Golf like a Pro with These 7 Quick Tips

April 26, 2017

So, you’ve improved your golf swing, and you’re nailing most of your shots. Nicely done. Have you earned bragging rights? Sure. Will you eat the biggest, juiciest post-game steak you can find? Definitely. After all, every meal is more delicious with a side of winning. But not so fast. There’s always room for improvement, even if you’re Phil Mickelson. Want to golf like a pro this season? Try these quick tips from Doug Hastie, Bear Mountain’s Director of Instruction.

1. Learn from the Best
To be the best, you must learn from the best. Doug Hastie of Down to Earth Golf knows this better than anyone. Doug has been in the golf industry for more than 30 years, 25 of them as a member of the PGA of Canada. Doug has worked with and learned from some of the most accomplished golfers, including George Knudsen, Ben Kern, and Mark Evershed. Golf is easy if you only focus on what’s working. An instructor will help you take an honest look at where you can improve.

2. Check Your Fundamentals
Before you get on the course, make sure your fundamentals are strong. How’s your grip and ball position? Check those areas and make sure you haven’t picked up any bad habits from last season. It’s also important to set a few measurable goals. Do you want to get more distance, improve your putt, or lower your score? Give yourself something to work towards.

3. Practice Better
A lot of people aren’t improving because they’re not practicing correctly. Whatever you’re practicing is what sticks—bad habits included. If you go to the range and hit the ball to the right, that’s what you’re learning. A lot of people practice their golf swing, but they don’t actually practice how to play golf. There’s a big difference. If you don’t replicate the golf course closely enough, you won’t see improvement.

4. Plan Your Shot

It’s important to gain awareness of your swing and what ball flight it produces, so don’t be afraid to try different things when you practice. Try lining up at a target and purposely hitting the ball to the right. Then try hitting it to the left. This should help you “find” straight and gain more awareness of what causes these ball flights.

5. Adopt a Winning Mindset
You don’t make a shot happen—you let it happen. That’s why getting into a winning mindset is so important. Some people can feel the shot in their body, while others visualize where they want the ball to go. Experiment to find out how you play best, and try to stay in the moment. If your mind’s racing, take a step back and try again when you’re more centered. Stay humble, adopt a mastery mindset, and take it one shot at a time. Most importantly, have fun and don’t compare yourself to others.

6. Take Lessons
Whether you’re working on your swing or trying to get more distance, you won’t improve by just hitting a few balls at the range. At Bear Mountain, you’ll get the instruction and support you need to take your game to the next level. Would you like to learn what the pros know and play on Canada’s only 36 holes of Nicklaus Design golf? Book a group coaching session or a private lesson that’s customized to your unique needs and goals. Bear Mountain also has Junior Golf Academy Programs and All-Day Summer Junior Camps for kids 6-13 years of age.

7. Rest, Relax & Fuel Up 

When you’re relaxed, rested, and well fed, you play better and have more fun. Loosen your muscles and calm your mind at Bear Mountain’s award-winning Sante Spa Victoria. Fuel up at Bella Restaurant to give your body the energy it needs. Enjoy a post-game beverage on the Masters Lounge patio. Sink into your heavenly bed at the Westin Bear Mountain for the best sleep you’ve had in months. At Bear Mountain, the experience doesn’t stop once you step off the green.

Book a golf getaway at Bear Mountain today. With the award-winning Sante Spa, multiple dining options, and Canada’s only 36 holes of Nicklaus Design golf, a stay at Bear Mountain is educational and experiential. You’ll leave feeling relaxed and energized, with a better swing and a pep in your step.