Reset Expectations

By Jimmy Damiano, PGA

What do all avid golfers have in common? We all have the desire to shoot lower scores and to have more fun! But how do we go about doing that? The simple answer is better management. Management of what?

Having coached golfers of all skill levels for over 20 years has enabled me to create a template for lowering my athletes’ scores. Manage these three areas well and you, too, will shoot lower scores:

1). MANAGE the appropriate expectation levels:

Almost every student I coach needs to lower their expectations at some point. One thing I often remind my players is that golf is a challenging sport for PGA and LPGA Tour professionals and these are golfers that practice and play six days a week. So, if you are a club golfer and play on the weekends then you need to have an entirely different outlook on your expectation level, especially if you have not spent a great deal of time sharpening your edges over the last several weeks or months. I find that students often become frustrated when they don’t meet the high expectations they have set for themselves. These high expectations usually stem from successful careers in business or in prior sports endeavors. My honest advice, keep your expectations low!

2). MANAGE your ability to hit the green from inside one hundred yards with one try:

Managing this area of your game is where the real work begins. Coaching club golfers has inspired me to come up with my own GIR (greens in regulation) stat. I call it “Greens in Regulation Plus One.” The real meaning behind it is quite simple. If you can hit your golf ball on the green in three strokes (on a par four) you will be putting for a par.

Putting yourself into a position to hit the green in regulation Plus One is most often a result of good course management. Sometimes making the decision to hit a short iron instead a fairway wood on the second shot is difficult. Jim McLean taught me a strategy many years ago, the divide by two theory. When faced with more than a few hundred yards for a second shot, club players should divide their distance to the green by two. For example, a 230 yard approach becomes two 115 yard shots.

Play the higher percentage shot!

Now comes the fun part. We need to be savvy when executing a variety of approach shots from inside 100 yards. These shots include green side bunkers blasts, shots along the ground that run, and shots that go up in the air and stop. This is an area of the game that my players are required to practice and keep sharp. It is important that they can not only make solid contact but have a good idea of what club and what swing length or swing speed they need from different yardages. I suggest spending some time with your laser and the following clubs: LW, SW, GW, PW, 9 iron. Most shots inside 100 yards are going to be less than full swings. Give yourself a matrix of 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 or 7:00, 9:00, 11:00 swing lengths. Each of those clubs provides different carry and roll out distances based on the loft. Can you see why being prepared from inside 100 yards can pay big dividends?

3). MANAGE your putting skills: Distance Control/ 3 Putt Avoidance:

Last but certainly not least is the ability to manage your putting skills. When it comes to putting and shooting lower scores the biggest key by far is the avoidance of three putts! To do this a golfer needs to be efficient in two areas, controlling the distance of his/her ball on lag putts and capitalizing on putts inside of six feet. Proficiency in the above skill sets will help with three putt avoidance. When you factor in the importance of being an efficient putter combined with being skilled from 100 yards and in you realize the relevance of managing the above areas as well as your practice time!

Jimmy was recently named 2019 NEPGA Cape Cod Chapter Teacher of the Year. He has served as Lead Instructor at the McLean School at The Doral Resort in Miami, Florida, and spent countless hours honing his craft under the watchful eye of Jim McLean. As a longtime owner and advocate of Trackman, Damiano utilizes state-of-the-art technology to deliver an understandable message to his wide range of players.

By Jimmy Damiano, PGA

Director of Instruction The Club at New Seabury Mashpee, MA 508-539-8320 JDamiano@NewSeabury.com