Editorial – Common Problems Amateur Golfers Have That Pros Don’t
By: Mark Harman
When it comes to the difference between amateur and pro golfers, there isn’t one category that amateurs, as a whole, do better in than does a typical tour pro. But some differences are more glaring than others. And believe it or not, there are categories where amateurs are not that far away in comparison to a tour pro. So let’s highlight the good news first.
Driving accuracy. Every golf course has its share of “old-timers” who wear out fairways. In fact, statistical analyses show that scratch golfers actually hit a greater percentage of fairways than does a typical PGA Tour pro. This might be written off that this is because a pro golfer hits the ball farther and therefore the margin of error is less, and there is some validity to this, but pros also tend to play on fairways that have been firmed up for the week, leading to bounces that might go further sideways. Also, there is a tendency among tour pros these days, thanks to the analytics provided by statistical gurus such as Mark Broadie (Inventor of the strokes-gained metric), to play more aggressively since data show that aggressive play tends to be rewarded more than conservative play. But on the whole, there are indeed many amateur golfers who can hit a greater percentage of fairways than can an average tour pro.
Putting: Broadie’s statistics show that for every six strokes in difference in skill level, there is a one-stroke difference in putting prowess. In other words, a typical tour pro, who has a handicap index of approximately +6, putts only one stroke better per round than does a scratch golfer, two strokes better than a 6-handicapper, three strokes better than a 12-handicapper, etc. This means that yes, there are single-digit handicappers who putt as well as an average tour pro day in and day out. There are also probably some low double-digit handicappers who can put as well as the worst putters on the PGA Tour, and there are days that even 20-handicappers can putt as well as a tour pro. So the difference in putting isn’t all that great between the tour pro and good amateur golfers.
Now, let’s highlight the not-so-good news.
Distance. PGA Tour pros average approximately 296 yards off the tee. While it is a myth that “everyone” on tour can fly it 300 yards, the fact is that statistics show the average scratch golfer can drive the ball about 255 yards. This might seem low, but it has been well-founded in research. Remember, when we talk about average, we are talking about poor drives being thrown into the statistical mix, too. So it’s probable that the average male scratch golfer hits it about 265 or so on a good hit. There is about a 30-yard difference between what an average PGA Tour pro can do compared to a scratch golfer. That 30 yards times 14 drives adds up to a course that effectively plays 420 yards longer for a scratch golfer, not to mention longer clubs into the greens.
Greens in regulation. Studies have shown that an increase or decrease in one green in regulation, on average, equals to a difference of about two strokes on the scorecard. In other words, a golfer who averages 11 GIR will average about two strokes lower than someone who averages 10 GIR. A typical tour pro hits 12 greens in regulation, which translates into a scoring average of about one under par. Let’s say a scratch golfer typically plays on a course rated at 72.0, meaning he will average about 74 (because handicap indexes are based on the best 8 out of 20 rounds, a scratch golfer will typically average about two strokes worse than his handicap index). This means that on this course, assuming the par is 72, a scratch golfer will hit about 10.5 GIR. Skill level obviously plays a factor, but so does distance, as a +5 index golfer will have typically much shorter distances into the hole.
Short game. The average tour pro gets the ball up and down on a missed GIR just under 3 out of 5 times. Average amateur golfers will fare well less than this, even though their putting prowess may not be that far away from a tour pro’s. Their chips and pitches will usually not leave them in easy one-putt range, while the tour pro does this with regularity.
Mental approach. Most tour pros have consulted with or are working with a sports psychologist or other mental coach. Most amateur golfers don’t. When a tour pro hits a good shot, he or she typically affirms to themselves that this is normal for them, while amateurs often consider themselves “lucky” to pull off a good shot. Conversely, a tour pro recognizes that a bad shot is not normal for them, while most amateurs have a “yep, that’s me” outlook. While there are other differences, self-image between tour pros and amateurs tends to be like night and day.
One-way vs. two-way miss. When tour pros mishit a shot, they tend to hit it primarily either left or right. Amateurs tend to miss equally both ways, with the possible exception of slicers. Turning a two-way miss into a reliable one-way miss is one of the fastest ways to cut a few shots off an amateur’s score. This is where competent instruction becomes critical. The aim of a good lesson is obviously to make the player a better ball striker, but part of that means developing a reliable miss so that strategy can be effectively planned.
Time. Since it’s their job, tour pros can literally spend all day, if they desire, playing and practicing golf. Most amateurs do not have this luxury, and if they do, they have neither the energy or motivation to do so. Besides developing a reliable one-way miss, one of the surest ways to get better at golf is simply to do it more.
So, there you have the reasons why an amateur doesn’t do as well as a pro, and we didn’t even mention talent. Talent obviously plays a role, but that’s really something that cannot be controlled. Amateurs, however, have tools to close the gaps that differentiate themselves from tour pros, and competent instruction from any USGTF member is a good way to start.
