Golf is a game where every stroke counts, but the most frustrating ones are those you lose without even realizing it. These are the subtle, repetitive mistakes—the patterns—in your game, strategy, and mental approach that slowly inflate your score, often adding a massive 10 shots over the course of 18 holes.
Our featured video, “5 Patterns that Add 10 Shots to Your Score without you noticing,” dives into the most common and destructive habits that plague amateur golfers. Identifying these hidden “score leaks” is the fastest way to lower your handicap and gain immediate consistency.
The Hidden Score Leaks: Why Amateurs Struggle
Most amateurs focus on fixing a technical swing flaw (like a slice), but they overlook the mental and strategic patterns that are the real score killers.
Here are five patterns that silently sabotage your game:
Pattern 1: The Rushed Tempo and Transition
- The Leak: You try to swing too hard, leading to a frantic transition and rushing your downswing. This kills lag and leads to poor contact.
- The Fix: Focus on a slow, patient takeaway and transition. Even a simple 1-Minute Tip can improve your timing and sequencing.
Pattern 2: Hero Shot Syndrome (Ego over Strategy)
- The Leak: Attempting the low-percentage, heroic shot (e.g., hitting a 3-wood over water when a simple punch-out is available). This mentality leads to instant double bogeys.
- The Fix: Adopt the strategic mindset of players who RUN DEEP in more Tournaments. Play to the high-percentage side of the green and accept the safe par.
Pattern 3: Ignoring the Importance of Setup
- The Leak: Inconsistent setup. You change your posture, grip, or ball position on almost every shot, which makes repeatable contact impossible.
- The Fix: Master your SET UP FOR THE GOLF SWING. A consistent setup is the foundation that allows your swing to work the same way every time.
Pattern 4: Poor Distance Control in the Short Game
- The Leak: Three-putting or chunking chip shots because you lack a reliable system for pace and contact.
- The Fix: Dedicate a few minutes to focused Putting Drills to Practice or master a simple short game technique, like the 5-second pre-chip routine.
Pattern 5: The “No Plan” Approach
- The Leak: Playing the course without a specific plan for each hole, hazards, or club selection.
- The Fix: Every round should be approached with strategy, similar to a high-stakes competitive match. Know your yardages and play to your strengths (e.g., aiming for your most forgiving driver’s landing zone).
Eliminating the 10-Shot Penalty
Identifying these 5 patterns that add 10 shots to your score is the first step toward significant improvement. Stop focusing on what the World’s #1 Coach teaches the pros and start fixing the major flaws in your own game that are easy to correct.
Ready to stop losing strokes unknowingly? Check on YouTube