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10 Signs You Are Going to Hit a Bad Shot Before You Swing

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10 Signs You'll Hit a Bad Shot

I’ll go ahead and state the obvious: Golf is hard. The margin for error is slim, and even the slightest misstep can result in disaster. Synchronizing all the moving parts needed to accurately strike the ball — all within a roughly two-second window — is no easy task. And that’s just during the swing.

In addition to needing precision during the swing, you also need to nail your pre-shot routine as well. There are several factors that can influence a poor shot before you even swing, and you’ve got to be cognizant of those as well.

The good news is, those pre-shot factors are much easier to control than those that come up during the swing. And if you can get them down, you’ll put yourself in a better position to hit a solid shot.

GOLF Top 100 Teacher Michael Hunt compiled a list of 10 ways to know you’re going to hit a bad shot before you even swing. Check them out below, and be wary of them next time you’re on the course. If you can correct these mistakes before you pull the trigger, your scorecard will thank you.

1. Too many thoughts

Thinking too much when you’re over the ball can result in paralysis by analysis. Try to get one solid swing thought and stick to it. Don’t overcomplicate an already complex game.

2. Not factoring elements

How many times have you rushed to hit a shot only to realize after the fact that you were facing a strong headwind that causes the ball to come up well short? Instead of rushing to hit the shot, take a second to analyze the wind, lie, slope and elevation that will affect your ball flight.

3. Alignment

It might seem elementary, but make sure you are aimed where you think you are. Put an alignment stick or extra club down your target line at the range and make sure your aim matches with where you think you’re aiming.

4. Too far or close to the ball

Make sure your setup is tuned up before you head to the course. If you have a poor setup, it’ll make hitting a solid shot that much more difficult.

5. Too much time over the ball

This goes along with the first point above. Don’t stand over the ball too long or you may psyche yourself out. If you find yourself standing over the ball too long, step off the shot, regroup and get back into it.

6. Tension

Stay loose over the ball! Don’t try to squeeze the life out of the club. Relax.

7. Fear

Don’t focus on what could go wrong. Instead, focus on the shot you want to execute. If your mind is on the water hazard right of your target, chances are you’ll hit it in there. Keep your mind on what you want to do, not what you don’t want to do.

8. Uncommitted

There should be no half measures on the course. If you are going to hit a shot, make sure you’re fully committed to it.

9. Indecision

This goes along with the point above. Make a decision and commit to it.

10. Bad angles at setup

Be sure your body is in sync in the setup. If your feet are aimed one way, and your shoulders another, the shot has no chance to be struck on line. Make sure everything is working together.

This article originally appeared on Golf.com.

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Breaking 90: Real Golf Improvement Tips That Actually Work

Tired of hovering in the low 90s? You’re not alone. Here are real, proven golf improvement tips that will finally help you break 90—and do it consistently.

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Why Breaking 90 Feels Like the Mount Everest of Golf

If you’ve ever wrapped up a round with an 89 on the card, you know the rush. For amateur golfers, breaking 90 isn’t just a number—it’s a rite of passage. It means your hard work is paying off, your decisions are sharper, and you’re starting to play golf instead of just swinging a club.

But here’s the thing: most golfers try to improve the wrong way. They tinker with their swing for months, chase YouTube tips at midnight, and buy the latest tech gear hoping it’ll shave strokes. Sound familiar?

As someone who spent years flirting with that 90 barrier, I’m here to tell you: you don’t need a perfect swing—you need a better strategy. Let’s get into the golf improvement tips that actually work.

Think Like a Golfer, Not a Swing Coach

Manage Expectations—Golf Isn’t About Perfect

You won’t stripe every drive or stick every wedge. So stop expecting to. Golf is a game of misses. The trick is making your bad shots better.

Start by dropping the obsession with perfection. Accept the occasional duff or slice. Focus instead on smart decisions and simple, repeatable swings.

“Golf is not a game of perfect. It’s a game of recovery.” — Dr. Bob Rotella, sports psychologist

Know Your “Go-To” Shot

If you’re trying to shape every shot like you’re on Tour, stop. Pick one reliable shot shape—fade, draw, straight—and stick to it. If your natural shot is a fade, play for it.

The moment I embraced my push-fade as a feature, not a flaw, my scores improved. I stopped fighting my swing and started playing smarter.

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Play the Right Tee Box—Seriously

Too many amateurs play from tees that are way too long. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Move up. Hit more greens. Have more fun. And yes—lower your score.

If you’re not getting to par 4s in two, or regularly hitting 3-woods into par 3s, it’s time to drop back to reality. You’ll thank yourself later.

Course Management—The Secret Weapon

Avoid the Hero Shot

Stuck in the trees? Don’t go for the 4-iron stinger through a two-foot gap. Punch out, get back in play, and take your medicine.

Par is great. Bogey is acceptable. Doubles are killers.

Know When to Lay Up

Got 210 yards into a narrow green with water short and right? Don’t be a hero. Hit it 150 and wedge it close. Most amateurs lose shots by trying to make up for a mistake with an even riskier shot. That never works.

Your scorecard rewards consistency, not courage.

The 3 Must-Have Skills to Break 90

1. A Reliable Tee Shot

You don’t need to hit bombs, but you need to keep it in play. Ditch the driver if it’s wild. I played a 5-wood for three months and dropped 7 strokes off my average.

2. A Dependable Wedge Game

From 100 yards and in, you need a club (or two) that you trust. Learn one shot—half swing, three-quarter, whatever—and own it.

