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• How to eliminate the shanks
• Instant fixes to driving faults

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• The Old course in Vilamoura
• Visiting Quinta do Vale
• www.algarvegolf.holiday

The fail-safe way to become a better golfer

There are many secrets out there on how to become better at golf. But in the end, it’s all about loving the game enough to work hard at it. But you don’t only have to work hard—you should work smart too. Here is a list of five smart strategies you can perform that will ensure game improvement as time goes by. Dedicate yourself to trying them from today.

Dedicate time to practicing

The most obvious—albeit important—advice anyone can give you is to practice your game as much as possible. But it’s just as important to be disciplined in your practicing. Make time during your week and stick to a practicing schedule. If you can, practice your golf daily—even if it’s during your lunch break at work. You can also use golf as a business tool if you’re in the right industry. By continually going over the same routines, you will quickly develop some good habits which will show in your game score when you play.

Read about golf in your spare time

Subscribe to a good golf magazine. You’ll be surprised how much good advice you can gain from doing so. Experts are regularly interviewed for articles and there is always great advice going around. Missing out on this advice is criminal. Your golf game will never improve if you aren’t staying clued up on every aspect of the game.

Develop course strategies before playing

Golf is not all in the technique—it’s also in the mind. As someone who takes golf seriously, you will at some point have to learn golf strategy. This involves studying course maps, working out stroke paths, and getting to know your equipment well.

• Before playing a golf course, study a detailed map of the layout. Become familiar with bunkers, water hazards and trees. It also helps to know small details such as how wide a fairway is or how much green you have to make a put.
• Plan your playing direction. From tee to hole, work out each direction line and how many strokes each hole will take to make par.
• Get familiar with your clubs. If you find that a particular club is just now working for you, consider replacing it with another. Clubs are individually designed to fit different players with varying styles.

Don’t practice alone

Someone who watches you play is quite likely to notice flaws better than what you can in yourself. Visit the driving range with a friend and learn as much as you can. Let them watch you make your strokes and allow them to comment on some of the mistakes they notice. You can also gain a lot by watching the habits of seasoned golfers. Take in every detail of body movement, grip techniques, and other strategies that come into play.

If you love golfing enough, you will find these steps fun rather than tiresome homework. Remember that playing actual games is also a great way to discover your shortcomings and find ways to improve. So play hard and get better. Just don’t forget to exercise your brain as much as your body when it comes to golf.

Play a course with conquest in mind

• When playing a golf course, don’t stop visiting it until you have conquered it fully. Aim to achieve a score below par and don’t give up until you do. Study the course, play it alone, play it with friends; do whatever you must until it releases its secrets and gives you the victory.