Nina Caldwell
The terms plus handicap and plus golfer are reserved for a small percentage of golfers worldwide. These golfers are so skilled that their handicap index is below zero, meaning they have to add strokes to their score. While it's challenging to achieve plus-golfer status, it's not impossible. It requires dedication, practice, the right mindset, and sometimes humility. One must first become a scratch golfer, which is already a rare feat, with only about 1.85% of male amateur golfers and 0.69% of female amateur golfers achieving it. To become a scratch golfer, one must commit to consistent improvement, structured practice sessions, smart course management strategies, and mental game routines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Handicap Index | A plus golfer's handicap index is lower than zero. |
| Average Score | A plus golfer's average score is around par or better. |
| Difficulty | It is difficult to become a plus golfer, but not impossible. |
| Mindset | A positive mindset is important, and mental training can help improve performance. |
| Practice | Structured and consistent practice is necessary, focusing on addressing weaknesses. |
| Golf Swing | The golf swing is a complicated motion that requires dedicated study and practice. |
| Short Game | Working on the short game is emphasized as an important aspect of improving overall performance. |
| Physical Fitness | Training like professional golfers is recommended to reach the top percentage of amateur golfers. |
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What You'll Learn
Develop the right mindset
Developing the right mindset is crucial if you want to become a plus golfer. It's important to understand that your mindset can either be your greatest asset or your biggest hindrance on the golf course.
First and foremost, you must commit to the goal of becoming a plus golfer. It's a challenging journey that requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to improve consistently. Embrace the process and accept that setbacks and bad rounds are inevitable, but they don't define your overall progress. Patience and consistency are key; focus on tracking your stats and reflecting on each round rather than getting discouraged by temporary setbacks.
Visualisation and mental game routines are powerful tools. Visualise your desired outcomes, such as sinking a tricky putt or executing a perfect drive. Develop pre-shot routines and a consistent mental approach to enhance your performance. Off-course mental training is just as important as your physical practice. Read golf books, maintain a golf journal, meditate, and explore mental game apps to strengthen your mindset.
Don't neglect the short game. Working on your short game might not be as glamorous as driving balls on the range, but it's crucial for lowering your handicap. Plus golfers are made on the green, so dedicate time to honing your putting, chipping, and wedge play.
Finally, seek out resources and support. Consider working with a mental coach or sports psychologist to enhance your mental game. Utilise tools like the DECADE Golf system, which has helped many golfers improve their mindset and performance. Remember, becoming a plus golfer is a rare achievement, and the right mindset will be a significant factor in your success.
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Master the golf swing
Mastering the golf swing is a crucial aspect of becoming a plus golfer. It involves understanding the fundamentals and refining your technique through practice and analysis. Here are some key considerations to help you master the golf swing:
Understand the Basics
The golf swing may seem daunting at first, but it's more about rhythm and technique than brute strength or complex maneuvers. Think of it like a dance, where each movement requires precision and balance. The foundation of a powerful golf swing starts with a proper grip, which provides control and stability. Experiment with different grips, such as the overlapping grip, interlocking grip, or 10-finger grip, to find the one that feels most comfortable and allows you to control the club effectively.
Alignment and Stance
Proper alignment is essential for directing the ball accurately. Aim your clubface directly at the target, and then align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line. Place your front foot slightly ahead of the ball, with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart. This sets the stage for a successful swing.
The Backswing
The backswing is the initial phase of the golf swing, where you draw the club back in preparation for the strike. Shift your weight from your front to your back foot, and rotate your torso and shoulders away from the target. Keep your leading arm straight and rotate your hips slightly, allowing the club to be lifted naturally with the rotation of your body.
The Downswing and Follow-Through
Initiate the downswing by shifting your weight to your front foot and turning your hips towards the target. Keep your eyes on the ball and maintain the wrist hinge as long as possible for added power. Complete the swing with a strong follow-through, ensuring your body faces the target and your weight is fully shifted to your front foot.
Practice and Analysis
Regular practice is vital for mastering the golf swing. Use drills to focus on specific aspects of your swing and record your swing for analysis. Compare your swing to that of professional golfers to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, consider seeking professional coaching or using video analysis software to enhance your review process.
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Study the game
Studying the game is a crucial aspect of becoming a plus golfer. It involves understanding the intricacies of the sport and developing a deep knowledge of its strategies and techniques. Here are some key considerations for studying the game effectively:
Understanding the Fundamentals: Start by grasping the basics of golf, including the rules, etiquette, and terminology. Understand the different types of clubs, grips, and swings, as well as the physics and mechanics behind each shot.
