Consistency is essential in golf, and achieving it is not about perfection but about being able to replicate good shots over and over again. GOLF Top 100 Teacher Trent Wearner analyzes data from Tour pros to understand what consistency really looks like. Using scoring charts from players like Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler, Wearner highlights some key findings about consistency that can help players understand what it takes to be consistent on the course.
One key finding is that every player, regardless of skill level, has a scoring chart with a median score that they have a 50% chance of shooting above or below. Tour players typically have a range of about 15 strokes between their best and worst scores, with the lowest scores achieved when all parts of their game are firing on all cylinders. However, these low scores are rare and not something that can be expected on a consistent basis.
Similarly, high scores are also rare occurrences for Tour players, typically happening only once or twice a year when things are not going well on the course. Despite these fluctuations, the average score of a Tour player is much closer to their median score than their best or worst scores. This highlights the difficulty of consistently producing low scores in golf due to the nature of the game.
Wearner advises players to focus on lowering their median score rather than obsessing over their best or worst scores. By identifying weaknesses in their game and working to improve them, players can become more consistent on the course. Additionally, players should not give up during a round, as the key to improvement lies in maintaining composure and minimizing the impact of bad rounds on their overall scoring average.
Improving consistency in golf requires a combination of skill development and mental toughness. By focusing on daily improvement in areas of weakness, players can work towards lowering their median score and becoming more consistent overall. The ability to salvage a decent score on days when things are not going well is a valuable skill that can help players elevate their game and achieve greater levels of success on the course.
Overall, consistency in golf is about being able to perform at a high level consistently, rather than achieving perfection every time. By understanding the principles of consistency and applying them to their own game, players can work towards improving their performance and becoming more reliable on the course. With practice, dedication, and a focus on improvement, players can enhance their consistency and ultimately shave strokes off their game.
