9 Things Tour Players Do That You Don't

There are many things that set the top tour pros apart from the average golfer, and most of them are very obvious. You might immediately think of power, consistency or precision, and you would be right, but there are also lots of nuances that separate them from the rest.

In this article and video, Golf Monthly editor Neil Tappin explores some of the things tour players do that you don't...

1. Properly Warm Up

I won't be the first to tell you how important completing a warm-up is, but how many golfers actually do it? Heading to the practice area should be a regular part of our pre-round routine, especially considering most pros warm up before they start hitting golf balls. This allows them to get loose and prepares their bodies for the action they are about to perform.

2. Flight their wedges

The pros will rarely hit a flat-out pitch shot with their most lofted club in the bag mainly because it takes away some of their flight control. What the pros do is take a little bit of speed off the swing, which reduces the spin and flattens out the flight. So when required to hit a pitch a shot, it makes sense not to play to the limit of your speed. Take an extra club if you need to and keep the tempo nice and smooth.

3. Know their miss

Another reason amateurs don't get better at golf comes down to strategy, or lack of. When plotting their route, the best players in the world are very good at knowing where they absolutely can't hit the ball. This is how they keep the big scores off their cards. Identify where the big number comes from and then build a strategy that takes it out of play!

4. Focus on start lines when putting

The pros are meticulous about making sure that when they are putting, they are starting the ball on the right line. They do so by using training aids and training techniques to make sure they aren't pulling or pushing putts and you can do the same with simple gate drills and aids. Learning how to practise putting will be an invaluable tool to add to any golfer's arsenal.

5. Know their game

The top professionals performing at the highest level understand their own strengths and weaknesses clearly, allowing them to implement an action plan framework to improve their game. This analysis also help them to make key strategic decisions when it counts in pressure moments.

Amateurs would benefit from understanding their game in more depth, as this would then help them to focus their practice on the range and improve their performance on the course.

6. Work on their mental game

These days pros have a clear idea on how important the mental side of the game is because it controls everything and has an impact on performance on the course. The question is - are you doing work to try and improve your mental game? 

There are lots of things you can do to train yourself, such as pressure practice, performance practice and also looking at how you process a round of golf. Also, if your standards are too high, it might be worth considering why par doesn't matter and how it could be ruining your game.

7. Use visualisation

Seeing the shot in your head is something the pros do on every single shot they are faced with, and is a key part of their pre-shot routine, but amateurs rarely do this. Doing so can help narrow your focus and give you a clear idea on the shot you want to play. It can also be hugely beneficial to your game because it acts as a positive mental rehearsal for your shot.

8. Practise with purpose

Heading to the range and smashing balls without a clear objective is pretty much a waste of time. Pros are excellent at making sure their practice sessions have a clear focus, with measurable aims to track their progress.

Whether you want to stop slicing the driver or are just looking to improve your rhythm, don't hit balls away aimlessly. Additionally, performance practice can help create the same pressure situations that you experience out on the course too.

9. Clean their clubs

The pros clean their clubs after every shot they hit, not just the wedges. They know that anything trapped between the face and the ball will affect the outcome in terms of spin, distance, and so many other variables. And not only will learning how to clean your clubs before you hit help create a more reliable and consistent outcome, but it is also one of the best ways to ensure your gear lasts longer.