Study Swing Mechanics: The golf swing is an intricate motion that requires a scientific approach. Study the biomechanics of the swing, including the role of the body's kinetic chain, weight transfer, and the importance of timing and rhythm. Analyse the swings of top players and break down their techniques to understand what makes them successful.
Strategic Course Management: Develop a strategic approach to course management. Study hole designs, learn to read greens, and understand the impact of wind, terrain, and course conditions on shot selection. Strategise when to play aggressively and when to lay up, considering the risks and rewards of each decision.
Mental Game Mastery: Mental fortitude is essential for peak performance. Study sports psychology principles, such as visualisation, positive self-talk, and mental rehearsal. Develop a pre-shot routine that helps you stay focused and confident. Learn to manage emotions, handle pressure, and maintain a positive mindset, even when facing adversity on the course.
Analytical Approach: Treat golf as a science by tracking and analysing your performance. Keep a golf journal to record your scores, statistics, and observations. Identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement. Use data to set specific and measurable goals, tracking your progress over time.
Continuous Learning: Commit to lifelong learning and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in golf. Read books, watch instructional videos, and subscribe to golf magazines or online platforms. Attend seminars, workshops, and clinics conducted by renowned coaches or players to expand your knowledge and refine your skills.
By studying the game diligently and adopting a student mentality, you'll develop the strategic insights and mental fortitude necessary to excel in the challenging journey towards becoming a plus golfer.
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$10.5
Get certified by the PGA
The PGA (Professional Golfer's Association) offers three courses: FdSc Professional Golf, DipHE Professional Golf, and BSc Applied Golf Management Studies. The PGA supports over 8,000 members in more than 80 countries.
To become a golf pro certified by the PGA, you must complete a background check and work in a golf-related field for at least six months. Golf-related positions include golf assistants, golf media associates, and golf coaches. Once you've entered the Associate or University Program, you'll have eight years to pass the PAT (Player Ability Test). The PAT involves completing two rounds of golf (36 holes) and achieving a score equal to or lower than the course rating for 36 holes, plus 15. PATs are formally administered by PGA Sections and offer options across the country.
After passing the Qualifying Level, you will need to complete three levels of education, choosing a career path between Golf Operations, Executive Management, or Teaching & Coaching. Each level includes seminars in Frisco, Texas, with the PGA of America Education Team, providing excellent networking opportunities.
The PGA offers flexible, part-time courses for those already working in the golf industry, as well as full-time degrees. For the FdSc and DipHE courses, a WHS certificate and specific handicap requirements are necessary. However, there is no handicap requirement for the AGMS degree.
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Maintain a handicap index of lower than zero
Maintaining a handicap index of lower than zero is an impressive feat in golf, and it's important to understand what a handicap index is and how it works. A handicap index is a numerical measure of a golfer's potential ability, expressed as a number with one decimal point (e.g. 21.4). It is calculated using a specific arithmetic formula that estimates how many strokes above or below the course rating a player is capable of playing.
To maintain a handicap index of lower than zero, you must consistently perform at an exceptional level. This means that your average score is significantly better than par on most courses. Achieving this requires a combination of a strong mental game and a solid technical foundation.
Working on your mindset is crucial. This includes activities such as reading golf books, trying golf hypnotherapy, using mental game apps, and even consulting a sports psychologist. Visualisation and meditation can also help improve your mindset and focus.
Additionally, you should focus on mastering the fundamentals of the golf swing. The golf swing is an incredibly complex motion that even professionals study for years or decades without fully mastering. Investing time in refining your technique through practice and instruction can help you maintain a low handicap.
While maintaining a handicap index of lower than zero is challenging, it is not impossible. With dedication, the right mindset, and a strong technical foundation, you can achieve this rare feat in golf.
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Frequently asked questions
A plus handicap golfer is a golfer whose handicap index is lower than zero. This means that a plus handicap golfer has to add strokes to their score.
Becoming a plus handicap golfer requires dedication, smart practice, the right mindset, and sometimes, a little humility. It is important to practice with purpose, manage your mind, and commit to consistent improvement. It is also crucial to understand your strengths and weaknesses and build a structured practice routine that focuses more on your weaknesses.
Here are some tips to help you on your journey to becoming a plus handicap golfer:
- Take golf fitness seriously and train like the pros.
- Work on your short game more often.
- Improve your mental game by reading golf books, trying golf hypnotherapy, using mental game apps, or working with a sports psychologist.
- Be patient, keep tracking your stats, and stay committed.
