I've played with guys who would buy a 12 pack before playing 18 holes and you had to take two strokes for every beer you had left when you finished...and they played for money.
I hit a 7 iron for everything. I'm most consistent with that club and I hit it further than I hit my 3 iron. I'm not sure if I'm great with a 7 iron or bad with a 3 iron I just hit my 7 iron even on long shots. If I'm a little bit short of the green then its better than inconsistent 3 iron that might go that far or I could shank it. I hit my 7 iron 160ish every time while my 3 iron fluctuates from 100 to 180.
#5 can't be said enough. One thing someone said that I remember in my head now all the time is "you're not that good to get that mad". Really helps put things into perspective!
A prime example is Sergio Garcia, if somebody wants to see how 40 year old baby acts then just do some searches on RUclips. He’s good but he’s a horrible example for young golfers.
That's such a great sentence. I can hit a 3 iron so good, it makes your eyes hurt watching it. Next shot? I duff it- rolls about 10 yards. That's my game. Of course, I don't like to do that, but as you wrote, I'm "not that good to get that mad."
Rick, I have to admit that I have watched about 4 different videos from your channel now. In two weeks i went from playing 106 to 91 and this past weekend playing 88. I have applied many of your insights into what used to be a slice, to a better iron shot to finish off with a good short game. Thank you for your videos they really helped me a lot.
Gets to the green in 2 on a par 5.(I’m going to quit my job and be on the tour by next week) * 6 Putts “Boys let’s get some more beers and happy Gilmore the next hole”
@@HOLLYWOODeddieA Same!! But it was more like 4 and 2 putts. Never made it under par but I was consistent. I was crap with Irons but my short game was on point.
My mates watch me make this kind of shot several times every round and say “oh nice shot” etc when it rolls out near hole. Then they pick up a wedge or putter when they’re in the same situation 🤷🏻♂️
Not me, I find the 8 iron too long to make comfy chipping, its blade is smaller, and I don't practice it a lot. Whereas my 50 degree I know intimately, use it all the time, and can chip like a demon with it. Guess which one I chip best with... I will use my SW when I need it higher and stopping closer, and I will use my chipper for short chip and runs. But never a 7, 8 or 9 for me thanks.
My biggest mistake is trying to compete with the big hitters I regularly play with. I hit the ball about 240 off the tee, the other three smash it 270+.....i constantly feel like I'm playing catch up and get fast on everything..... Perhaps change my mates ?. 👍
On the 5th tip ricks like “when ever you have a night mare on the last hole, say a three putt.” In my head I was thinking for me it’s probably a 5 putt 🤣😅
I think i have been guilty of all at some point. One thing I do struggle with is elevation change. How much does the ball position above/below my feet affect my shot shape. Should i move the ball position in my stance to minimise the effects? Also how much should i reduce/increase club for hitting into elevated or lower greens? A video on this would really help. Thanks
Regarding downhill putts, a good rule of thumb for amateur players is this: when reading the break in a downhill putt, however much you have determined the break to be: DOUBLE IT. Your putts will be on the high side of the hole, and as a result, you will make a lot more putts. This isn’t always the case, but if you miss a lot of downhill breaking putts, this is a good rule to follow until you become better at reading downhill breaks. You will not only make more putts, but you will 3-putt a lot less.
Your comment section is so refreshing. So many humble people who admit that we are amateurs who enjoy playing this amazingly fun game. I will be a sub forever!
That first hole, with everyone at the clubhouse watching you, and all you are hoping is to hit the ball in the air and not dribble it off the tee box and make a fool of yourself! I actually did that in a tournament once! Ended up placing 3rd, since after that shot, I just couldn't make a worse shot and played one of the best rounds ever.
Great tips! Started using the 8 iron for longer chips and it has lowered score by about 3 shots. Rolling sooner is much better to get it close. Also thinking positive allows for much more fun when playing. Thanks for the reminders and keep the videos coming!
My buddy started doing that years ago. I had also quit before that. Last year he tried talking me into golfing again. When he said we do not keep score, I said I'm all in and have been loving it again. No longer getting beat up in the clubhouse having a cold beer with someone adding up my bad score and hollering out 102. We all know how good or bad we are. Way more relaxing and way less frustrating way to play.
You are correct. My best rounds are when I am not paying attention to the score. You are also not supposed to care whether you made a good shot or make a put. You focus on each shot and do the best you can and not worry about the result.
Last year I turned 61 and stopped keeping score of strokes. Now I’m just having fun. My score is the measure of great shots over duffer/skull/worm burners. And I laugh way more than all of my golfing buddies! Life’s too short to keep score (It’s a metaphor) ha ha ha ha ha. Be safe and Be strong out there!! Cheers
Took all your ideas into consideration yesterday and shot a really decent round at a very challenging course. Previous best at the course was a 96, but yesterday, using your tips, I shot an 84. Thanks!
My biggest mistake: feeling the pressure from the people behind me... everytime i try and smash it to impress them and i just lose all my balls loooool....
Its worse when you catch a group up and they let you play thru on the next hole.... Only for you to shank or toe the tee shot a grand total of 50 yards into the bushes, in the mother of all slices.
