SHOULD WE COPY EVERYTHING THE PGA AND LPGA TOUR PROS DO?
BY STEPHANIE WEI H
ate to be the one to break it to you, but as ama- teur golfers, we shouldn’t try to emulate every- thing we see the pros do on the PGA Tour and
LPGA Tour. They’re paid the big bucks for a reason, and don’t forget, it’s their job, not just a hobby. Let’s be real. Chances are, we’re never going to be as
good as they are—even if we dress like them (ahem, all the middle-aged Rickie Fowler wannabes). The aver- age golfer doesn’t have the time (and more important, the patience and discipline) to practice and get in the reps required to reach that next level. Of course, there are habits we can pick up from watch- ing PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players to improve our games. Here’s a guide to the DOs and DON’Ts.
Rickie Fowler is one of the most dynamic young players in the game, but perhaps not the best golfer to dress like.
COURSE MANAGEMENT DO:
TAKE ENOUGH CLUB (OR EVEN AN EXTRA CLUB). The most common mistake Tour players see their pro-am partners make is overestimating how far they can hit the ball. Amateurs tend to take less club than they need. ••• “If you can’t drive the ball 250 yards, it is very likely your 3-wood won’t fly the 270 yards necessary to carry the water hazard, the green- side bunker or your friends’ heads,” says Christina Kim, a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour. •••
In other words, check your ego in the parking lot. Your buddies will be much more impressed if you clear the hazard and find dry land or hit the green in regulation.