Why Overthinking Your Misses Can Ruin Your Golf Round

When you hit a bad shot, don’t automatically try a quick swing fix — it could lead to wrecking your whole round.
Getty Images

The Common Pitfalls of Amateur Golfers

One of the most prevalent issues I observe in amateur golfers is their intense focus on ball flight and the impulse to quickly "fix" any mistakes. This approach can derail an entire round of golf.

The Danger of Knee-Jerk Adjustments

Making adjustments after each mishit is a slippery slope. It’s crucial to understand that one bad shot—or even one bad hole—does not establish a trend. Identifying and comprehending your miss patterns takes time. The objective should be to work with these patterns rather than against them.

Typical Scenario Post Tee-Off

Imagine this common situation: a golfer blocks their drive into the right trees. On the next shot—while making a punch-out—they significantly alter their swing, perhaps by closing the clubface or accelerating their release. The consequence? The following shot veers left, and the cycle continues: right, left, right, left. This erratic pattern, often referred to as “Army golf,” is less than enjoyable.

Emphasizing Warm-Up and Observation

I advise my students to take the time to gather data during their warm-up sessions. It’s essential to pay attention to the consistency and patterns of their misses, observing how these patterns manifest on the course during the first few holes.

If your shots exhibit the same behavior on the range as they do on the course, you’ve likely established your miss pattern for the day. Embrace that trend and adapt your play accordingly for the rest of the round. Ignoring or fighting against your trend can make it nearly impossible to control your ball flight.

The Importance of Practicing with a Target

Many amateurs either skip the warm-up or fail to identify their patterns because they don’t practice with a defined target. When faced with an unexpected shot on the first hole that doesn’t align with the ideal shot they envisioned, panic sets in. However, how can you be sure that first shot was an anomaly? In reality, you cannot.

Avoiding a Cycle of Desperation

Constantly adjusting swing mechanics leads to further complications. Remember: one shot, two shots, or even a single hole doesn’t establish a trend. It could merely result from timing issues, nerves, or a difficult lie.

Understanding Your Misses

Give yourself the time to understand your misses. Once a discernible trend becomes clear, adjust your aim for the remainder of the round accordingly.

Enhancing Your Game with DECADE Golf

For golfers looking to deepen their understanding of shot patterns and miss tendencies, exploring Scott Fawcett’s DECADE Golf system is highly beneficial. This system focuses on recognizing your tendencies, aiming away from potential trouble, and effectively managing misses.

Mastering Your Misses

By managing your misses, you’ll gain better control over your scores. Embrace your patterns, make informed adjustments, and ultimately enjoy a more successful round of golf.

Featured Product

Perfect Putting Mat™ – Compact Edition

Trusted & Used By 100+ PGA / LPGA Tour Pros
Price: $129.99 from Fairway Jockey

By adhering to these principles, you can transform your approach to golf, turning potential frustrations into proficient play. Controlling your misses will lead to improved performance on the course.