My biggest problem is that I play in a men's league where the members seem to think they are playing against a stop watch, not the score card. Heaven help you if you take two practice swings on a delicate wedge shot. If it continues, I may switch to a different course next year.
Great tips. Putting off the green is consistent with the idea of playing to your individual skill level. I'm falling in love with the game again after several years of 1-2 rounds max -- always was a high handicap golfer and still am, with such little consistent practice. But my biggest score improvements lately have come from recognizing, and playing to, my skill level. All the golfers I play with are better than me, so separating my shots from theirs and making decisions that suit me (such as putting instead of chipping, playing a 3 wood instead of a 5 iron on a 250 yard shot, etc) have helped immensely.
Great tutorial. Fully agree 'don't lose' it when your last hole was as shambles, reset and go again !! Don't get phased by a tight hole instead of using driver as most think this is the go to ,use a club that you know you can hit straight , you might lose a little distance but the main thing is to stay in play.Also putt when you can or as Rick suggests if you can't use an 8 or 7 iron to bump and run, these tips have certainly lowered my scoring and makes golf that much more enjoyable ......
You are the best instructor period. Was on vacation last week and had a really rainy day. So I spent 8 hours of your videos. Loved watching you beat peter with the beautiful shot over the tree to a couple of feet. Thank you for always making me better.
As a completely new to golf I have made mistakes 1-4, however what golf has taught me is patience. If I have a bad time on a hole I always take my time setting up on the next one, anger isn’t a emotion that helps your game. Plus golfs too much fun to get angry, even those bad shots we all make from time to time, just laugh them off and move on Thanks for the great vids 👍
Agreed on all points. Thinking about these things makes a huge difference and also keeps me from thinking too much about my mechanics. When I’m thinking more strategically and about where I am GOING to hit the ball I end up playing what I call stress free golf and shooting lower scores. The last point is especially important. You can still make par, bogey at worst, after a poor tee shot, for example. That alone can save you 3 strokes or more per round if you simply take the poor shot in stride and carry on.
The first teaching session I ever had, the golf pro taught me a very valuable lesson that sticks with me to this day: #6: "Never follow a bad shot with a stupid shot" So you've just hit your drive into the trees. You can either poke the ball back out into the fairway or you can try to be a hero and hit a low punch shot under the branches and through a two foot gap that'll get you 100 yards closer to the hole. Do you take the glamor shot or the safe shot? (I've since perfected a low 5 iron punch shot that I can keep below 6 feet but only use it if there's a three foot gap between the trees - my aim's not that good!)
Great video! I’m 40 years old, played golf my entire life. Played at the college level and feel I understand the game better than most. I’m fortunate to have a 14 year old son who is very talented. The things you speak about in this video are things he and I have conversations about almost daily! They are very simple but extremely crucial to being successful. It is so GREAT to be able to show my son this video to validate what he is learning. As most of us know, a teenager doesn’t always listen to the advice we give then until they are older! Thanks Rick, videos like this are why I encourage my son to follow you.
Rick, I am a two club guy around the green 1. more green between me and pin then rough and fringe.....pitching wedge 48 degree 2. more rough and fringe than green between me and pin lob ledge 60 degree This is basically a (taking into account SLOPE (#4): wedge.....40 % carry....60% roll lob wedge.....60% carry.....40% roll Has done me well over the years....shot my age first at 67 and beaten it every year since (currently 76) Love your RUclips Ty David
This was one of your best videos for sure. I think you hit the nail on the head with every single point. I started doing every single one of these tips you gave about 5 years ago and it completely changed my game. Positive thoughts, and not dwelling on previous bad holes is so crucial. Golf is such a mental game, you can't let it get to you. Always focus on the next shot, calm down and get lost strokes back through smart play. I'm going to share this video to a few of my golf buddies that desperately need to see this.
My mate I play most golf with (he's off 10 I'm off 24) threatened to throw my 56 away because I kept using it around greens and getting the duff and thin shots. 8 and 9 are now my go to clubs round the greens and have been for about a year - what a difference that made!! Always gets me to a good putting distance and have had a few roll in too! Love your videos Rick!!
Just recently started playing again after nearly 8 years since I played a round, actually played ok,few shocking shots, but going to keep these tips in mind when I play next,especially the first one
That is the "Shiny New Club Effect", and it happened to my father and I both after more than 10yr hiatus. I never could break 100 before not playing, then first round out 4yrs ago and I shout a 93 on clubs with dry rotting grips and rusty shaft from 10yrs of storage.The round after that I shot a 110! Golf is a 4 letter word for a reason...
Your 8 iron bump and run has really changed my game for the better...but one thing I'd like to add is to have confidence in all your clubs...if I hit a bad drive I'm not worried about hitting a 5 iron or hybrid for my second shot.. complete confidence in my bag has made my rounds way more fun and less stressful... keep up the great work Rick...
I'm a beginner. I have played probably more in the last 9 months than the previous 15 years. I am almost addicted. I am obviously very inconsistent and I'm shooting anywhere from 83 to 95 etc. I have been experimenting with hitting with less club to work on my distance. Love this game!
