A monthly guide to the scoring basics - self-assessment techniques for golfers - Brief Article

Golf Digest, Jan, 2000 by Peter Kostis

Golf Digest Teaching Professional

Average golfers, as a rule, aren't big on being realistic. Almost everyone tends to think he or she is at least a little--if not a lot--better than the last number on the scorecard. As an example, think about the first time you saw your swing on videotape. Shocking, wasn't it? How could the camera make your swing look so oafish? Well, as I've found out on more than one occasion in my television experience, the camera doesn't lie.

One of the first rules, regardless of your level of play, is to understand precisely where you are, not where you think you are. That way, instead of practicing just what you're good at, you'll spend some time working on those areas of your game that aren't so fun for you.

Instead of guessing, go out and really assess where you need help. There are two simple ways you can do this:

First, to assess your potential, play a nine-hole scramble with yourself. If your goal is to break 100, play with four balls; take three balls if you're trying to break 90 and two if you want to break 80. Play from the location of your best shot every time and see what your score is. Not only will this show you your potential, it will also give your self-confidence a little boost.

Of course, don't try to do this on a Saturday morning. Sneak out late one evening or take a half-day vacation and play nine first thing on a Tuesday morning. Whatever, just get it done.

The second game is designed to reveal your weaknesses. Play just two balls this time for nine holes, but instead of playing the best ball, play the worst. If you hit two drives and both are in the boonies, then obviously you need to work on your driver (and you probably should start reaching for the 3-wood a little more). If you manage to put both balls in the fairway but you can't hit the green with two tries, then your irons need some sharpening. Again, nine holes will be enough to tell the story. Like the first time you see your swing on tape, you may not like what you see, but it will give you a true picture of where you really are.

How good can you be? Play more than one ball and you'll find out.