In at the moment’s version of Play Good, GOLF.com’s Zephyr Melton explains how he plans to repair his floundering golf recreation.
Zephyr Melton
Welcome to Play Good, a daily GOLF.com game-improvement column that may provide help to play smarter, higher golf.
I’ve lengthy had the purpose of changing into a scratch golfer. There’s no better clout amongst leisure gamers than with the ability to say you’re a scratch golfer. Amongst weekend warriors, scratch is king.
During the last 5 or so years, I’ve made marked progress towards that purpose. I’ve labored my handicap index as little as 3 on quite a few events, and I’ve gotten a peek of that elusive scratch-handicap mountaintop. However every time, that low-single-digit index is so far as I’ve gotten. Shaving these previous few strokes have proved elusive.
The final two seasons have been significantly discouraging in my quest to succeed in scratch. After just a few seasons taking part in a number of the greatest golf of my life, 2023 and 2024 have been my two worst seasons since instituting my scratch purpose. Enchancment isn’t linear in golf, however this valley has lasted just a little too lengthy for my liking.
After a tough 2023, I assumed that 2024 can be completely different — and for some time, it was. The season began with many encouraging indicators, and I put collectively a handful of stable rounds. My index was again under 4, and I lastly felt like I used to be gaining momentum once more. Over the previous month or so, although, I’ve hit all-time low.
I’ve performed seven rounds since early June, and I’ve damaged 80 simply twice (on very simple programs). In two of my final three rounds, I’ve struggled simply to interrupt 90. What began as such a promising season has as an alternative turn out to be one other summer season slog.
I’ve determined I’ve had sufficient of taking part in dangerous golf. And with roughly half the season left in entrance of me, I’m devoted to fixing my recreation. Right here’s my 4-part (hopeful!) repair.
1. Get classes
Once I look again at my greatest seasons of late, I noticed there was an apparent motive I performed so effectively: I used to be taking classes. Once I say “taking classes,” I don’t imply I used to be seeing my professional each week, however I used to be getting my swing checked out as soon as each couple months. And for a single-digit handicap, that must be greater than sufficient to maintain issues so as.
During the last two seasons, I’ve not taken a single swing lesson. I’ve nonetheless been diligent about practising and taking part in, however I’ve not executed so underneath the attention of knowledgeable. It’s no surprise my recreation has suffered.
Whenever you’re taking part in effectively, it could possibly appear as if you don’t must proceed taking classes — however that couldn’t be farther from the reality. Even whenever you’re taking part in effectively, seeing your professional on a considerably common foundation is essential. It’s simple to slide into dangerous habits along with your swing, however getting a checkup each month or so will maintain that from occurring.
As I proceed on this quest from enchancment, I’m making a dedication to getting no less than one lesson each six weeks. I’ve a hunch that it’ll be price my whereas.
2. Health routine
Now that I’ve turned 30, I’m making a degree to turn out to be extra critical about bodily health. That’s to not say I used to be a bum in my 20s, however whenever you’re younger it’s simpler to slack off and get away with it. I do know these days are numbered, although, and if I need to play my greatest golf I’ll must take higher care of my physique.
To start out working towards this purpose, I’ve determined to begin utilizing the GolfForever Swing Coach. This piece of apparatus is an element swing coach, half health help, and it’s utilized by numerous professionals, together with Scottie Scheffler.
I plan on beginning small with primary at-home exercises and utilizing the Swing Coach to dial in my golf muscle tissue. As I get stronger and extra in form, I’ll introduce extra to my routine. I’m optimistic that maintaining myself in higher form pays dividends in my recreation.
GolfForever Swing Coach
$199.99
THE MOST EFFECTIVE GOLF TRAINING TOOL EVER CREATED
Pushed by personalised video routines within the GolfForever app, this first-of-its-kind golf coaching system embodies each an at-home exercise instrument and pre-round warmup membership to construct energy, mobility, pace, and consistency in your swing.
What’s Included
44.5-inch premium resistance coaching bar
Gentle & Medium resistance band with nylon security sleeve
2 15-inch resistance band handles
D3 swing weight ball attachment
Overloaded quick-interchange ball attachment
2 polymer carabiners
Door connector
Carry Bag
30-Day Free Trial to the GolfForever App
View Product
3. Pace coaching
I’ve by no means been the longest participant, however I’ve made my size work over the course of my {golfing} life. As I play with higher and higher gamers, although, I can see how a lot my lack of distance is hurting me. I’ve determined it’s time to go on a chase for distance.
I’ve executed primary pace coaching drills up to now, and I’ve really added some mph to my clubhead pace over the previous a number of years. However now, it’s time to get critical.
There are a variety of pace coaching aids available in the market proper now, however maybe the one with the perfect popularity is The Stack System. I acquired myself a few of their gear just a few years again, however by no means acquired round to making an attempt it — till now. With my stroke-shaving mission in full impact, I’m going to make pace coaching a daily a part of my routine.
TheStack Swing Pace Coach ({Hardware} + App Bundle)
$314 (was $349)
TheStack {Hardware}
5 milled Stack weights allow 30 weight mixtures between 0g and 300g
Twin-purpose weight case / cellphone stand
Extremely engineered coaching membership – Grownup (41.5″) or Junior (38.5″) model (see Becoming Juniors)
Pace radar not included. View all suitable gadgets right here. We advocate the PRGR
TheStack App Coaching
2-year License included, accessible on iOS solely.
Dynamic pace coaching formulated by Dr. Sasho MacKenzie
Guided exercise timer for reps, units, and relaxation intervals
Customized pace metrics to trace your positive aspects
Arms-free information entry utilizing voice entry know-how
Consists of entry to Stack Placing (Beta) – Be taught extra
Consists of Single Consumer License – Allows coaching and monitoring for as much as 5 native (i.e. household) customers underneath one login.
Multi-user Coaches License license offered individually.
Entry TheStack App from the App Retailer when your order arrives. Requires iOS 15.0 or later.
View Product
4. Again to ol’ dependable
Once I was youthful, I used to be a deadeye putter. I may not have been the longest participant, however I might make putts with the perfect of them. Now…not a lot.
I can’t say for sure why I’ve misplaced my contact on the greens, however I do know that I’ve gone via a number of putter modifications in recent times. That’s hardly ever a recipe for fulfillment. So, I’m going again to ol’ dependable.
As a child, I gamed an Odyssey White Sizzling No. 9 putter. I by no means a lot appreciated the look of it, however I holed tons of putts with it. I feel it’s time to convey it out of retirement. It may not be the “sexiest” putter, but when it could possibly make putts, I don’t care. It’s time to return to what works — optics be damned.
So there you could have it, my 4-part plan. Will it work? Examine again with me on the finish of the season. Meantime, should you’re battling your individual recreation, I’m hopeful half or all of my plan also can provide help to. Bear in mind, we’re on this enchancment factor collectively!
