When it comes to playing golf, we all run through certain hot and cold periods.  Who can explain when your game turns around for the better, or when it suddenly goes south?  Either one can be confounding.  If you are struggling with a particular part of your game, don’t be afraid to switch things up a bit.  For example: 

1-     If you are in a putting slump, try a completely different kind of putter.  For example, if you play a conventional Ping model, try a mallet putter by Odyssey.  Or scour your old putters and bring out “old reliable” that has worked for you in years past-- sometimes the old “Billy Baroo” is all you need to boost your confidence.  Whatever you choose to do, the KEY is to make a radical shift.  (You could even try cross-handed, the claw grip, or a long putter.)  

2-     If your tee shots are really erratic, try switching drivers.  You might demo your friend’s new driver and see if a different shaft/head combination might work better for you.  Monitor your ball flight with your current driver and try to figure if it is equipment related.  Shots that are consistently low and to the right might indicate a club with too little loft, or too strong of a shaft.  The converse of that is true for a club with too much loft a shaft too flexible: you will likely see your ball flight too high and to the left.  Ultimately, when you swing your driver (or any of your woods), the shaft never feel too “whippy.”  Most steel shafted irons give a firmer feel through impact.  Your driver should feel much the same.

© Golf In The Now, Jim Williams. All rights reserved.