Justin Thomas Reveals Common Mistake Amateur Golfers Make That Can Cost Up to 10 Shots a Round
Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images
Justin Thomas, the accomplished professional golfer, recently shared insights into a frustrating trend he observes among amateur players on the golf course. As a player with extensive experience and a strong pedigree—thanks to his father’s status as a respected PGA professional—Thomas has consistently offered valuable advice to everyday golfers aiming to improve their game.
Currently, Thomas is focused on recovery following back surgery he underwent late last year. As he looks towards a promising 2026 season, he continues to serve as a source of inspiration and wisdom for aspiring golfers, despite having recorded only one victory since May 2022.
The Most Common Mistake Amateur Golfers Make
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Thomas frequently interacts with amateur golfers during Pro-Am events on the PGA Tour, and he has identified a recurring mistake that many players make. In a Titleist instructional video released in April 2025, he emphasized the importance of understanding club selection, noting a common error he encounters among amateurs.
"Hitting the Right Club"
According to Thomas, a significant issue is that amateurs often fail to use enough club for their shots. He explained, "That’s number one. I see it every week in pro-ams. For some reason, amateurs never want to hit enough club. They’re holding onto the 9-iron they hit 150 yards back in 2003, and that’s how far they hit it. Just because you once hit your pitching wedge 150 yards doesn’t mean you still do."
This oversight can lead to difficulty on the course and negatively impact overall performance, potentially costing up to 10 shots in a single round.
Changing Mindsets for Improvement
The good news for amateur players is that rectifying this common mistake requires only a change in mindset rather than an overhaul of swing mechanics. Understanding your current capabilities can lead to significant improvements quickly.
Understanding Iron Distances: Belief vs. Reality
The average male golf handicap ranges from 14 to 17, which is where many golfers begin to overestimate their shot distances. It’s vital for players to base their decisions on factual data rather than memories of past performances.
To get a clearer picture of true yardage, follow these steps:
- Visit a golf range equipped with technology like TrackMan.
- Hit a minimum of 20 balls with each club.
- Record the average carry distance for each club.
This approach provides a realistic assessment of your swing distances, helping to eliminate reliance on outdated estimates.
By fostering self-awareness regarding iron distances, amateur golfers can significantly reduce their scores without altering their swing technique.
Final Thoughts
Justin Thomas’s insights serve as a reminder that even small changes in approach can lead to major improvements on the golf course. For amateurs looking to enhance their game, focusing on proper club selection is a vital step towards success.
Key Takeaways:
- Assess your true club distances using technology.
- Understand that reliance on past performances can lead to inaccuracies.
- Adopt a mindset geared towards learning and adapting.
For more insights on golf and player experiences, consider following the latest discussions and highlights:
- Max Homa shares his thoughts on the Good Good PGA Tour event.
- A streamer faces a ban from the PGA Tour after controversial actions at the WM Phoenix Open.
- Wesley Bryan chooses between the PGA Tour and LIV in a recent lie detector challenge.
