5 Situations Where Golfers Throw Away Strokes (And How to Stop)
Published by: Next Level Golf Academy
We help golfers lower scores by training on-course, not on the range.
Ever finish a round and think,
"I could’ve scored so much better if I didn’t blow it on a few holes”?
You’re not alone — and the good news is, it’s not your swing. Most golfers lose strokes in the same avoidable places. At Next Level Golf Academy, we coach players to recognize and eliminate those common errors without a swing overhaul.
Here are 5 situations where golfers routinely throw away strokes — and what to do instead:
🪓 1. Going for Hero Shots
The Mistake:
You’re in the trees or have 220 yards to a guarded green… and you go for it.
Why It Hurts:
This leads to chunked shots, trees, water, or worse — blow-up holes.
Fix It:
Learn to play the smart miss. Punch out. Lay up. Keep the double off your card.
✅ Pro Tip: Bogey is never a disaster. Big numbers are.
🧠 2. Poor Club Selection
The Mistake:
You always hit a 7-iron from 150 because “that’s your 150 club” — on the range.
Why It Hurts:
Course conditions, uphill lies, adrenaline, and wind change everything.
Fix It:
Account for real-time factors:
Uphill = more club
Into wind = club up + lower flight
Trouble long? Take less and aim safe
✅ Pro Tip: Know your stock yardages and when to adjust.
⛳ 3. Short-Siding Yourself
The Mistake:
Aiming at a tucked pin and missing on the wrong side.
Why It Hurts:
Now you’ve got no green to work with, a downhill chip, and a fast putt.
Fix It:
Aim for the fat side of the green and miss in the right spot.
You’re not on tour. Play smart.
✅ Pro Tip: A 25-foot uphill putt is better than a 10-yard downhill chip.
🎯 4. No Go-To Shot Around the Green
The Mistake:
Trying 3 different clubs around the green with 0 confidence in any of them.
Why It Hurts:
Inconsistent results, chunked chips, bladed wedges = wasted strokes.
Fix It:
Learn one versatile short-game shot you can hit from 90% of lies.
✅ Pro Tip: A bump-and-run with an 8-iron often outperforms your 60°.
😵 5. Rushing or Overthinking
The Mistake:
No routine, no commitment. Just walk up and swing.
Why It Hurts:
Mental clutter leads to indecision, tension, and poor execution.
Fix It:
Use a simple pre-shot routine:
Pick target
Choose club
Visualize
Commit
✅ Pro Tip: Routine under pressure = confidence under pressure.
Final Thoughts
Golf isn’t about the perfect swing. It’s about making better decisions, staying calm, and managing your game. These 5 situations alone can account for 5–10 strokes per round for many players.
Want help identifying where you’re leaving strokes on the course?
🎯 Want help identifying where you’re leaving strokes on the course?
Book a FREE Game Plan Call →
We’ll review your game and outline the strategies that will save shots immediately.
