Breaking 100-90-80: A monthly guide to the scoring basics - swing techniques

Golf Digest, Dec, 1999 by Tim Mahoney

It seems every average player is looking to find something new that will take his or her game to the next level. Whether it's a new ball, a new driver, a new swing thought, or even a new caddie, golfers are always looking to make a change. But I'm not so sure that's the way to get better. The way I see it, "change" doesn't always mean "improve." To really improve, focus on what you have, not on something new and different.

Instead of buying a new driver, why not think about shoring up your preshot routine? If you haven't broken 100 yet, odds are it's because every other swing you make starts a different way. Consistent attention to your setup (grip, aim and alignment, posture, and ball position) provides a firm foundation for your swing, and preparation is the key to success. An unreliable setup, on the other hand, produces an unreliable swing.

If you can get solid with your setup, you're going to break 100, because your ball flight is going to be that much more consistent. Trust me. But if you want to break 90, you have to learn how to play the game with the swing and ball flight you have. Learn how to make the most of your natural fade or slice so you're playing more shots from the fairway.

Knowledge also is the key to scoring lower when you're an 80-shooter. You want to know what a good swing feels like, so when your swing does break down, you at least know what happened. The more you can feel how the club is moving in your swing, the quicker you can correct it under pressure. Moreover, it will be that much easier to know what a solid swing feels like. You ought to be so knowledgeable about your swing that you can practice the feelings of the proper positions in your head as you drive your car to work. (But please keep your eyes on the road!)

The ultimate key to breaking your personal scoring barrier is knowing your limitations. If you want to break 100, spend a little time developing some reliable fundamentals. If you want to break 90, start paying attention to the curve of your shots and make that trajectory work for you. If you want to break 80, get totally aware of your swing, because in golf, knowledge is power and familiarity breeds success.

Instead of looking for something new, why not try shoring up your preshot routine?

Breaking 100

Get set

If you struggle to break 100, odds are you don't know where the ball's going from one swing to the next, or even if it's going to go anywhere at all. The first step toward consistency is to work on your setup so it's the same every time. That's the only way your swing can be the same every time, too.

Grip: Set up the right way by starting with your left hand

Solid swings start with solid grips, and the most solid grips aren't manufactured; they're natural.

Grip the club with your left hand first, fitting the club into your hand as it hangs at your side. Then, with the club off the ground, fold your right hand onto the grip so your left thumb nestles into the lifeline of your right palm.

Note: Try not to worry too much about how many knuckles of your left hand are visible at address. Seeing two or three is fine, but more important, the position of your left hand on the club should mirror its natural position as it hangs by your side.

Perfect timing

There are a lot of elements to a good preshot routine, but they should be done quickly. If it takes longer than 10-15 seconds, then you've taken too much time.

If it feels good, it's probably wrong

When fixing your setup, realize that what feels comfortable actually can lead to swing flaws. The solution is to have a good teacher get you in the right position and then work on it until it feels natural.

Step back, take aim . . .

Pick your intermediate target from behind the ball.

If you take aim at address, your eyes will trick you, and you'll aim too far to the right.

Step up to the ball with purpose, precision

It's hard to hit the target if you're not aimed at it. First, square the clubface to an intermediate target (large photo). Then, step in (right foot then left), keeping your feet perpendicular to the target line. When the ball's on the ground, position it just off the left side of your face. When using your driving club, line up the ball with your left shoulder socket.

Finally, set up so your shoulders, hips and knees are parallel to the target line. Keep your lower back straight and let your arms hang so the butt of the club is about a fist's width from your legs (inset).

Breaking 90

Flight school

This may come as a shock, but the perfect shot in golf is not straight. A fade or draw actually gives you more margin for error. By learning to hit the ball with a consistent curve, you'll have doubled the size of your target, and hitting more fairways might lead to hitting more greens.

Do the math, make the swing: A formula for finding fairways

To break 90, you have to avoid the big numbers that start with bad tee shots. The best way to hit more fairways, though, is not by hitting the ball straight, but by getting it to curve consistently one way or the other. That way, you'll take one side of the golf course out of play. Confused?