Best Tips to Lower Your Golf Handicap
Lowering your golf handicap is all about improving the areas that will make the biggest difference to your score. Whether you’re an 18-handicapper trying to break 90, an 8-handicapper aiming for single digits, or a scratch golfer looking for ultimate consistency, the key areas for improvement will differ.
Here are five of the best tips for lowering your handicap, along with the most likely weaknesses for each skill level.
1. Master Your Short Game (Chipping & Pitching)
Why It’s Important:
A great short game can save you strokes even on your worst ball-striking days. Reducing your number of up-and-downs means fewer bogeys and more chances at par.
Common Weaknesses by Handicap:
18 Handicap: Struggles with fat and thin chips, often leaving long putts.
8 Handicap: Decent technique but inconsistent distance control.
Scratch Golfer: Wants to improve spin control and creativity around the greens.
Tip:
Use the one-club drill: Take one club (e.g., a pitching wedge) and hit chip shots to different targets with different trajectories. This teaches you feel and control without relying on multiple clubs.
2. Improve Your Putting (Especially from 3-10 Feet)
Why It’s Important:
The difference between shooting 78 or 88 often comes down to making or missing short putts. Consistently holing putts inside 10 feet will dramatically lower your scores.
Common Weaknesses by Handicap:
18 Handicap: Poor alignment and inconsistent stroke.
8 Handicap: Struggles with speed control and misreads breaks.
Scratch Golfer: Focused on perfecting green reading and pressure putting.
Tip:
Use a putting mirror and gate drill to improve your start line and alignment. Set two tees just outside your putter head and make 10 putts in a row from 5 feet. If you miss, restart the drill.
3. Dial in Your Wedge Play (Inside 100 Yards)
Why It’s Important:
Many amateurs waste strokes inside 100 yards by missing greens or leaving themselves long putts. A good wedge game leads to shorter birdie putts and easier pars.
Common Weaknesses by Handicap:
18 Handicap: Over-reliance on full swings, struggles with distance control.
8 Handicap: Inconsistent contact and spin.
Scratch Golfer: Fine-tuning trajectory and spin for different conditions.
Tip:
Adopt the clock system for wedge shots:
9 o’clock swing (waist height)
10:30 swing (chest height)
Full swing
Use this method with two or three wedges to cover multiple distances with confidence.
4. Find More Fairways with a Reliable Tee Shot
Why It’s Important:
A wayward driver adds strokes quickly—especially if you’re chipping out of trees or losing balls. Finding fairways consistently sets up easier approach shots and lower scores.
Common Weaknesses by Handicap:
18 Handicap: Slices or hooks due to poor swing path.
8 Handicap: Struggles with accuracy under pressure.
Scratch Golfer: Focused on shaping shots and distance control.
Tip:
Use a "fairway finder" club: Instead of always hitting driver, find a club (like a 3-wood or hybrid) that you can consistently keep in play. Test it on the range and use it on tight holes.
5. Develop a Consistent Pre-Shot Routine
Why It’s Important:
Golf is a mental game, and a consistent pre-shot routine builds confidence and focus, especially under pressure.
Common Weaknesses by Handicap:
18 Handicap: Rushes shots, inconsistent setup.
8 Handicap: Overthinks, struggles with indecision.
Scratch Golfer: Working on visualization and breathing techniques.
Tip:
Develop a simple, repeatable pre-shot routine:
Pick a target.
Visualize the shot.
Take a practice swing.
Step in and commit.
If you do this before every shot, your mental game will improve, and your scores will drop.
Final Thoughts
Lowering your handicap takes smart practice and course management. Here’s a quick summary of where to focus:
✅ 18 Handicap: Short game, putting consistency, eliminating big misses off the tee.
✅ 8 Handicap: Distance control, wedge play, hitting more greens in regulation.
✅ Scratch Golfer: Fine-tuning shot shaping, green reading, and pressure performance.
By focusing on these key areas, you’ll shave strokes off your game and reach your handicap goals faster.
What’s the biggest area of your game you’re working on right now? Let us know in the comments!
