In right now’s version of Play Smart, GOLF.com’s Zephyr Melton explains how he plans to repair his floundering golf game.
Zephyr Melton
Welcome to Play Smart, an everyday GOLF.com game-improvement column that may assist you play smarter, higher golf.
I’ve lengthy had the aim of turning into a scratch golfer. There’s no better clout amongst leisure gamers than having the ability to say you’re a scratch golfer. Among weekend warriors, scratch is king.
Over the final 5 or so years, I’ve made marked progress towards that aim. I’ve labored my handicap index as little as 3 on quite a few events, and I’ve gotten a peek of that elusive scratch-handicap mountaintop. But every time, that low-single-digit index is so far as I’ve gotten. Shaving these previous few strokes have proved elusive.
The final two seasons have been notably discouraging in my quest to achieve scratch. After a couple of seasons enjoying among the greatest golf of my life, 2023 and 2024 have been my two worst seasons since instituting my scratch aim. Improvement is hardly ever linear in golf, however this valley has lasted just a little too lengthy for my liking.
After a tough 2023, I believed that 2024 could be totally different — and for some time, it was. The season began with many encouraging indicators, and I put collectively a handful of strong rounds. My index was again under 4, and I lastly felt like I used to be gaining momentum once more. Over the previous month or so, although, I’ve hit all-time low.
I’ve performed seven rounds since early June, and I’ve damaged 80 simply twice (on very straightforward programs). In two of my final three rounds, I’ve struggled simply to interrupt 90. What began as such a promising season has as a substitute turn out to be one other summer season slog.
I’ve determined I’ve had sufficient of enjoying unhealthy golf. And with roughly half the season left in entrance of me, I’m devoted to fixing my game. Here’s my 4-part (hopeful!) repair.
1. Get classes
When I look again at my greatest seasons of late, I noticed there was an apparent cause I performed so effectively: I used to be taking classes. When I say “taking lessons,” I don’t imply I used to be seeing my professional each week, however I used to be getting my swing checked out as soon as each couple months. And for a single-digit handicap, that ought to be greater than sufficient to maintain issues so as.
Over the final two seasons, I’ve not taken a single swing lesson. I’ve nonetheless been diligent about training and enjoying, however I’ve not executed so beneath the attention of an expert. It’s no marvel my game has suffered.
When you’re enjoying effectively, it can appear as if you don’t have to proceed taking classes — however that couldn’t be farther from the reality. Even if you’re enjoying effectively, seeing your professional on a considerably common foundation is essential. It’s straightforward to slide into unhealthy habits together with your swing, however getting a checkup each month or so will maintain that from taking place.
As I proceed on this quest from enchancment, I’m making a dedication to getting at the least one lesson each six weeks. I’ve a hunch that it’ll be value my whereas.
2. Fitness routine
Now that I’ve turned 30, I’m making a degree to turn out to be extra severe about bodily health. That’s to not say I used to be a bum in my 20s, however if you’re younger it’s simpler to slack off and get away with it. I do know these days are numbered, although, and if I need to play my greatest golf I’ll have to take higher care of my physique.
To begin working towards this aim, I’ve determined to begin utilizing the GolfCeaselessly Swing Trainer. This piece of kit is half swing coach, half health support, and it’s utilized by various professionals, together with Scottie Scheffler.
I plan on beginning small with primary at-home exercises and utilizing the Swing Trainer to dial in my golf muscle tissue. As I get stronger and extra in form, I’ll introduce extra to my routine. I’m optimistic that maintaining myself in higher form can pay dividends in my game.
GolfForever Swing Trainer
$199.99
THE MOST EFFECTIVE GOLF TRAINING TOOL EVER CREATED
Driven by personalized video routines in the GolfForever app, this first-of-its-kind golf training system embodies both an at-home workout tool and pre-round warmup club to build strength, mobility, speed, and consistency in your swing.
What’s Included
44.5-inch premium resistance training bar
Light & Medium resistance band with nylon safety sleeve
2 15-inch resistance band handles
D3 swing weight ball attachment
Overloaded quick-interchange ball attachment
2 polymer carabiners
Door connector
Carry Bag
30-Day Free Trial to the GolfForever App
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3. Speed coaching
I’ve by no means been the longest participant, however I’ve made my size work over the course of my {golfing} life. As I play with higher and higher gamers, although, I can see how a lot my lack of distance is hurting me. I’ve determined it’s time to go on a chase for distance.
I’ve executed primary velocity coaching drills up to now, and I’ve truly added some mph to my clubhead velocity over the previous a number of years. But now, it’s time to get severe.
There are various velocity coaching aids available in the market proper now, however maybe the one with the perfect repute is The Stack System. I acquired myself a few of their tools a couple of years again, however by no means acquired round to attempting it — till now. With my stroke-shaving mission in full impact, I’m going to make velocity coaching an everyday a part of my routine.
TheStack Swing Speed Trainer (Hardware + App Bundle)
$314 (was $349)
TheStack Hardware
5 milled Stack weights enable 30 weight combinations between 0g and 300g
Dual-purpose weight case / phone stand
Highly engineered training club – Adult (41.5″) or Junior (38.5″) version (see Fitting Juniors)
Speed radar not included. View all compatible devices here. We recommend the PRGR
TheStack App Training
2-year License included, accessible on iOS only.
Dynamic speed training formulated by Dr. Sasho MacKenzie
Guided workout timer for reps, sets, and rest intervals
Custom speed metrics to track your gains
Hands-free data entry using voice entry technology
Includes access to Stack Putting (Beta) – Learn more
Includes Single User License – Enables training and tracking for up to five local (i.e. family) users under one login.
Multi-user Coaches License license sold separately.
Access TheStack App from the App Store when your order arrives. Requires iOS 15.0 or later.
View Product
4. Back to ol’ dependable
When I used to be youthful, I used to be a deadeye putter. I won’t have been the longest participant, however I might make putts with the perfect of them. Now…not a lot.
I can’t say for sure why I’ve misplaced my contact on the greens, however I do know that I’ve gone by means of a number of putter modifications lately. That’s hardly ever a recipe for success. So, I’m going again to ol’ dependable.
As a child, I gamed an Odyssey White Hot No. 9 putter. I by no means a lot appreciated the look of it, however I holed tons of putts with it. I believe it’s time to convey it out of retirement. It won’t be the “sexiest” putter, but when it could make putts, I don’t care. It’s time to return to what works — optics be damned.
So there you’ve got it, my 4-part plan. Will it work? Check again with me on the finish of the season. Meantime, should you’re battling your individual game, I’m hopeful half or all of my plan may also assist you. Remember, we’re on this enchancment factor collectively!
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