Breaking 80: Cementing a spot in A-grade

By PGA of Australia Teaching Professional Rob Richards

Only 14 percent of male golfers ever get to a single-figure handicap. That number is lower for female players. So breaking 80 regularly is a good result and an excellent target to aim for.

To better that mark consistently, good players should analyse certain aspects of their ball-striking and adjust accordingly.

Here are five aspects of your swing to monitor to maintain your ability to stay in A grade.

 1. COPY A PRO

There is a chance your swing may be recognised as similar to a good professional golfer because we all at some stage try to mimic the best, like I am (above) in ‘channelling’ Tom Watson. Your PGA professional will pick it straight away and then can mould your swing in detail, even down to the pre-shot routine. If you have a model to work from your pathway to breaking 80 all the time will be clearer.

2. BALL FLIGHT

Look at the shape of your shots to work out path and clubface control. Generally if your ball flight starts left and cuts back, the club moves from ‘out to in’ with an open clubface at impact. You need to adjust the path to get a correct divot line.

 3. DIVOT

This is a dead giveaway about the health of your swing. Watch the depth and direction of your divot to find the pathway of the club and angle of attack. If you’re not taking a divot after the ball, change your angle of attack to the ball. The white line drill (pictured right) will help.

4. SOUND

Correct compression of the ball makes a big difference to the performance of iron shots and the consistency of iron shot distances. You will work out a good sound from bad. An upgrade to a softer metal and/or forged irons will certainly help you differentiate between good and bad.

 5. PRACTISE

Any practice of any section of your game is paramount to improvement. Exercise the golf swing even when you’re away from the course. I suggest swinging a club every day of your life.

ROB RICHARDS is the PGA teaching professional at Warringah GC in Sydney. To book a lesson with Rob, visit his website www.warringahpro.com.au or call (02) 9905 1326.