Leone’s Lessons: When evaluating a new student for the first
time, after a few questions and a swing analysis, we’ll create a
game plan. The game plan entails a strategy to improve in areas
where we feel needs the most work. Example: Where do you lose most
of your strokes? The majority of the time the student doesn’t
know.
When evaluating a new student for the first time, after a few questions and a swing analysis, we’ll create a game plan. The game plan entails a strategy to improve in areas where we feel needs the most work. Example: Where do you lose most of your strokes? The majority of the time the student doesn’t know.
On the PGA Tour, players keep stats on all aspects of every round. Example: fairways and greens hit in regulation, up-and-downs from off the green, putting stats, number of putts, strokes and measured distance. After the round, they’ll study the report and assess each hole shot by shot. You can, too! Here’s how you it works.
Before your next round, grab an extra scorecard for the course you’re playing. In the first box where you enter your name, write “fairways;” the box below mark “greens,” then “putts” and lastly “up-and-downs.” Depending on your level of play, as you complete each hole, place a check mark in the box where you achieved your goal.
Example: For a low handicap player, their objective is to hit the fairway, hit the green in two shots and hopefully one- or two-putt. If the first hole is a par-4, and you hit the fairway off the tee, place a check mark in the box marked “fairway.” If you hit the green in two strokes, check the box marked “greens.” Once you reach the green, count how many putts.
Continue hole by hole throughout the round, and then check over the report card to see how you did. If you’re hitting most of the fairways but few greens in regulation, chances are you need to work on your approach shots. Same applies for up-and-downs and putts. Evaluate each area to see where you need improvement.
Next time you head to the practice tee, work on the specific areas you’re struggling with instead of just beating balls. Keeping track of your stats eliminates the guessing — and gets you on the right track for improvement.
