🎯 Misusing a Laser Rangefinder
Many modern rangefinders include a slope function that calculates elevation changes to provide more accurate distances. However, this feature is illegal for tournament play, and players must disable it when competing. Some models make disabling the function easier than others, so it’s important to check and ensure compliance.
⛳ Letting Ego Influence Club Choice
Many amateur golfers want to use the same clubs as professional players, such as blades or low-handicap irons, but these are not always the best fit. Players should be open to using forgiving club models, like cavity back irons or hybrid-style clubs, which can significantly improve consistency and performance. Experimenting with different club lengths, grips, and putter styles can also lead to better results.
🏌️♂️ Focusing Only on Distance
While hitting the ball farther is a growing trend, distance should not be the only factor when choosing new clubs. Extra distance can create gapping issues in a set, leading to inconsistent results. Additionally, drivers designed purely for distance may have low spin rates, making off-center shots more erratic. Instead, players should balance distance and accuracy when selecting new clubs.
👟 Using Old Golf Shoes
Worn-out golf shoes can reduce stability, traction, and comfort, leading to inconsistent swings. Many players continue using old shoes for years, unaware of how they negatively impact their performance. Upgrading to newer golf shoes provides better grip and support, especially in wet or uneven conditions.
🔄 Ignoring Iron Set Distance Gaps
Modern irons are designed with stronger lofts, meaning they hit the ball farther than older models. This can lead to larger distance gaps between irons and wedges. Players must carefully check their loft gapping and adjust wedge selection to maintain consistent yardage distances, typically ensuring a 4-6 degree loft gap between wedges.
📊 Failing to Edit Shot Tracking Data
Many golfers use shot tracking apps like Arccos or Shot Scope to analyze their performance. However, without editing the data, results can be inaccurate. For example, if a golfer uses a 7-iron for a low punch shot from trees, the app might record the shot as an average distance, leading to misleading data. Regularly cleaning up shot records ensures better club selection and strategy.
⚡ Avoiding Combo Iron Sets
Some golfers resist using combo iron sets (mixing different iron models within the same set) due to resale value concerns. However, combining forgiving long irons with precision short irons often leads to better performance. Golfers should focus on building the best-performing set rather than worrying about future resale.
🏌️ Using Different Golf Balls Each Round
Switching between different golf ball brands and models affects spin rates, trajectory, and distance control. To maintain consistency in feel and performance, players should test different golf balls, find the best fit for their game, and stick with a single model for all rounds. Buying in bulk (2-3 dozen at a time) ensures consistency over multiple months of play.
