The next time you watch a PGA Tour event on TV, notice how meticulously the pros set-up to the ball before every shot. (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Fix your golf game during the round

By Les Miller,
Contributor

How many times have you been in the middle of a solid round of golf when suddenly you lose your swing - no matter what you try, nothing seems to help? It's such a frustrating experience; you just don't know what to do.

The following tips feature some mid-round fixes that can help you stop the bleeding, build your confidence and get your game back on track.

Mid-round golf tip: Back to basics

Suddenly, out of nowhere, the bad shots start to ruin your round. Do what the tour pros do: start by checking your grip, alignment and ball position. These are the areas they attend to, not only on the practice tee, but during their rounds. The next time you watch them on TV, notice how meticulously they set-up to the ball before every shot. They understand bad shots start with bad basics, and they also understand this is an easy fix that does not require "working on your swing," which you should never do during the round.

Mid-round golf tip: Get in rhythm

No matter how good of a player you are, its common to temporarily lose your rhythm during a round of golf. First, try and relax (not always easy to do when the bad shots start flying off your club face). Next, take a couple of extra practice swings holding two or three clubs, as you would do prior to warming up before your round. Another idea is to sing to yourself during your practice swings which will improve your tempo.

Again, notice how many times tour pros take a few extra practice swings before an important shot - it's because they're working on their rhythm.

Mid-round golf tip: Close your eyes

If you find yourself losing your swing, try taking practice swings with your eyes closed. I have on occasion had students hit balls with their eyes closed, in order to eliminate hitting at the ball instead of swinging the club. When bad shots pop up during the round, it's common for golfers to overly fixate on the ball and thus lose their swing. Swinging with the eyes closed helps you release the club head through the impact zone.

Mid-round golf tip: When putting, look at the hole

A couple of weeks ago Vijay Singh missed so many short putts on his Saturday round that on Sunday he started to look at the hole when he putted, instead of looking at the ball. This is an excellent "fix" if you find yourself missing short putts. By looking at the hole, you free-up your mind and naturally release the putter head through the contact zone. Vijay putted much better on Sunday - too bad he didn't use this fix during Saturday's round.

November 19, 2009

Les Miller was a longtime Golf Writers of America member who covered golf instruction for several newspapers and golf publications. His many years of experience as a golf professional, director of product development and tour relations for several major golf companies gave him a unique background and ability to help golfers increase their enjoyment of the game.