One of the positive things about living and playing golf in the Northeastern U.S. is that each new season brings new hope for an improved game. But much like a New Year’s resolution, most of us fail to maintain our original plan and fall into the comfort of mediocrity. During the next few months, I’ll give you some plans and ideas that will help you on your way to better golf.

For those of you who have recently purchased a non-conforming driver in the $500 price range, shame on you. You would get more value for your dollars with a good swing coach who can help you design a plan of attack for improving your game.

One of the things we can do is evaluate our game to see where we can improve. Some items include, but are not limited to: BALL STRIKING; putting, chipping/pitching, scoring wedges, iron play, fairway woods, tee shots ... MENTAL PREPARATION; attitude, course management, positive thinking, pre-shot routine, knowledge of the rules ... EQUIPMENT CHECK; do your clubs fit ... SET MAKEUP; are you carrying a 1,2,3, or 4 iron -- depending on swing speed you could be a candidate for a more lofted utility wood. Do you have
gaps at the end of your set? If you are playing with a modern set of irons, odds are your pitching wedge has around 45 degrees of loft and your sand wedge has 55 degrees of loft, hence the creation of the gap wedge. These gaps need to be covered in the scoring end of your set ... PHYSICAL FITNESS; flexibility, strength and stamina are keys to improving your game. These are just some of the questions you and your golf professional should discuss.

If you did happen to buy a non-conforming driver, and you’re still reading this, good! Go sit down with your local PGA Professional and make a commitment to improve your golf. Give him or her $500 and see which investment improves your game the most. I guarantee I know the answer to that one. Until next time.

Fairways and Greens,

Mike Dynda

Note:
Mike Dynda is The Director of Instruction at the Blue Bell Country Club. He can be reached for comments, suggestions, or anything else at md42@pga.com.