I used to always opt for loft around the green until I discovered the ol' bump and run. Fat, thin, too much power, too much spin, not enough spin etc all were downfalls of my inconsistency at such a short distance. Now my go to club is the 8i, so much more consistent and drastically lowers scores. If you don't use this type of shot then you're definitely missing out, has such a positive effect to the mental game too.
1 is my Achilles heel. I’m working hard on trying to stay positive and not worry about what trouble I may find. Another one I found is that I play the back 9 much better when I don’t add up my score on the front beforehand. I always used to and then it took my mind away from the moment and I would just think about what mistakes I can’t make or I’ll mess up a good round.
I learned a lot from my father , whom is also an avid golfer... 9 out of 10 times a decent putt is going to be better then a decent chip.. best golf advice I ever got . Putt when you can.
Quite impressive that someone who is so good at golf can relate to the mistakes us mid handicappers make. Been shooting low 90s all year and managed a 84 yesterday which could have been -80. Why? Thought negatively on two holes, sliced the tee shot, got annoyed, compounded mistakes, 3 putted and hit 2 triple bogeys. Great videos to watch, thanks.
Excellent tips. The only thing I will ignore, is the too much loft in pitching... but that's because I'm not a competitive golfer, and just dream of the beauty of a perfect lob shot! You're 100% right about chipping being more consistent, but I'll eat a few strokes for that one great shot bringing me back. Thank you Tin Cup, for that twelve! I enjoy rolling the dice! 🤣
I cannot believe the timing of this video. Legit was thinking about 3 of these topics today. This video will hopefully get me to hit a lower score on the next round! Thank you Rick!
Spot on! Even a lot of low handicappers I play with do these things. The big one is the blade player that delofts every iron for their ego and constantly come up short due to bad contact.
That bump and run tip was something that helped me immensely years ago. The vid I watched basically said take only as much loft as you need to get it to the green. So really if its just barely in the rough ill often use a 7i or even a 6 just to bump it on. Second thing I've just been learning now thats not in the vid is LAY UP. And I dont just mean on par 5s. I had this HORRIBLE habit of ALWAYS thinking I needed to hit my driver, which I'm not very good at hitting. Now I rarely hit it. I'll hit 3w, 2i, sometimes even just a 7i off rhe tee if its really short. Its saved me TONS. Especially cause my local course has lots of OB everywhere and a missed tee shot is an automatic drop.
Rick, the day after I made a concerted effort to eliminate these mistakes, I shot a season best 4 over 76. And I was 2 under on the 8th tee before my lack of comfort zone caught up with me. Thank you thank you thank you
I don't have that problem. My mind selects clubs based on the distance I was hitting 10 years ago. When I think "8 iron", I need to reach for the 5. :-(
Same. Just went through that shit yesterday after the 14th and completely bombed the last 4 holes. Just always try to remind myself that a bad day at the course is better than a good day working lol.
The 8 iron chip is one of the best tips us amateur golfers can have. I tell my mates all the time but they love the look of a flop when it’s not needed at all . Good tips
The last 3 days I've been avoiding all but one of the 5 mistakes you've pointed out and I've shot several strokes better than my HC. The one mistake you point out is chipping close to the green, I've got this down very successfully and average 1 out of 8 chips into the hole. I rarely try putting when I'm off the green. Using an 8 iron maybe good for down hill shots but I love chipping on flat and uphill shots. I like your video's and its about time I complement you on them.
I used to do #1 and #5 all the time and they fed each other. It was a brutal cycle. #2 and #3 happen sometimes, but I've been working on them. These videos Rick Shiels are putting up are helping my game not in great strides, but in small steps as I can practice the things I've seen and remembered.
Great advice. I have been working on #1 and #5 this season. I am not a great golfer so it is easy to focus on what could go wrong but I have been trying to focus on what could go right and it is helping. Because I still make my share of mistakes I have been really trying to let them be one off events. Don't dwell on it and let it ruin your next shot. My score has been coming down because of more good shots after my bad shot. Thanks for the advice Rick. All of these points I see in my game and I can work on.
Definitely do all 5 of them at this point! I'm getting better with not chipping around the greens with too much loft. Will need to focus on these points.
I went from shooting in the 100s to low 90s in a few weeks just by keeping a level head all the way through, playing bump and runs, using a stronger club and just taking a bit more time to think about each shot. Made an incredible difference.
Rick, this was great. after a horrendous day on Sunday where I shot a 125... I probably should have taken less loft near the green where I miss hit a 60 deg wedge and an 8 would have been better. I'm gonna keep these in mind! Keep up the great videos!
...I'm notorious for using my lofted wedge (58°) around the green and don't have much confidence. Seeing your explanation about the 8 iron bump/run makes me want to start that in tonight's round :) Thanks Rick!
Ok I do 3 1/2 of those mistakes. Not enough club, I do not stand on the side of a putt, but that's because I believe I can read the green/putt better than most people. To much loft around the green, I'll be changing that as soon as I can get out. And the 1/2 is I don't usually dwell on bad shots, but it does happen from time to time. great vids. keep it up.
