In immediately’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 can provide help to play smarter, higher golf.
I’ve lengthy had the objective of turning into a scratch golfer. There’s no higher clout amongst leisure gamers than having 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 objective. 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 couple of 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 objective. Enchancment is never linear in golf, however this valley has lasted a bit of too lengthy for my liking.
After a tough 2023, I assumed that 2024 can be totally different — and for some time, it was. The season began with many encouraging indicators, and I put collectively a handful of strong 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 straightforward programs). In two of my final three rounds, I’ve struggled simply to interrupt 90. What began as such a promising season has as a substitute turn into one other summer time 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 spotted 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 needs to 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 training and taking part in, however I’ve not finished so underneath the attention of an expert. It’s no surprise my recreation has suffered.
Once you’re taking part in effectively, it may possibly appear as if you don’t must proceed taking classes — however that couldn’t be farther from the reality. Even if you’re taking part in effectively, seeing your professional on a considerably common foundation is essential. It’s straightforward to slide into dangerous habits together with your swing, however getting a checkup each month or so will maintain that from taking place.
As I proceed on this quest from enchancment, I’m making a dedication to getting a minimum of one lesson each six weeks. I’ve a hunch that it’ll be value my whereas.
2. Health routine
Now that I’ve turned 30, I’m making a degree to turn into extra severe about bodily health. That’s to not say I used to be a bum in my 20s, however if 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 objective, I’ve determined to begin utilizing the GolfForever Swing Coach. This piece of kit is an element swing coach, half health assist, and it’s utilized by plenty of execs, together with Scottie Scheffler.
I plan on beginning small with fundamental 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 can pay 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 device and pre-round warmup membership to construct power, mobility, pace, and consistency in your swing.
What’s Included
44.5-inch premium resistance coaching bar
Mild & 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
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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 finished fundamental 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 severe.
There are a selection of pace coaching aids out there proper now, however maybe the one with the perfect popularity is The Stack System. I obtained myself a few of their tools just a few years again, however by no means obtained round to attempting 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 units right here. We suggest 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 features
Fingers-free knowledge entry utilizing voice entry know-how
Consists of entry to Stack Placing (Beta) – Study extra
Consists of Single Person License – Permits coaching and monitoring for as much as 5 native (i.e. household) customers underneath one login.
Multi-user Coaches License license bought individually.
Entry TheStack App from the App Retailer when your order arrives. Requires iOS 15.0 or later.
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4. Again to ol’ dependable
Once I was youthful, I used to be a deadeye putter. I won’t 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 by means of a number of putter modifications lately. That’s hardly ever a recipe for achievement. So, I’m going again to ol’ dependable.
As a child, I gamed an Odyssey White Scorching No. 9 putter. I by no means a lot preferred the look of it, however I holed tons of putts with it. I believe it’s time to convey it out of retirement. It won’t be the “sexiest” putter, but when it may 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? Test again with me on the finish of the season. Meantime, in case you’re scuffling with your personal recreation, I’m hopeful half or all of my plan may also provide help to. Keep in mind, we’re on this enchancment factor collectively!
