Golf Tips For Women: Kathy DeNeui

Identify where you are losing strokes

Dear Kathy:

Every year I say the same thing that this is the year I’m going to “fix” my swing. I have a 23 handicap, I know I could get to an 18 handicap, but I keep saying and doing the same thing each year. I’ve been playing golf over 10 years, but haven’t really made any changes in my swing or game since I started. Any ideas on how to meet my goal?

- Susie

Dear Susie:

I know it’s early in the season, but the first thing you want to do is identify where you’re losing strokes. Are you getting on greens in regulation? Do you need more help with distance, or in keeping the ball in play? How many putts are you taking for 18 holes? If it’s more than 36 take a putting lesson and commit to an hour a week putting practice.

When you chip, are you getting the ball close enough to one putt at least 50% of the time? If not schedule a chipping lesson and an hour a week – all year to practice your chipping.

I don’t recommend a player “rebuild” their swing after they’ve been playing for 10 years, but you can usually pick one swing change to make over the season and two swing changes only if necessary.

If you want more distance you need more club speed, get with a good instructor and identify one swing change that will make your swing more efficient. Get a drill to change your swing behavior and work on that one change all season.

In short, plan on taking at least two lessons, one on your full swing and one on your short game. Commit at least two hours a week to practice, and you should be able to meet your handicap goal by the end of the season.

Kathy DeNeui is an LPGA teaching professional at the Columbia Super Range in Everett. She can be reached at 425.338.2424.