Recently discovered your videos, and this one in particular was VERY helpful to my game. I fell victim to #1, 2, 4 and 5. Struggled with lack of focus and this video put things in perspective for me. Eliminate negative thoughts and THINK about the hole/club choice/swing. I played so much better this past weekend. Great drives (just a couple slices), irons, and around the green i DID NOT use too much loft. Paid great dividends - Shot an 87. Better than my usual 90-94'ish for me. Thanks Rick.
Great video agree with all the tips. What also helps me is just before I make a swing I relax my shoulders and breath out then I seem to swing a lot better
Best video yet - great par 3 shot btw - I was telling my father same thing as rule #1 Sunday - he was asking me what club I had and how not to hit it - I told him I only say positive thoughts because negatives are self fulfilling prophecies - I always hit it in those trees and guess where I hit it - or I always bogie this hole - I had best three holes in a row the last 3 - par, birdie, birdie
Followed your tips for breaking 90. Went from breaking 100 to breaking 90 for first time. Shot 89 on third outing after utilizing your tips. Great insight. 👍
We are so close to *1,000,000* subscribers! Let’s do it this week! Thanks so much everyone 👌👍🙌💪
##RickTo1mill
Wish I could sub to u multiple times 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
When you hit 1m subs, I'm taking a day off to celebrate with you and play 18 holes. Your videos have done me wonders!
#rickto1mil
Let's goooooooooo!
I like to have about 8 beers while golfing. Glad to see that didn’t make the list 🙏
😂😂😂
Hahahaha😂😂😂
I've played with guys who would buy a 12 pack before playing 18 holes and you had to take two strokes for every beer you had left when you finished...and they played for money.
Correction fluid. Fixes swings when used in moderation.
Chuck Bunting that sounds crazy
I love how he says know your distances like it’s close to the same number for us mortals. My irons have about a 20 yard range depending on my swing
My golf partner in my league can hit his pitching wedge 10 feet- 150 yards....only thing is he doesnt know when its gonna do what
@skeeter dupree Then use it when you are 160 from the hole and make a 10 yard putt...
@skeeter dupree Truth.
@@rickt9569 sounds like me! 😂
I hit a 7 iron for everything. I'm most consistent with that club and I hit it further than I hit my 3 iron. I'm not sure if I'm great with a 7 iron or bad with a 3 iron I just hit my 7 iron even on long shots. If I'm a little bit short of the green then its better than inconsistent 3 iron that might go that far or I could shank it. I hit my 7 iron 160ish every time while my 3 iron fluctuates from 100 to 180.
#5 can't be said enough. One thing someone said that I remember in my head now all the time is "you're not that good to get that mad". Really helps put things into perspective!
A prime example is Sergio Garcia, if somebody wants to see how 40 year old baby acts then just do some searches on RUclips. He’s good but he’s a horrible example for young golfers.
That's such a great sentence. I can hit a 3 iron so good, it makes your eyes hurt watching it. Next shot? I duff it- rolls about 10 yards. That's my game. Of course, I don't like to do that, but as you wrote, I'm "not that good to get that mad."
If I not mistaken it was to Gary Player at a ProAm. I think of it every time I feel myself about to loose it.
Rick, I have to admit that I have watched about 4 different videos from your channel now. In two weeks i went from playing 106 to 91 and this past weekend playing 88. I have applied many of your insights into what used to be a slice, to a better iron shot to finish off with a good short game. Thank you for your videos they really helped me a lot.
Haven’t watched it yet but I know I do all 5 of them!
YNWA
I like the way you think. Positive! 👍
Was thinking the same! Haha
Probs because u support liverpool
Haha made me laugh this comment
Gets to the green in 2 on a par 5.(I’m going to quit my job and be on the tour by next week)
* 6 Putts
“Boys let’s get some more beers and happy Gilmore the next hole”
100% me last week 😑 3 and 4 putts all day
@@HOLLYWOODeddieA Same!! But it was more like 4 and 2 putts. Never made it under par but I was consistent. I was crap with Irons but my short game was on point.
I felt this on a deeper level, I shot an Eagle on the second yesterday, then shot +6 on the next hole... Life is such
That’s me 💯😂
Switching to 8iron bumps instead of 60 degree cut out a ton of strokes this year for me already good to know I am not the only one who does it
My mates watch me make this kind of shot several times every round and say “oh nice shot” etc when it rolls out near hole. Then they pick up a wedge or putter when they’re in the same situation 🤷🏻♂️
I'm with you. I use my 8 iron mostly and occasionally I pull out the 7 iron when more run out is needed.
I was taught to use a 7. Either way it has really changed my game by not using a loftier wedge.
Not me, I find the 8 iron too long to make comfy chipping, its blade is smaller, and I don't practice it a lot. Whereas my 50 degree I know intimately, use it all the time, and can chip like a demon with it. Guess which one I chip best with... I will use my SW when I need it higher and stopping closer, and I will use my chipper for short chip and runs. But never a 7, 8 or 9 for me thanks.
Same here. Number 3 also leads to a lot of number 5
Positive thinking: I'm positive I'm going to slice it to the next fairway.
