The Golfing Monkey’s Dilemma
I’ve been coaching golf for over two decades, and I’ve seen it all – the good, the bad, and the downright comical. One thing that never ceases to amaze me is the relentless pursuit of the “secret” to golf by the average weekend warrior. They’re convinced that if they can just unlock that one elusive trick, their game will be transformed overnight.
Let me tell you, the real secret isn’t some fancy grip adjustment or a complex swing thought – it’s good old-fashioned practice, and a focus on the fundamentals. I’ve heard it all, from the guy who swears he’s found the “perfect” driver weight configuration, to the one who thinks the key is to “lag the club” on the downswing. [1] The truth is, the worst putter on the PGA Tour still averages better than most recreational golfers. [1] So if you’re struggling to break 90, the answer isn’t in trying to emulate the tour pros – it’s in honing your short game.
The Power of Putting
I’ll never forget the day a highly successful financial executive came to my golf school. During lunch, he made an insightful observation: “The ones who know, don’t tell. The ones who don’t know, tell.” [1] And that, my friends, is the crux of the golfing monkey’s dilemma.
These self-proclaimed experts love to spout off complicated swing theories and club-fitting strategies, all while ignoring the most important aspect of the game – putting. Think about it, if you can consistently get your putts down to 32 per round (which is the average for the worst putter on tour), you’d instantly shave 6 strokes off your score. [1] That’s the difference between a 95 and an 89 – without even hitting the ball a single shot better.
Embrace Your Inner Player
So why do so many golfers insist on chasing the latest swing “secret” instead of focusing on their putting? It’s simple – it’s a lot more fun to tinker with your driver and experiment with different ball flights than it is to spend hour after hour on the practice green. But here’s the thing – the truly great players, the ones who consistently shoot in the 60s and 70s, they know that putting is the foundation of a good score. [1]
As the old saying goes, “The ones that know, don’t tell.” [1] The best players in the world aren’t wasting their time searching for the next big swing revelation. They’re out there, day in and day out, honing their touch around the greens. And that, my friends, is the real secret to golf. So stop chasing the latest fad, and embrace your inner player. Get out there and practice your putting – your scores will thank you.
Mastering the Short Game
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Marc, I’m a pretty good putter already. It’s my driver that’s holding me back.” Well, let me tell you, even if you’re a decent putter, there’s always room for improvement. [1] And if you can shave just a few more putts off your round, the impact on your scores can be dramatic.
Think about it this way – if you’re a 95 shooter who 3-putts twice per round, that’s 6 strokes right there. [1] Improve your putting, and suddenly you’re an 89 shooter. And that’s without even touching your full swing. It’s the low-hanging fruit, the easiest way to start shaving strokes off your scorecard.
The 84-Degree Secret
But it’s not just about putting, my friends. There’s another secret that the best players in the world have mastered – the 84-degree swing plane. [7] This little-known gem is all about properly positioning your body throughout the swing, so that you can consistently deliver the club face to the ball in the perfect impact position.
Think about it like this – imagine a line running up the outside of your right leg, through your shoulder, and just grazing the side of your head. [7] That line should form an 84-degree angle with the vertical. Get that line dialed in, and you’ll be amazed at how much more solid and consistent your ball striking becomes. [7]
Putting it All Together
So, there you have it – the real secrets to golf, straight from the horse’s mouth. Forget about the latest swing fads and club technologies, and focus on the fundamentals. Spend more time on the practice green, and less time chasing the latest “secret.” And don’t be afraid to get a little technical – mastering the 84-degree swing plane can pay huge dividends in your ball striking.
Remember, the best players in the world aren’t searching for the next big thing – they’re out there, day in and day out, perfecting the basics. So take a page from their playbook, and start embracing your inner player. Your scores will thank you.
