5 Reasons Why You’re Not Getting Better At Golf
#1 You Don’t Practice
One of the most common reasons golfers don’t improve is simply not practicing, at all... or at least not enough. But it’s not just about the quantity; it’s really about the quality of your practice. Even if you’ve got the best golf polo shirt on, only real improvement will show on the course.
The 10,000-hour rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell and based on research by Anders Ericsson, suggests that to truly master a skill, you need around 10,000 hours of deliberate, focused practice. While that’s no hard-and-fast rule, just think about the pros: they’ve spent years and countless hours in training, yet even they have rounds where nothing goes right. So, remember that golf is hard, and putting in the work, whether it’s practicing your drive or polishing your short game, is essential to progress.
#2 You Don’t Know What’s Wrong
Another reason golfers struggle to improve is they don’t know what’s wrong with their swing or game. Many believe formal lessons are the only way to improve, but with enough dedication and self-analysis, you can teach yourself the golf swing.
Golfers today have access to a wealth of information online—videos, tutorials, and even forums on topics golf swing theory and how to find the best printed golf polo shirts on the planet (ahem…we might have some info on that). With diligent research and trial and error, many golfers can identify their weaknesses and make adjustments on their own without formal instruction. That’s not to discount the obvious benefits of professional coaching, but for those with packed schedules, it’s an alternative. For example, I taught myself the golf swing over the last couple of years through countless hours at the range and digging into countless books, magazines, online videos while also keeping meticulous notes of my swing hypotheses along the way.
Here's an interesting note: The Journal of Motor Behavior found that athletes who combine self-directed learning with feedback from tools like video analysis improve at rates comparable to those receiving external coaching. The key is "owning" your swing—making adjustments that fit your unique body and game, which leads to long-term success.
#3 You Don’t Have a Plan
Showing up to the range and hitting balls randomly won’t lead to much improvement—trust me, I speak from experience. I wish I could get back the countless hours I wasted on the range without direction. Deliberate practice—structured and goal-oriented—is ESSENTIAL to getting better.
Deliberate practice involves setting specific goals for each session, focusing on weak areas, using feedback to make adjustments, and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. This process helps build a foundation for consistent improvement, rather than aimlessly practicing the same habits. Fixing root causes will get you results quicker and eliminate some of the variables that could be throwing off your game.
Anders Ericsson's research suggests that athletes who engage in deliberate practice improve 22% faster than those who practice aimlessly, while a Golf Channel Academy study found that golfers who follow structured practice plans were able to lower their handicaps 3-4 times faster than those who didn’t practice deliberately.
#4 You Lack Feedback
Without feedback, it’s hard to know whether you’re improving or just reinforcing bad habits. One of the simplest and most effective tools to give yourself immediate feedback is a video recording of your practice. Recording your swing allows you to see exactly what’s happening, giving you the opportunity to make adjustments on the fly.
While video can be helpful in checking mechanics, a launch monitor can take things further. It provides data like angle of attack, launch angle, backspin, and carry, helping you rapidly determine if your swing is yielding the desired outcome. Using tools like these, combined with detailed notes and reviews of your footage, can help you improve faster by recognizing patterns and making more effective changes. Studies have shown that self-directed learners who use visual feedback improve their skills 15-20% faster than those relying on feel alone (International Journal of Golf Science).
We would love to see you Hoolies practicing at the range or in a simulator wearing your favorite Hoolie golf shirt for men! Let’s go - tag us @hooliegolf on Instagram and Facebook with hashtag #hoolieup.
#5 You Don’t Work On Your Short Game
The old adage, "Drive for show, putt for dough," rings true. Most amateur golfers focus on their long game, trying to hit longer and straighter drives, but the short game, 30 yards and in, is where golfers can lower their scores the fastest. If you’re serious about seeing improvement, focus on short game drills, especially while sporting one of our badass printed golf polo shirts.
For amateurs like myself, focusing on the short game leads to faster improvements than practicing long shots. A study from the National Golf Foundation found that golfers who spent 50% of their practice time on short game drills lowered their scores by an average of 5 strokes within 6 months. Practicing the short game is one of the quickest ways to improve your scores, as these shots have fewer variables and are more controllable than long drives.
Also, a Golf Digest study showed that amateur golfers who focused heavily on putting and chipping saw an average handicap drop of 5-7 strokes in 6 months. By practicing the short game, you’re tackling the most immediate and effective way to lower your score.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re busy or have time to spare, I hope these insights inspire you to refocus your golf practice. Real progress takes dedication—and only when you put in the time will you see those strokes drop. Keep at it and, as we say at Hoolie, keep grinding and Hoolie Up out there!
Bobby Holland is a retired Navy SEAL who served in the military for over 21 years. In 2023, he co-founded Hoolie Golf, offering premium golf polo shirts, golf shirts for men, golf hats, and more for Action Guy golfers. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just picking up the game, Hoolie Golf has something for you. And if you’re in the military, a veteran, or in law enforcement, Hoolie offers a standing 20% discount (via GOVX link at checkout), so check out our golf polos, hats, t-shirts, and more to start your golf journey.
