Every golfer craves more consistency. You hit a great shot and then wonder, “Why can’t I do that every time?” While repeating the perfect shot is rare, certain common mistakes may kill your consistency. If your game feels like a constant battle between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, it’s time to see if these issues are to blame.
Your ball position keeps changing
If your golf ball position changes from shot to shot, even a little, it will alter your swing path, contact point and ball flight. You may have heard the “low point” in the swing mentioned and how important it is to find it.
Practice your ball position on the driving range using alignment sticks. Check out our full guide on ball placement for irons if you want to dive deeper into this topic.
You’re constantly switching golf balls
I have a favorite golf ball (Titleist Pro V1) that I’ve played with for many years. I know it’s the right fit for my game.
However, I still test almost every golf ball that comes out. I play a round with it and see how it impacts my game (especially the short game). I’m always suprised at the difference it makes.
It’s hard to develop consistency if you’re reaching around the bottom of your bag and switching brands, models, compression and spin rates.
Find a golf ball that fits your game and stick with it.
Your pre-shot routine isn’t consistent
When your pre-shot routine becomes second nature, consistency becomes much more manageable. Most routines develop naturally over time and include analysis, visualization and commitment.
Record yourself hitting balls at the range. Watch what you do instinctively, identify missing pieces (like a final look at the target) and repeat that process before every shot. Pre-shot routines don’t need to be long or complicated. They just need to be repeated each time.
You’re guessing distances
Get on a launch monitor with a professional or invest in a portable launch monitor to start tracking your carry distance. Always look at your average shot distance, not your best one.
You’re aiming wrong
Poor alignment causes a lot more problems than inconsistency. Aiming incorrectly can even cause swing-related issues.
Test to see how good you are at aiming. Use an alignment stick during practice to check that your feet, hips and shoulders are properly aligned.
Pick specific targets, not just a fairway or a green.
Every shot you take needs a specific target, whether playing or practicing.
You’re ignoring how much tension you have
If you get nervous or overthink on the course, you may build up tension in your hands, arms, even your shoulders. As muscles tighten, your swing shortens and it can keep you from releasing the club through impact.
Before every shot, take a deep breath and keep yourself from standing still for too long. Watch the professionals play. They don’t stand still over the golf ball. They keep moving to ensure the tension doesn’t build.
Your takeaway is different every time
The start of your swing can get you on the right or wrong track. An inconsistent takeaway is just as much of a problem as a poor one.
I’ve incorporated a little pushback of the club into my pre-shot routine to help keep my takeaway the same each time. You can use a mirror or alignment stick to get more consistent. Add a little golf swing takeaway practice into your next range session.
Final thoughts
Improving consistency isn’t about finding a perfect swing. It’s about reducing variables and building repeatable habits. Start small by checking your aim and distances. While these consistency fixes are not complicated, they will greatly impact your game.
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