Why Handicaps Haven't Changed In Thirty Years

Why Handicaps Haven’t Significantly Changed in Thirty Years

By
Mark Croft PGA

Handicap averages for golfers haven’t really changed since the mid 1980’s. Yes, they are down

by an average of 2 strokes for men and 3 strokes for women but that hasn’t been the

improvement most were looking for. With new lighter clubs and balls that go further the game

hasn’t gotten significantly better for most. The question is why?

I believe the answer lies within the golfers’ knowledge and understanding of what a simple golf

swing is and what happens in that swinging motion. Many golf instructors use outstanding

technology to improve their students’ performance, but for the majority most don’t improve and

often the students get worse. New clubs, better balls, teaching technology that is supposed to be

on the cutting edge and still little if any improvement.

If a student does not possess the simple knowledge of a golf swing and the student does not

understand what their responsibility is the swinging motion, how can one really expect to

improve? Here lies the real key to improvement. Understanding your golf swing and what your

responsibilities are in a swinging motion. These are very simple principles to understand and

apply to improve a student’s swing and performance immediately.

I have taught thousands of students the golf swing. The students have been new to the game,

played golf for many years and some very elite players. At the beginning of every lesson I ask

this question to every student no matter their ability level “What happens in your golf swing?”

The first time I ask this question the overwhelming majority can’t answer the question correctly.

After we discuss the simple understanding of the motion of the golf club and what happens in the

swing, they immediately begin to swing the club better with the right attitude of the motion.

Go to your local golf professional and ask him/her what happens in a swinging motion. If they

say it’s not that simple or it is difficult or pull out some technological device to explain it, grab

your wallet and walk way. If by chance they grab a hula-hoop you are probably going to get a

pretty good and simple explanation.

How is it possible to do something well or improve on it if you don’t understand what it is you

are supposed to do? Understand your golf swing and your responsibility in swinging the golf

club, you will improve immediately. It will be fun to watch your handicap melt like ice on a hot

day! If you have any questions or would like to discuss the golf swing and its’ simplicity you

may contact me at mark@markcroftgolf.com.