Lmao
🤣😭😭😭🤣😭
Fr though it's so hard to think positive when the recent results have been bad. You have to delude yourself I guess.
Ya but that's a good lie bro. LMAO
My biggest mistake is trying to compete with the big hitters I regularly play with. I hit the ball about 240 off the tee, the other three smash it 270+.....i constantly feel like I'm playing catch up and get fast on everything..... Perhaps change my mates ?. 👍
I feel personally attacked. It’s like Rick was watching my last round... 😂😂😂
Lmao!!!
lmao, ditto!
Same
Love it, golf is one of those sports where I think psychology plays a HUGE part even in non-competitive play.
On the 5th tip ricks like “when ever you have a night mare on the last hole, say a three putt.” In my head I was thinking for me it’s probably a 5 putt 🤣😅
That's when I don't even make the green😂😂
For me its 2 chips and a 3 putt, or my typical par 3 hole.
I quite like hitting a tee shot close to the green on a par 3....then 4 putting for a 5
In a high school tourney, I got on a par 5 in 2, and 8-putted. It was the first hole
The ball was within a few inches of the hole so I'll settle for a 3 putt.
I think i have been guilty of all at some point. One thing I do struggle with is elevation change. How much does the ball position above/below my feet affect my shot shape. Should i move the ball position in my stance to minimise the effects? Also how much should i reduce/increase club for hitting into elevated or lower greens? A video on this would really help. Thanks
Thank you for getting straight to the point within 10 seconds! Too many people drag their intro on for 15 minutes.
Great point. With most vids, the more 'involved' the intro tends to lead to less helpful information.
Regarding downhill putts, a good rule of thumb for amateur players is this: when reading the break in a downhill putt, however much you have determined the break to be: DOUBLE IT.
Your putts will be on the high side of the hole, and as a result, you will make a lot more putts.
This isn’t always the case, but if you miss a lot of downhill breaking putts, this is a good rule to follow until you become better at reading downhill breaks.
You will not only make more putts, but you will 3-putt a lot less.
Got one of the Garmin watches and it has helped immensely with knowing my club distances.
Your comment section is so refreshing. So many humble people who admit that we are amateurs who enjoy playing this amazingly fun game. I will be a sub forever!
I've found my biggest mistake is teeing off.
That first hole, with everyone at the clubhouse watching you, and all you are hoping is to hit the ball in the air and not dribble it off the tee box and make a fool of yourself! I actually did that in a tournament once! Ended up placing 3rd, since after that shot, I just couldn't make a worse shot and played one of the best rounds ever.
@@charlieodom9107 LOL sometimes it's nice to get that bad shot out of the way. I lose my first ball almost every round!
"A strange game: the only winning move is not to play."
-WOPR
😂😂
Misses 3rd putt.... “I Love golf I’m having fun.” My go to line
I like to think I'm getting better value for my money the more shots I play
@@benroads5460 That's what I say with my 6 handicap friend, "hey I paid the same price you did and I get to play twice as much golf."
5:10 - Absolutely brilliant advice.
Point #3 has been the best advice I’ve ever had. Both with the lower loft and the putter option!!! Rick you legend!!!
I know I’m guilty of all 5. Have a tee time this afternoon. Going to work on these today. Thanks as always Rick
Great tips! Started using the 8 iron for longer chips and it has lowered score by about 3 shots. Rolling sooner is much better to get it close. Also thinking positive allows for much more fun when playing. Thanks for the reminders and keep the videos coming!
The mistake that made me quit was caring about my score. now I'm playing again I don't care about my score and I love it.
My buddy started doing that years ago. I had also quit before that. Last year he tried talking me into golfing again. When he said we do not keep score, I said I'm all in and have been loving it again. No longer getting beat up in the clubhouse having a cold beer with someone adding up my bad score and hollering out 102. We all know how good or bad we are. Way more relaxing and way less frustrating way to play.
I just play match rather than stroke play. It's so much more fun.
You are correct. My best rounds are when I am not paying attention to the score. You are also not supposed to care whether you made a good shot or make a put. You focus on each shot and do the best you can and not worry about the result.
Last year I turned 61 and stopped keeping score of strokes. Now I’m just having fun. My score is the measure of great shots over duffer/skull/worm burners. And I laugh way more than all of my golfing buddies! Life’s too short to keep score (It’s a metaphor) ha ha ha ha ha. Be safe and Be strong out there!! Cheers
Took all your ideas into consideration yesterday and shot a really decent round at a very challenging course. Previous best at the course was a 96, but yesterday, using your tips, I shot an 84. Thanks!
My biggest mistake: feeling the pressure from the people behind me... everytime i try and smash it to impress them and i just lose all my balls loooool....
Kinda sounds like you need to get your ego out of it🤣🤣
Its worse when you catch a group up and they let you play thru on the next hole.... Only for you to shank or toe the tee shot a grand total of 50 yards into the bushes, in the mother of all slices.
@@notmenotme614 also trying to play too fast to get ahead not to hold them up too long which also leads to the aforementioned shank lol
time for me its playing to slow, either my partners or the group up front, I play best from instinct, the fast the better!
