.webp){kind=logo}
The slice is one of the most frustrating faults in golf—and it almost always comes from an over-the-top move. In this episode of Fix My Fault, Josh Troyer walks through why this mistake happens and the simple adjustments you can make to cure your slice for good.
Table of Contents:
If you're new to golf or carry a higher handicap, improving your score isn't just about hitting the ball better. In fact, many beginner golfers lose far more strokes from poor-decision making than from swing mechanics.
Smart course strategy can help you avoid big numbers, reduce stress, and turn difficult holes into manageable ones - even if your swing isn't perfect yet.
Here are a few practical, easy-to-use golf tips that can help beginner and high-handicap golfers make better decisions on the course and start scoring more consistently.
Play for the Green, Not the Flag
One of the most common mistakes beginner golfers make is aiming directly at the flag on every approach shot. While that might seem logical, pins are often placed near trouble - bunkers, slopes, or edges of the green.
For high handicappers, this creates unnecessary risk.
A Better Approach
- Aim toward the center of the green
- Focus on getting the ball safely on the putting surface
- Accept longer putts instead of difficult recover shots
Putting from 25-30 feet is far easier than trying to save par after missing short-sided or landing in a bunker. Simply choosing safer targets can immediately lower your scores without changing your swing.
Distance Control Matters More Than Precision
Beginner golfers often worry about hitting shots too far, especially around the green. This leads to decelerating the club, leaving shots short, or not fully committing.
The result? Missed greens, leaving shots short, and added strokes.
What to Focus On Instead
- Commit to a full, confident swing for the distance
- Pick a landing spot that gives you room to be long
- Avoid trying to "guide" the ball to the hole
Being slightly long with a putt is almost always better than being short and dealing with hazards or uneven lies. Trust the swing and let the club do the work.
Understand Your Shot Pattern
Even with shorter clubs, no golfer hits the ball perfectly straight every time - especially beginners. Most high handicappers have a predictable ball flight, whether it's a fade, draw, or slight miss.
Ignoring that pattern leads to trouble.
Smart Strategy for High Handicappers
- Aim where your typical miss still leaves you safe
- Avoid hazards on the side your ball usually curves toward
- Choose targets that allow for natural dispersion
This small adjustment can turn a risky shot into a stress-free one, simply by working with your tendencies instead of fighting them.
Get Back in Position When You're in Trouble
Trees, awkward lies, and blocked shots are part of the game. Where many beginners struggle is trying to recover everything in one swing.
Trying to advance the ball too far or through narrow gaps often leads to: worse lies, penalty strokes, and higher scores.
The smarter play: take the easiest path back into play, advance the ball to an open area, and set up a simple next shot.
Golf rewards patience. One controlled shot back into position is far more effective than compounding mistakes.
Consistent Golf Comes From Smart Choices
You don't need perfect contact or tour-level skills to shoot better scores. For beginner and high-handicap golfers, improvement often starts with better decisions, not harder swings.
Smarter strategy starts with a better swing foundation
Book a Swing Evaluation at GOLFTEC today to start your journey to better golf!
Play the best golf of your life. GOLFTEC Coaches use cutting-edge tech and proven methods to level up your game fast.
Book a Lesson
Play Better!
Book a Fitting
Play Better!
