summer Getting close

[@JackFowlerGolf]

That’s solid man, single figure handicap soon!

[@PK-wo4vo]

Same man! Been about a year for me and 84 was my best so far. Getting the same stiffness shaft on every club is my next goal 😅 The more money you spend, the better you get!!

[@prebengjestang4636]

Nice, i played 11 years, shot 106 the other day... :P

[@haroldbetterson1877]

Subd this is fantastic ❤

[@daibowen1]

I also record with a phone on my YT channel so I know the struggle! The content is fantastic and the quality is really great keep it up!

[@jimmypeach8838]

Good Video! I went from +18 to scratch in less then year, similar to you. Played often and partner was a scratch so easy to coat tail and catch up till I could beat him. Dont always play for score but to practice on course and get better. I would play flops from fringe to develop touch and skill. Last play driver and tough shots when you shouldn't to force yourself to get better...

[@AlastairBarker]

MY ARSE YOU DID!

[@jimmypeach8838]

@@AlastairBarker I'll take that as a compliment. Played a lot like 4 times a week tho, wasn't hard. Golf is mental. If you think its hard then its hard, if easy then easy. Just a ball and stick.

[@Walkingbucket10]

No chance

[@jimmypeach8838]

@@Walkingbucket10 not that big a deal lol

[@Walkingbucket10]

@@jimmypeach8838 whatever you tell yourself. Highly highly doubt it . Probably didn’t take drops, Putt out, etc.

[@Chris-yj1zg]

Alignment is me all over. Single figure handicap but my god if I could figure out where I’m actually pointing it would help me out big time 😂😂

[@JackFowlerGolf]

Struggling with that atm off the tee. Losing so many shots!

[@TheAlfonzoBonzo]

I saw a clip from tiger woods saying he picks his aim point then brings the line back to a point roughly 2ft in front of the tee….then he focuses on using that as his aim point. Might work for you too

[@danwright7779]

​@@TheAlfonzoBonzo Rory also says this

[@Thepippinator2]

A 5 handicap in only 12 months is absolutely insane. Never heard of anyone doing that before ever.

[@jonahsekakoni]

My thoughts exactly, I am thinking of calling BS on this story. Almost impossible, even the pro coaches don't give this assurance in their classes.

[@Kewksdesign]

Because it never happened. I’m a 14hc started same time as him and my swing looks miles better, drives go way farther. I call absolute bs

[@thehairygolfer]

I know of someone who did that. Was a 2 handicap, went to university, came back, put in 3 cards and got a 22 handicap. By the middle of summer he was down to 4 after winning everything.

[@Ken-jf1cm]

So you reckon he faked the scores he shows on the app at the start and faked the handicap that now shows for him on the official EG system, and he's now made a video publicly available on YT in his own name so everyone can check his fraud...? As Rory once said to a wannabe who envied his position: Go play better@@Kewksdesign

[@elzorromagico]

What was the practice regimen and weekly hours? Like 1 full round, 2 driving range/chipping range practice per week? Or 6 rounds per week?

[@andimcgaw]

Congrats

[@alantranton2271]

How many times a week do you (i) practice (ii) go to the range (iii)play on a course? + Still take lessons?

[@scottcross3252]

Awesome content here , as much as I like the Shiels etc accounts, I think their content has gotten too unrelatable and vague..you definitely have a good thing going . Secondly , how do you deal with days you actually not hitting em well , on the course mental adjustments etc ...like I said keep the content coming mate

[@justbobgolf]

Come down to Portugal! We can film some content together out here 🤙

[@jbmercken8365]

Thanks for the vidéo sir! Maybe you could add shot tracers to take it to the next level

[@JackFowlerGolf]

The clouds + white balls ruined the shot tracers. Which is why you see shot tracers start in some shots then disappear…

[@keatee1676]

Does it require to get fitted in order to lower down handicap?

[@MrGreenEstateAgents]

Be good to see a game v Gaz's Golf.

[@goodyan4453]

Mmm more of a tips video rather than what I was expecting, like how many lessons, how many times at the range per week, how many rounds a month, what gear improvements you made, did you join a club, when exactly your handicap reduced ( once a month for example) .

[@kevinjager124]

All solid tips based in part around the 10 commandments of Golf by Dr. Bob Rotella.

