Improving the game

Question
Hi there :-),

I play golf since 2 years 2 months. I am 50 but I practise a lot, lot, lot - in average 3-5 hours a day, every day.
Actually my handicap is 12, but the best scores I made were 79 and 80.
I don't have now specific problems with my game but I just don't know what to do to go lower. How should I practise and what ? Now I practise all elements more or less equally (long game, short game etc) My short game is quite good (chipping, pitching etc) What would be your advise to bring me less then 80 all the times ?
Thanks for the answer

Answer
Hi Chris:

First and foremost, you need to get better at your short game.  In particular, your wedges.  Hitting wedge shots close to the hole can lower your scores quickly.  Secondly, your putting.  Do you keep track of your putting average per hole?  If not, start keeping track of your statistics.  Once you start keeping track of your stats, you will see where your weaknesses are and you can then concentrate on practicing them more and making them a strength of your game.  That would lower your scores.  Next is distance.  Since you are now 50, you MUST get more flexible and stronger in the forearms and wrists.  Those are the keys to getting more distance off the tee.  You'll need that now to make the second shots shorter.  My advice is to work on your short game 70% of the time and your long game 30%.  Get more flexible and start keeping track of your progress, both during practice and your rounds of golf that you play.  Continued success in lowering your handicap Gustavo.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member