My biggest problem is that I play in a men's league where the members seem to think they are playing against a stop watch, not the score card. Heaven help you if you take two practice swings on a delicate wedge shot. If it continues, I may switch to a different course next year.
Great tips. Putting off the green is consistent with the idea of playing to your individual skill level. I'm falling in love with the game again after several years of 1-2 rounds max -- always was a high handicap golfer and still am, with such little consistent practice. But my biggest score improvements lately have come from recognizing, and playing to, my skill level. All the golfers I play with are better than me, so separating my shots from theirs and making decisions that suit me (such as putting instead of chipping, playing a 3 wood instead of a 5 iron on a 250 yard shot, etc) have helped immensely.
Rick: "How many of these mistakes do you make?"
Me: "Yes."
Exactly what I was thinking. All of them, often!
No
Great tutorial. Fully agree 'don't lose' it when your last hole was as shambles, reset and go again !! Don't get phased by a tight hole instead of using driver as most think this is the go to ,use a club that you know you can hit straight , you might lose a little distance but the main thing is to stay in play.Also putt when you can or as Rick suggests if you can't use an 8 or 7 iron to bump and run, these tips have certainly lowered my scoring and makes golf that much more enjoyable ......
I smashed like. Now my phone screen is broken😂
lmaoooo
Funny
You are the best instructor period. Was on vacation last week and had a really rainy day. So I spent 8 hours of your videos. Loved watching you beat peter with the beautiful shot over the tree to a couple of feet. Thank you for always making me better.
The Rick and Run changed my whole game. Thanks Rick
As a completely new to golf I have made mistakes 1-4, however what golf has taught me is patience. If I have a bad time on a hole I always take my time setting up on the next one, anger isn’t a emotion that helps your game. Plus golfs too much fun to get angry, even those bad shots we all make from time to time, just laugh them off and move on
Thanks for the great vids 👍
Negative thoughts are literally costing me 15 shots.I swear one time I had a good 2 holes and I was confident.And my score dropped 12 hits.from avg
Agreed on all points. Thinking about these things makes a huge difference and also keeps me from thinking too much about my mechanics. When I’m thinking more strategically and about where I am GOING to hit the ball I end up playing what I call stress free golf and shooting lower scores. The last point is especially important. You can still make par, bogey at worst, after a poor tee shot, for example. That alone can save you 3 strokes or more per round if you simply take the poor shot in stride and carry on.
The first teaching session I ever had, the golf pro taught me a very valuable lesson that sticks with me to this day:
#6: "Never follow a bad shot with a stupid shot"
So you've just hit your drive into the trees. You can either poke the ball back out into the fairway or you can try to be a hero and hit a low punch shot under the branches and through a two foot gap that'll get you 100 yards closer to the hole. Do you take the glamor shot or the safe shot? (I've since perfected a low 5 iron punch shot that I can keep below 6 feet but only use it if there's a three foot gap between the trees - my aim's not that good!)
Great video! I’m 40 years old, played golf my entire life. Played at the college level and feel I understand the game better than most. I’m fortunate to have a 14 year old son who is very talented. The things you speak about in this video are things he and I have conversations about almost daily! They are very simple but extremely crucial to being successful. It is so GREAT to be able to show my son this video to validate what he is learning. As most of us know, a teenager doesn’t always listen to the advice we give then until they are older! Thanks Rick, videos like this are why I encourage my son to follow you.
For me, having emotional attachment to shots ruins my game.
The less I react, the lower I score.
Rick,
I am a two club guy around the green
1. more green between me and pin then rough and fringe.....pitching wedge 48 degree
2. more rough and fringe than green between me and pin lob ledge 60 degree
This is basically a (taking into account SLOPE (#4):
wedge.....40 % carry....60% roll
lob wedge.....60% carry.....40% roll
Has done me well over the years....shot my age first at 67 and beaten it every year since (currently 76)
Love your RUclips
Ty
David
#Rickto1mill. Even if I was paid I couldn't miss your vids.
Some of THE BEST instructional golf videos on all of RUclips. Thanks!
It’s unbelievable he does everything simultaneously
This was one of your best videos for sure. I think you hit the nail on the head with every single point. I started doing every single one of these tips you gave about 5 years ago and it completely changed my game. Positive thoughts, and not dwelling on previous bad holes is so crucial. Golf is such a mental game, you can't let it get to you. Always focus on the next shot, calm down and get lost strokes back through smart play. I'm going to share this video to a few of my golf buddies that desperately need to see this.
I was just on the livestream so came over here to watch this
Same
My mate I play most golf with (he's off 10 I'm off 24) threatened to throw my 56 away because I kept using it around greens and getting the duff and thin shots. 8 and 9 are now my go to clubs round the greens and have been for about a year - what a difference that made!! Always gets me to a good putting distance and have had a few roll in too! Love your videos Rick!!
Anyone else notice Rick has upped his editing game! Loved it in this vid!!
Yeah, the head exploding? Was hilarious!
