Question of the week [December 2-8]: What is the most misguided golf advice you’ve ever been given? RELATED: The First Call Inbox archive — — — — — — — Over the years, I’ve likely encountered a thousand pieces of advice or tips. Many come from well-meaning individuals who attempt to pass along a suggestion they gleaned […]
Question of the week [December 2-8]: What is the most misguided golf advice you’ve ever been given?
RELATED: The First Call Inbox archive
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Over the years, I’ve likely encountered a thousand pieces of advice or tips. Many come from well-meaning individuals who attempt to pass along a suggestion they gleaned from a magazine or YouTube, which often do not help and may, in fact, hinder a player’s progress.
One of the most misguided pieces I’ve heard is “Keep your head down, I’ll watch the ball.” How many skilled players have you noticed adhering to this approach? I would wager not many. Limiting your head restricts your body’s core. Permit your core and arms to naturally rotate your head as part of a standard follow-through.
P.J. Vicary
The Villages, Florida
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Maintain your head down.
Christian Brooks
Florham Park, New Jersey
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It seems bad, yet it may have been the best: “Take a two-week break, then quit.” But I didn’t.
Jim Pomeranz
Cary, North Carolina
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Be cautious of snakes in the rough.
Greg Galen
Rockford, Illinois
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An instructor, whom I won’t name, advised me to position my left shoulder excessively ahead of my head and torso at address. He was competent enough to teach others but misjudged my unique spinal curvature. I need to draw my shoulders back as a lifestyle choice. I opted out of a second lesson.
Donn Rutkoff
Oceanside, California
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The absolute worst advice I’ve ever encountered comes from golfers in warm climates who suggest I store my clubs for the winter and take a break. My pals and I from the tri-state region play all year round, weather allowing. I’ve already logged 40 rounds this year.
Bob Norris
Cincinnati, Ohio
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I was playing the Champion course at PGA National in West Palm Beach, Florida. We were required to have a forecaddie. Freddie, our forecaddie, was knowledgeable about golf and the course but had a rather cocky attitude. My brother is significantly better than I am, and Freddie was providing him with plenty of club recommendations while I was struggling.
On the back nine, we faced a long par 3 over water. Freddie advised my brother to hit a 4-iron. I turned to him and inquired, “What should I do?” Freddie retorted, “Take up tennis?”
I shot back, asking, “Are we meant to give you a tip after the round?”
This was not the kind of advice I anticipated, nor did I value it.
Mark Koszyk
Prospect Heights, Illinois
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Front: Kevin Na guiding a participant at the National Team Clinic during the pro-am preceding the 2024 LIV Golf Jeddah at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia.
Photo: Jon Ferry / LIV Golf