[@TheEvoTheory]

Whats your best top golf score that's what i want to know

[@MrWubzHD2]

sad thing a lot of new golfer are gonna watch this and think they will easily become a single handicap in 1 year. Then quit playing when they don't even break 100 in the first year.

[@AlastairBarker]

EGO EGO EGO!

[@YDoubleGolf]

I’m also a 5 hcp on 18Birdies after putting in some fake scores. It only took me 10 mins to go from a 12 to a 5!!!

[@matteogulla]

How often do you go to the range

[@Butterbean1]

What course do you play at? Do you play any comps?

[@Danitorressama]

thanks

[@lv_godly1021]

Hey jack, i've been playing for a while now, about to turn 16 and have only just started playing 18 hole courses, already down to a 26 handicap. I struggle with my chipping and fading my tee shots, is there any way you can help?

[@JackFowlerGolf]

Just practise the right technique on the driving range and then try to bring it onto the course.

[@Walkingbucket10]

No chance you play like this in your first year of playing. Y’all will say anything for clicks and views.

[@Daddyfinger6]

It’s absolutely possible! I know 2 guys personally who got single handicaps and did it with two years and being a casual golfer. It’s mostly just golf course management. I dropped a TON putting away my driver for 6 months.

[@Thepippinator2]

Wait is the English handicap system and USGA index the same?

[@seansmith373]

I call bs ain’t no way he did it all in a yr

[@bradleytwebster9314]

What balls do you use? I don’t want to spend a ton, but want a consistent ball that you don’t mind losing if need be.

[@JackFowlerGolf]

I use Bridgestone bx s tour normally, but Kirkland as my cheaper backups

[@J_B17]

You shot a level par 70 after 1 year playing and not even through winter?

[@theizramen2340]

Yk I can say I’m just two years for me I’ve improved a lot but yet again that consistency with practice yk

[@JP-gt5zd]

I don't know how far away from each other you are but you should collaborate with Bogey Golf. These two channels could help grow each other and their viewership.

[@jackbrown1062]

What is the app you use to record your rounds and handicap? Thanks

[@JackFowlerGolf]

Swingu

[@geoffcohen613]

I doubt whether the new handicap system will allow such rapid decline from index of 30 to index 5 in 12 months. Given its a rolling average of best 8 cards in last 20. The total of best differential score in 8 rounds initially is 240 vs 40 now.

[@stuartjames7820]

How much of a difference to your game did it make getting fitted properly for new clubs?

[@JackFowlerGolf]

Reduced my misses a lot! Really helped give me confidence

[@stuartjames7820]

@@JackFowlerGolf that would be a cool video for new golfers - a before and after video with your old and new clubs to see what kind of difference it makes. I’m around a 30 HC at the moment playing with eBay seconds, and figure I need to get more of a consistent swing and down to around 20HC to justify new clubs.

[@billbkr32ify]

New subscriber. Why do I hit my 3 wood further than my driver? I have hit my 3 wood 286. Mid 260s on average. My I've can hit a good one, but average seems to be 250. It is not a cheap driver and has a good shaft. But any driver I hit seems to be the same

[@Jhack]

Maybe you aren't swinging a driver swing, you gotta hit down on a 3 wood to make it go up. But a driver you want to hit up into with the low point being before the ball. Maybe your swing hits down into the ball?

[@BeWise4Life]

That’s what I been telling people. I played a little in high school and then navy 1-2 times a year for 20 years. Got fitted for my irons and started playing regularly for the last 3 months. I was about a 22 HC when I started and now I’m at a 3.5 HC. I’m okay golfer and still need to get fitted for a driver and putter but I tell people my HC is only that low because I play smart. All it takes is 1 great to make up for a bad one. A couple good shots and you got chances for birdies. I’ll often get 1 good or great shot, 1 okay shot, and then 1 more okay or bad shot. 2 great shots in a row is usually putting for eagle or easy birdie. That happens once or twice a round so i prefer ‘em on the par 5’s 😅. The key to lower HC’s is playing smarter. I can think of at least 5 holes on my local course I want to hit a driver on but will play as low as a 4 on. I’m not an overly great golfer, in shape, or have loads of experience. I just put into practice smart play. I typically shoot 70’s to low 80’s. My HC is only so low because of the occasion great game. Remember, it is the average of your best 5 games in the last 20 rounds you’ve played. All it takes is a few good rounds in there and your HC drops significantly. I have a HC of 3.5 but the majority of my rounds come between 76-79 with a few in the low 80’s and a few in the low 70’s.