3. No 3-Putts

Three-putting kills rounds. Focus on lag putting from long range and knocking in those nervy 4-footers. Spend twice as much time on putting as you do on full swings.

Practice With Purpose, Not Hope

Don’t just hit balls at the range. Practice like you play:

  • Hit different clubs in random order
  • Play imaginary holes
  • Make putting drills competitive
  • Keep score

“Deliberate practice leads to deliberate improvement.” — Mark Blackburn, PGA Tour Coach

Track Your Stats and Find the Leaks

Use an app or simple scorecard notes to track:

  • Fairways hit
  • Greens in regulation
  • Putts per hole
  • Penalty strokes

You’ll quickly spot where you’re leaking strokes. That’s where the real work starts.

Mindset Shift—Focus on Process, Not Score

I used to obsess over my score on every hole. Now, I focus on one swing at a time. Breaking 90 isn’t about shooting a 39 on the front and holding on. It’s about stacking smart decisions, one shot at a time.

Breaking 90 isn’t about hitting perfect shots. It’s about making better decisions, avoiding big numbers, and playing within your game. These golf improvement tips aren’t magic—they’re practical, proven strategies that work for real golfers.

Try them on your next round, and don’t forget to celebrate the small wins—like finally keeping your tee shot in play on Hole 1.

Want more golf improvement tips like these?
Bookmark ClickItGolf.com and check back weekly for advice, gear guides, laughs, and insights to help you play better golf—without losing your mind.

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10 Golf Podcasts For Hackers To Download

Tips, Stories, and Entertainment

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For amateur golfers seeking to enhance their game, stay updated on golf news, or simply enjoy engaging discussions, podcasts offer a convenient and informative medium. Based on recommendations from reputable sources and golf communities, here are some top golf podcasts tailored for non-professional enthusiasts:

Hosted by CBS commentator Mark Immelman, this podcast features weekly interviews with instructors, coaches, players, and other golf experts. With over 700 episodes, it provides in-depth discussions aimed at helping golfers improve their skills.

A favorite among golf enthusiasts, No Laying Up offers a mix of tour coverage, player interviews, and discussions on various golf topics. It’s known for its insightful commentary and engaging content.

Featuring European Tour player Eddie Pepperell, this podcast provides a blend of tour insights and personal experiences, offering listeners a unique perspective on the professional golf scene.

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This podcast chronicles the journey of two amateur golfers striving to achieve a scratch handicap. It’s relatable for many non-professional players and offers both entertainment and insights into the challenges of improving one’s game.

Hosted by golf coach Mark Crossfield, this podcast delves into various aspects of the game, from equipment reviews to swing techniques, providing practical advice for amateur golfers.

Hosted by Rick Shiels, a former golf teaching professional from Bolton, this podcast covers a wide range of topics, including equipment reviews, interviews with golf personalities, and discussions on current events in the golf world.

Hosted by popular golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnston and comedian John Robins, this podcast offers a light-hearted take on the game, discussing various golf topics and sharing personal anecdotes.

This podcast explores the highs and lows of being a golf enthusiast, sharing stories and experiences that many amateur golfers can relate to.

Featuring instructors Mark Crossfield, Greg Chalmers, and Lou Stagner, this podcast discusses various aspects of the game, offering insights and tips to help golfers improve.

Hosted by Peter Finch, this podcast features discussions with various guests, covering a wide range of golf-related topics, from equipment to personal experiences.

These podcasts offer a variety of content tailored to amateur golfers, from instructional advice to entertaining discussions. Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy golf-related conversations, there’s likely a podcast on this list that suits your interests.

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Drills

4 Easy Bump-and-Run Keys To Chip Your Score Down

Get up and down to save strokes!

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When it comes to shaving strokes off your scorecard, few shots are as reliable as the classic bump-and-run. While flashy flop shots and high-arching chips grab the spotlight, it’s the humble bump-and-run that consistently delivers results—especially under pressure.

What Makes the Bump-and-Run So Effective?
Unlike a high-lofted chip, which carries significant risk if not struck perfectly, the bump-and-run keeps the ball low and rolling, reducing the margin for error. This makes it ideal for those unpredictable lies just off the green, or when navigating subtle slopes and uneven terrain.

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Key Tips to Nail Your Next Bump-and-Run:

  1. Club Selection Matters: While many players instinctively reach for a wedge, consider using an 8-iron or even a hybrid. These clubs help keep the ball closer to the ground, allowing for a more predictable roll.
  2. Position and Posture:
    • Set the ball slightly back in your stance to encourage a downward strike.
    • Keep your hands ahead of the ball at address and through impact.
    • Maintain a balanced stance, favoring a slightly open set up to keep the stroke smooth and controlled.
  3. A Putting Stroke Mentality:
    • Think of the bump-and-run as an extended putt rather than a miniature chip.
    • Use a pendulum-like motion with minimal wrist action.
    • Focus on rhythm and tempo—your goal is to get the ball rolling as soon as it lands.
  4. Distance Control:
    • Consider the ratio of carry to roll. For example, if you’re just a few paces off the green, aim for a short carry and a longer roll. If you’re further back, plan for a slightly longer carry and less roll.
    • Practice on various slopes to understand how different surfaces affect rollout.

When to Use the Bump-and-Run:
This shot shines on tight lies, downhill chips, or greens with plenty of room to work. It’s also an excellent choice when you’re playing on firm courses where the ball will naturally roll out more.

Mastering the bump-and-run might not look as dramatic as pulling off a high, spinning lob shot, but it’s the bread-and-butter play that helps you avoid big numbers. Add it to your arsenal, and you’ll see the payoff in lower scores and a more consistent short game.

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