7 Biggest Strategy Mistakes Golfers Make! Golf Monthly

► In this video, Neil Tappin takes a look at the 7 biggest strategy mistakes golfers make from lag putting to flag hunting.

►Feel free to comment below!

►Remember to hit that LIKE button if you enjoyed it :)

[jimmason]

I dropped my handicap from a 15 to a 9 just by playing more conservativelt: hitting 3iron or 3wood off the tee and aiming for the middle of the green and taking my three putts :)  Once I got to a 9, I managed to knock two strokes off my handicap by switching back to hitting driver on par fours and fives. Go figure.

[Eaglez]

Gave up driver 3 years ago and gave up less than 5 yards. I hit more fairways, in addition to the 13 degree 3 wood I also carry 2 hybrid and 4 hybrid. 5-SW irons. At age 71, still a single digit index.

[priayief]

Great video! Thanks.


Years ago when I started playing the game, the superstars were Nicklaus, Trevino, Watson, Player and Palmer. I read an article talking about what made these players so good. I don't remember much of the article except for this comment by the author: It went like this ... most golfers don't have the natural ability and coordination to play golf like these superstars. But these superstars aren't mental geniuses. Most golfers have enough intelligence to think like a superstar. The superstars didn't become great based only on their physical ability. They learned to manage their game according to how they were playing at a particular time. And they learned sound course management. The average golfer has the tools to compete with these guys on an intellectual level. Great message and one that I'll never forget.

[stevesmith]

Every golfer should watch this video. Excellent.

[shaner]

Fantastic vid, Neil! Some really great data to back these points up!
Here is a summary for those in a hurry:
7. Find out how far you carry each club & use those as your go-to numbers.
6. If you must hit the ball straight off the tee, choose a club you know you can hit straight (might not be the fairway wood).
5. Aim for the centre of the green (make less double bogeys).
4. Pace your putts to stop 18 inches past the hole.
3. Players hit the ball closer to the hole from closer to the green. Laying up to a full swing shot may not be helping you as much as you think.
2. Data shows golfers with over a 13 handicap tend to be more successful using hybrids instead of long irons.
1. Understand what side of the fairway you miss most often off the tee (left or right). Use this information to base your strategy around.

[jimbeaver]

My 5 iron is my go to for accuracy, when the fairway gets narrow or to avoid a hazzard. I can drive 200 with it, or lay up a 150 yard approach. I hit it straight almost always and catch it clean. I could play with only the 5 and a putter.

[glennwiebe]

I found the stats regarding 80% of approach shots are short of pin high simply remarkable. I have, for the most part, been a part of the 20%. Mind you, I usually shoot in the 80's and occasionally, in the mid 70's. The facts regarding hybrids vs long irons was also interesting. Being almost 60 yrs young, I have not switched over to having hybrids in my bag. I have never felt the need. My irons are what now are called traditional lofts and old school. I don't need a new 7 iron that plays like my 5 iron and can't stop on the green downwind. Depending on the course, I still carry a 2 iron and can easily carry it 230. I suspect that the push for hybrids has come largely from manufacturers. But for those who struggle with confidence from longer distances out, hybrids can be a blessing. Great video.

[rkelley]

Great point... aim for green center on approach.

This eliminates a lot of negative mental energy
...sometimes

[whitneymacdonald]

Helpful info for an "improving" golfer. Thanks.

[joeboyle]

Good presentation of strategy, backed up by solid data. Confirms what I suspected that I almost always under-club. Many thanks.

[roberthind]

I carry each club in the bag about 4 miles

[jayfangRSA]

Interesting on the Fairway Wood accuracy off the tee. I have taken to choking down and 3/4 swing on driver if need either shorter / more accurate shot.

[gfyd]

Love the videos Neil. Keep em coming. I think you should focus on maintaining your spine angle through the shot for maximum consistency. Allowing the momentum of your swing to stand you up straight is fine. You look like you’re initiating the loss of spine angle before impact, and you are doing it on short shots too. This is evidence that it’s hard wired into your central nervous system for all shots. This might be a tough fix.

[stuartlowe]

Great helpful vid. but …. Are you referring to handicap index or just the shots you take at your home course ?

[yadthink]

Great data! I'm amazed the 3-wood is practically no more accurate in hitting fairways than the driver! It'd be interesting to see the accuracy results for golfers hitting driver but gripping down to match the shaft length of a 3-wood.

[mikejarrett]

An excellent product , doesn't miss many shots !

[stefancoors]

Interpreting these stats is awesome, both on a personal as on a wider audience ie all shotscope users.
More of this, please

[sas]

I really liked this video, especially the data and the scientific approach. I’m a 34 handicap, new to golf and I need you talking in my ear when I’m about to play a stupid shot. It’s only when I get to the ball that I realise if I’d used a club less I wouldn’t have made the bunker/if I had used a club more I wouldn’t have come up 2 yards short of the green and rolled 30 yards down a steep hill.

[oumagic]

Really good stuff here. I think that if you combine tip one and five, most golfers are better off hitting to the safest back of every green. Most golfers do not hit the distance that they think they do and as you said, most approach shots miss short. If most golfers aim for the back and widest part of the green, I think their scores will improve.

[pierochicco]

What stuff are you using to get all the data from your irons? May you tell me the brand? Thanks!