[@TomSMorley]

I edit for people other than my own channel mate! I'm still a student so I charge really low for the work that i put in.

[@JackFowlerGolf]

Send me an email

[@TomSMorley]

@@JackFowlerGolf sent 👍🏻

[@sdiver68]

Same course over and over?

[@golf36handicap]

I'm curious. How many hours and how many days a week did you practise? I practise 4 times a week. I practise for two hours. I start with a 30-minute putting session, then I do a 30-minute short game session (chips around the green, shots from the bunker, shots over the bunker to the green and flop shots. Then I do a 30-minute session on the driving range where I work on my swing. The last 30 minutes of practice I do hole number 1 twice. This is my practise for the first three days of the week. In the fourth practice of the week I do 9 holes and try to apply everything what I practise throughout the week. I've been playing for 2 years and managed to lower my handicap from 36 to 24, having sometimes not practise so consistently due to work and family. Do you think that in these two hours of practise I can do something more to improve more quick? Thanks for the video. Best regards.

[@skitzoutdoors2363]

Also another tip try and use the same ball and use a ball that suits you as they all do different things for example balls that spin more/less.

[@jerrystreed4981]

Are you still a 5 handicap? Your ball striking/short game seems closer to scratch. Especially if your course management is solid. Either way, you got there quick! Lot of devotion to get that good so quick, not many people get there!

[@richardjones8699]

"Closer to scratch" - not with that swing.

[@GolfLife_]

​@@richardjones8699 we have a hater 😂 this guy is doing great and to start at his age and within the time frame he's done well. Imagine if he started at 5. You with you was this good so you could post content. Ur comments 💀

[@JackFowlerGolf]

Yep, still around that. Making some swing changes right now to try and get to scratch before end of this year which will be harder than getting to 5 from 30 imo

[@richardjones8699]

@@GolfLife_ I'm just being realistic and I'm lower. I have a mate who's a former Walker Cuper (and European Tour Pro). He's often telling me the gap between 18 and 4 is nothing compared with the latter and plus - he likened that to the Atlantic Ocean.

[@GolfLife_]

@@richardjones8699 nice reply. 👍🏼Ur first comment could of worded it better than sounding like a hater. Could of gave some friendly advice support the good community.

[@CTTravisgolf]

I am also trying to get started would you be open to a phone call for me to learn more on the software you use to edit and post with?

[@mrfatuchi]

I could 5 handicap too if I combined all my best shots of the past year into one round haha

[@jacobr4558]

CLICK BAIT!!! Basically hit good shots, stay away from trouble and get the ball close to the hole and make putts!!!??? COME ON MAN! This video doesn't say anything about how!

[@1Zeus1]

You were an 11 handicap after playing for 6 months? I’m sorry but I have a very hard time believing that.

[@FinchGolfs]

Not hard if bsbl background play everyday

[@GabrielJohansen-ns3lh]

That swing aint 5 hcp

[@iJONNYHD]

wait i swear you used to make fifa videos????

[@ChuckleGamingTLFY]

play during winter pal its not even that bad

[@JackFowlerGolf]

I played through winter this year, not as much but kept myself going

[@benedictwallis5820]

Looks so skatey still! 😭😭😭 Please leave the frostbite engine!

[@daltondecap23]

🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢

[@BarrieFitzgerald-ch2rw]

Can have any kids or a job to do this

[@ninja_terdle8050]

Straight 🧢 I’ve played a lot of golf in my life. Grew up playing high school golf and Im barely scratching single digits. I call bs. Any real golfer knows this is absurd.

[@Walkingbucket10]

Couldn’t agree more.

[@jayboek2854]

1 lesson? U mean 100 lessons??

[@bigg6golf276]

Sounds like 🧢.. ill believe it when you actually play with some real golfers

[@sandervestergaard5730]

cap

[@kelvinnguyen6846]

all you need is time lol

[@stevenjames9487]

Bull 😂😂