He got an editor he doesn’t edit his own videos
Just recently started playing again after nearly 8 years since I played a round,
actually played ok,few shocking shots,
but going to keep these tips in mind when I play next,especially the first one
That is the "Shiny New Club Effect", and it happened to my father and I both after more than 10yr hiatus. I never could break 100 before not playing, then first round out 4yrs ago and I shout a 93 on clubs with dry rotting grips and rusty shaft from 10yrs of storage.The round after that I shot a 110! Golf is a 4 letter word for a reason...
I feel like you’ve been spying on me at the golf course! All 5 spoke to my soul!! 😉👍🏻
Your 8 iron bump and run has really changed my game for the better...but one thing I'd like to add is to have confidence in all your clubs...if I hit a bad drive I'm not worried about hitting a 5 iron or hybrid for my second shot.. complete confidence in my bag has made my rounds way more fun and less stressful... keep up the great work Rick...
Love the content, keep up the outstanding work! For me, over-estimating how far I hit a shot based upon those few magical memories :)
I'm a beginner. I have played probably more in the last 9 months than the previous 15 years. I am almost addicted. I am obviously very inconsistent and I'm shooting anywhere from 83 to 95 etc. I have been experimenting with hitting with less club to work on my distance. Love this game!
I’ve been here since the beginning when his first video came out and now he is here almost at 1 million subs
I used to always opt for loft around the green until I discovered the ol' bump and run. Fat, thin, too much power, too much spin, not enough spin etc all were downfalls of my inconsistency at such a short distance. Now my go to club is the 8i, so much more consistent and drastically lowers scores. If you don't use this type of shot then you're definitely missing out, has such a positive effect to the mental game too.
Always remember what you said before ...... A Bad putt is better than a bad chip. 👍⛳
1 is my Achilles heel. I’m working hard on trying to stay positive and not worry about what trouble I may find. Another one I found is that I play the back 9 much better when I don’t add up my score on the front beforehand. I always used to and then it took my mind away from the moment and I would just think about what mistakes I can’t make or I’ll mess up a good round.
"When you can putt"
I feel so vindicated from the side looks I get from putting off the green when I don't want to risk a bad chip
Jack Niclklaus says the best advice he got from Arnold Palmer was exactly that, if you can putt the ball from off the green, do it.
I learned a lot from my father , whom is also an avid golfer... 9 out of 10 times a decent putt is going to be better then a decent chip.. best golf advice I ever got . Putt when you can.
Quite impressive that someone who is so good at golf can relate to the mistakes us mid handicappers make. Been shooting low 90s all year and managed a 84 yesterday which could have been -80. Why? Thought negatively on two holes, sliced the tee shot, got annoyed, compounded mistakes, 3 putted and hit 2 triple bogeys. Great videos to watch, thanks.
When you hit 1 million subs, we will need a "Don't make these 1 million stupid mistakes that will ruin your golf" - lesson
Excellent tips.
The only thing I will ignore, is the too much loft in pitching... but that's because I'm not a competitive golfer, and just dream of the beauty of a perfect lob shot!
You're 100% right about chipping being more consistent, but I'll eat a few strokes for that one great shot bringing me back.
Thank you Tin Cup, for that twelve! I enjoy rolling the dice! 🤣
Rick saying - “STOP IT” at the end reminds me of getting told off for bad habits as a kid, now I’m getting told off for my golf bad habits 😂
I cannot believe the timing of this video. Legit was thinking about 3 of these topics today. This video will hopefully get me to hit a lower score on the next round! Thank you Rick!
Also another big mistake: people that get upset of a bad result from good shots/good swings
Spot on! Even a lot of low handicappers I play with do these things. The big one is the blade player that delofts every iron for their ego and constantly come up short due to bad contact.
Don’t hit enough club 😂
My big mistake was #3... too much Loft. I was the noob that kept reaching for the Loft wedge at the edge of the green. Thanks for the help!
cant wait to see him point out everything i do😔
I can relate 😆👌🏼
That bump and run tip was something that helped me immensely years ago. The vid I watched basically said take only as much loft as you need to get it to the green. So really if its just barely in the rough ill often use a 7i or even a 6 just to bump it on.
Second thing I've just been learning now thats not in the vid is LAY UP. And I dont just mean on par 5s. I had this HORRIBLE habit of ALWAYS thinking I needed to hit my driver, which I'm not very good at hitting. Now I rarely hit it. I'll hit 3w, 2i, sometimes even just a 7i off rhe tee if its really short. Its saved me TONS. Especially cause my local course has lots of OB everywhere and a missed tee shot is an automatic drop.
Can’t believe I didn’t hear” put it down and twat it as hard as you can”
Rick, the day after I made a concerted effort to eliminate these mistakes, I shot a season best 4 over 76. And I was 2 under on the 8th tee before my lack of comfort zone caught up with me. Thank you thank you thank you
Biggest mistake for me is underestimating my distance on particular clubs.
I don't have that problem. My mind selects clubs based on the distance I was hitting 10 years ago. When I think "8 iron", I need to reach for the 5. :-(
Yeah because you expect to hit it bad but then hit it good and it goes over
Playing badly for 17 holes so you pick a longer club.... Then you hit the best shot all day.
