by Devin Doyle
Devin Doyle suggests that the journey from casual player to enthusiastic golfer begins with a reliable setup Start by checking grip pressure, posture, and alignment before every swing, since these basics create repeatable contact and trustworthy ball flight. Picture a triangle formed by your shoulders and arms, then rotate that triangle around your spine with quiet hands. Keep your backswing at a pace that lets the club feel heavy, then let the downswing unfold from the ground up. Balance at the finish is the most honest feedback you can receive, because a steady pose usually means centered strike and solid rhythm When in doubt, shorten the swing, breathe, and swing through to a relaxed finish that faces the target
Practice becomes powerful when it is specific and timed. Divide an hour into three twenty-minute blocks that target full swing, short game, and putting For full swings, pick a single intent such as start line or strike location, then use alignment sticks and foot spray to track progress. For chips and pitches, land the ball on a towel placed at a chosen spot, adjusting clubs to control rollout On the putting green, build a circle of tees three feet from the hole and roll twenty makeable putts without breaking your routine. Keep a small notebook in your bag and record simple notes about what felt repetitive and what needs a lighter touch next time
Course management separates optimistic golf from consistent scoring. Choose targets that favor your most reliable shape, not the most aggressive line. If a hazard guards the left side, aim at a safe tree to the right and swing freely On par fives, plan backward from the wedge distance you love rather than forcing a hero shot. Accept the smart layup when the wind or lie turns risky, since a short iron from the fairway usually beats a scrambled recovery from thick rough Track simple stats like fairways, greens, and total putts so your choices improve round by round. Patterns reveal themselves, and each round teaches you where to invest your next practice block
Short game creativity keeps rounds alive when swings feel off Learn three stock shots, a bump and run with a short iron, a mid trajectory pitch with a gap wedge, and a soft lob with an open-faced sand wedge Build them with one consistent tempo and minor adjustments to ball position and shaft lean. Picture the landing spot and watch the first bounce settle softly. In bunkers, aim to splash the sand behind the ball, then hold your finish high so loft does the lifting. Reliable touch saves doubles, turns pars into quiet victories, and makes birdie chances more frequent on days when your driver is shy.
Equipment should support your strengths without distracting you Get fit for the correct shaft flex, loft gapping, and lie angles, since these details affect launch, spin, and direction Modern drivers can be adjusted to fine-tune ball flight, but subtle changes are best made with a fitter who watches your numbers Choose a putter head that frames the ball easily and matches your natural arc Keep grips fresh and grooves clean so texture and spin stay predictable A simple rangefinder, a light cart bag, and a tidy pocket system for tees and ball markers reduce clutter. Clean grooves and a confident grip on wet mornings keep focus on the shot, not on the gear
Fitness and recovery deserve attention from every enthusiastic golfer Mobility in the hips and thoracic spine helps create speed without strain, while planks and glute bridges add stability that supports a steady posture Walk when possible to improve endurance and feel the slopes under your feet. Hydrate early, pack a banana or trail mix for the back nine, and stretch gently after the round. Use a pre-shot breath to reset your tempo: inhale through the nose, exhale a little longer, and let your shoulders drop Small rituals calm nerves, sharpen decision-making, and build the quiet confidence that travels from range to course.
Finally, bring your love of the game on the road Research courses with multiple tee options and broad practice areas, then book morning times to avoid wind and crowds. Pack rain gloves, a small towel, and a few extra tees in a zip pocket so the weather cannot spoil the day. Snap photos of yardage markers to revisit favorite holes and write quick notes about green breaks you want to remember. Share highlights with friends, celebrate small wins, and enjoy the quiet walks between shots Golf rewards patience and curiosity, and the enthusiastic golfer who plans, practices, and smiles through the bounces will see steady progress that lasts