Why Mid-Handicap Golfers Tend to Get Stuck

Before we get into that let's look at some popular myths that prevail among club golfers and try to demystify them:

· The more time you spend at the range the better you get.

· Swing analysis is invaluable.

· Coaching sessions are essential through the early stages.

· He corrected my slice in 15 minutes, so he must be a great coach.

Let's tackle the first myth.

Does more range practice improve your game?

Not really! If pounding 200 balls on the range every day could improve your score on the course, then many more of us would have made it to the circuit each season. So, if hitting an insane number of balls at the range is not the answer, then what is?

John Paul Newport, editor Golf Journal, The Wall Street Journal, has this to say to the feeling many get after spending a whole lot of time at the range, that they are ready for the course, "Science has a name for this exalted state, but unfortunately it is not the 'flow' or 'in the zone'. It's the "illusion of competence... "

Rather than mindlessly hitting balls at the range, you could combine it with visualization for instance. This approach can embed the fundamentals of a good swing and its 'feel' in your system. And, once embedded you are able to replicate it most times while taking a shot.

The other thing is that at the range you hit the same shot again and again to a point where you begin to feel that you've more or less nailed it. The reality on the other hand being that on the course you get just one shot to make it right. If your range practice is helping you do that then yes, the range is working for you.

Questions you need to ask yourself

Given the time constraints club golfers in general are faced with, some significant ground can be gained by dividing the time between the range and effective visualization. The latter can be practiced at home, workplace, while commuting, or anywhere for that matter if a 15-min window is available.

One of the reasons for golf's decline in the US between 2003 and 2016 is attributed to the fact that people are finding it difficult to improve upon their game. The fact is each time you play below your expectations (or above your handicap) you tend to lose some interest. The reverse is true as well.

So, ask yourself these questions. Am I losing too many balls? Am I going to go into the lake? Am I losing too many games? Do I get the feeling that I might slice, hook, duff, or top each time I address the ball?

If the answers are mostly 'yes' then it's time you fix your game. Once that happens believe me you'll start enjoying your golf a lot more than you do now.