Straight into the bushes way behind the green.
I recently purchased a WoSports range finder so I no longer have the issue, at least hope🤞
Thanks for the Tips Rick.... My golf game is getting better because of you...
Number 5 applies to me big time. Once I've screwed up, I crawl inside my head and ball up on the misery couch. Then my game goes to hell.
Same. Just went through that shit yesterday after the 14th and completely bombed the last 4 holes. Just always try to remind myself that a bad day at the course is better than a good day working lol.
The 8 iron chip is one of the best tips us amateur golfers can have. I tell my mates all the time but they love the look of a flop when it’s not needed at all . Good tips
Day 14 of asking rick to review noodle long and soft golf balls
#3, I was taught that years ago. I chip in a couple times a year with my 8 and am within a gimme much of the time. Good one to pass along!
Who else came straight here from Instagram? 👍🏼
🙋🏻♂️
I did
The last 3 days I've been avoiding all but one of the 5 mistakes you've pointed out and I've shot several strokes better than my HC. The one mistake you point out is chipping close to the green, I've got this down very successfully and average 1 out of 8 chips into the hole. I rarely try putting when I'm off the green. Using an 8 iron maybe good for down hill shots but I love chipping on flat and uphill shots.
I like your video's and its about time I complement you on them.
"I make all 6 mistakes" - sandbagger
No3 I’ve just got a chipper absolutely saved my game yesterday!! Usually fluff more than most on little chips onto the green!!
I used to do #1 and #5 all the time and they fed each other. It was a brutal cycle. #2 and #3 happen sometimes, but I've been working on them. These videos Rick Shiels are putting up are helping my game not in great strides, but in small steps as I can practice the things I've seen and remembered.
Great advice. I have been working on #1 and #5 this season. I am not a great golfer so it is easy to focus on what could go wrong but I have been trying to focus on what could go right and it is helping. Because I still make my share of mistakes I have been really trying to let them be one off events. Don't dwell on it and let it ruin your next shot. My score has been coming down because of more good shots after my bad shot. Thanks for the advice Rick. All of these points I see in my game and I can work on.
Definitely do all 5 of them at this point! I'm getting better with not chipping around the greens with too much loft. Will need to focus on these points.
I went from shooting in the 100s to low 90s in a few weeks just by keeping a level head all the way through, playing bump and runs, using a stronger club and just taking a bit more time to think about each shot. Made an incredible difference.
Entirely the best tutor on RUclips...learnt a lot from this guy.
Rick, this was great. after a horrendous day on Sunday where I shot a 125... I probably should have taken less loft near the green where I miss hit a 60 deg wedge and an 8 would have been better. I'm gonna keep these in mind! Keep up the great videos!
#3 is a game changer for me - have been trying to incorporate since I first saw the vid. Thanks Rick!
Made a concise effort to improve on 2. Now have to work on the rest of these 5. Thanks Rick.
I'm in class today! Yesterday was troubling so I'm learning everything I can. I was 1-5.
...I'm notorious for using my lofted wedge (58°) around the green and don't have much confidence. Seeing your explanation about the 8 iron bump/run makes me want to start that in tonight's round :) Thanks Rick!
Great tips - already taking strokes off my game. Real practical advice - love this guy
I can relate to all of the above. I find it harder to remember the good shots and easier to remember the bad shots . 👍
Ok I do 3 1/2 of those mistakes. Not enough club, I do not stand on the side of a putt, but that's because I believe I can read the green/putt better than most people. To much loft around the green, I'll be changing that as soon as I can get out. And the 1/2 is I don't usually dwell on bad shots, but it does happen from time to time. great vids. keep it up.
Recently discovered your videos, and this one in particular was VERY helpful to my game. I fell victim to #1, 2, 4 and 5. Struggled with lack of focus and this video put things in perspective for me. Eliminate negative thoughts and THINK about the hole/club choice/swing. I played so much better this past weekend. Great drives (just a couple slices), irons, and around the green i DID NOT use too much loft. Paid great dividends - Shot an 87. Better than my usual 90-94'ish for me. Thanks Rick.
Great video agree with all the tips. What also helps me is just before I make a swing I relax my shoulders and breath out then I seem to swing a lot better
Thanks Rick! I hit mid nineties in high eighties now after this video.. daft shots replaced with positive shots with right club. Good lad
So true, it helped me too become an single handicap player. Thanks Rick. Hope to see you more videos in 2021
Best video yet - great par 3 shot btw - I was telling my father same thing as rule #1 Sunday - he was asking me what club I had and how not to hit it - I told him I only say positive thoughts because negatives are self fulfilling prophecies - I always hit it in those trees and guess where I hit it - or I always bogie this hole - I had best three holes in a row the last 3 - par, birdie, birdie
Followed your tips for breaking 90. Went from breaking 100 to breaking 90 for first time. Shot 89 on third outing after utilizing your tips. Great insight. 👍
Amazing. Well done Arthur. Keep at it. Such a great game.
This is my first year of playing golf and your videos have been very helpful. Thank you from the USA!