01/06/2026
As a Coach:
I have been asked recently a few times by players; “If I want to improve what should I focus on”
Now this is a tough question without knowing the ins and outs of a players game. However a general rule of thumb based on my many years coaching and working with players is below:
1️⃣Beginners- High Handicapper’s: improve your tee shots, stop wasting shots by hitting out of bounds and into hazards. Find your shot shape and work with it whilst working to improve it in the long run. If you keep your tee ball in play and reduce penalties and chip outs you’ll score better.
2️⃣ Mid Range Handicapper’s: improve your iron play, don’t worry about how far you hit that 7i but worry about how often it’s giving you a putt next shot. Learn your dispersion pattern and work to improve it, take the club you actually need not the one your ego says to hit. Hit more greens and closer and you’ll score better.
3️⃣ High Single Digit Handicapper’s: Wedge Play/Pitching, learn to control the flight and carry of these shots, be comfortable using several wedges to play inside 80m and you’ll see your scores lower.
4️⃣Low Single Digit - Scratch Handicapper’s: improve your chipping, add to the toolbox, become confident with loft in your hand and playing from various lies with various clubs. When you start turning 5-6ft into 2-3ft you’ll see your scores tumble further.
5️⃣ Elite - Plus Handicapper’s: Improve your putting, the best in the world are averaging 28 putts per round, forget measuring off 36putts and start measuring off 28putts, learn to hole those clutch 6-8ft putts and you’re game will see vast improvement.
For more help with your game get a free swing analysis or game analysis on the at my profile Danny Bird