Our neighbor to the north, Canada, has the misfortune to have a shorter season than those of us in the United States, but the high quality of the courses more than makes up for any perceived lack of playing time! World-class venues abound in all provinces, and the Canadian Golf Teachers Federation has members in each province making their mark on the golf teaching industry. The CGTF’s online courses have proven to be extremely popular. More information on the CGTF can be found at 
The Master Golf Teaching Professional® designation is the highest one can achieve in the USGTF. Classes will be held June 13-15 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and November 14-16 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The classes are open to all Certified Golf Teaching Professionals® in good standing who have been certified for a minimum of 12 months. Attending one of these certification classes is extremely educational for all involved, and successfully attaining the designation has proven to be a boon for many who have earned the Master title. More information can be obtained by calling the USGTF National Office at (772) 88-USGTF. 
Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Club in Plantation, Florida, will host the 26th annual United States Golf Teachers Cup on Monday and Tuesday, October 24-25, 2022. The course is one of the finest public facilities in the South Florida area and is situated just west of Fort Lauderdale. More information will be made available soon. Please consult our monthly e-newsletters or 
Virtually ever since golf began, the player has had a faithful sidekick known as a caddie. “Caddie” comes from the French word “cadet,” which loosely translated means the younger.
Films of golf competitions in the past show young people caddying for players such as Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson, and it’s hard to imagine them giving these two greats much advice. Back then, they simply carried the clubs, cleaned the golf balls and tended the flagstick. As professional golf became more of an actual profession where players could earn a full-time income, caddies grew in importance. Their responsibilities evolved into figuring yardages, recommending club selection and reading greens.
Today on all the major tours, caddies are generally good players in their own right, with quite a few transitioning from playing on the PGA Tour to caddying. Perhaps the most notable was Lance Ten Broeck, who had a decent playing career before taking up the bag of Jesper Parnevik. Others include Jimmie Johnson, longtime caddie for Justin Thomas; Paul Tesori, caddie for Vijay Singh and now Webb Simpson, and Damon Green, a mini-tour legend and former Korn Ferry Tour player who most famously caddied Zach Johnson to two major championships.
Modern caddies often have lengthy discussions with their players before each shot, as witnessed on television. They also have to be psychologists and coaches in addition to caddies, demonstrating varied skills. The best caddie today is considered to be Jim “Bones” Mackay, former caddie for Phil Mickelson and now on the bag of Justin Thomas. Caddies for the best players are also handsomely rewarded, with many of them earning good six-figure salaries. Caddies truly have to be masters of the game in today’s competitive field.
The Mizuno Golf, a longtime industry partner with the USGTF, has announced a further discount to USGTF members on all its products. USGTF members in good standing may now purchase Mizuno irons, woods and golf balls for 21% off the listed wholesale price, an increase from the previous 15%. Further, for on-time payment, an additional 5% discount will be offered.
Mizuno irons are known for their outstanding quality and feel, and their driver and fairway wood line is gaining a reputation as well respected as the irons’. To take advantage of this pricing, orders may be placed through the USGTF National Office at (772) 88-USGTF.
By Graham Lewis, USGTF Professional
Walker Larkin is a junior at Glynn Academy High School in Brunswick, Georgia, and a straight-A student. When Walker was in the 6th grade, he wanted to play on the middle school golf team (the best team in the state). His dad asked me to help Walker improve his game so he could compete. It was clear from the beginning that he loved the game, but was very frustrated with not improving faster. His swing was very athletic and somewhat old school, with a lot of lower body movement and a reverse C with a high finish and more erect posture (ala Johnny Miller).
As we worked on stabilizing the lower body and attaining better posture, he improved enough to make the team. Throughout middle school while working on mechanics, we addressed his frustration and anxiety by setting more realistic goals. He wanted too much too quick. Improvement was slow but evident.
When Walker started high school, his goal was to make the varsity, which was and is one of the very top teams in the state. In an effort to gain more distance, he developed two flaws that we began to address. He was over-the-top in his transition and buried his chin on the downswing. We incorporated the Freddy Couples swing as part of his pre-shot routine and the over-the-top move was cured.
Last year, Walker’s driver swing speed was measured at 112 mph on the GC Quad launch monitor and was hitting down three to five degrees. Recently, he was measured with a slight speed increase but is now hitting up at three degrees, and his distance has improved by 30 yards, resulting in 295-yard drives. We attribute this success to the Couples routine and what I call the thumb-up drill, which has tremendously increased his lag to the point it rivals anyone on tour.
Walker has made the varsity this year and is now breaking 80 routinely from 7,200 yards. His scores don’t reflect the quality of his ball striking, so we are now devoting practice time to better course management. He remains in love with the game of golf, and his dealing with frustration and anxiety continues to improve. He would like to play college golf after he graduates from high school.
After spending 25 years in the business world, Johnny McCosker decided that a career following his passion was the best course of action. So, at age 46, McCosker attended a USGTF certification course and began his second career.
He had played high school and college golf, but that went on the backburner as he forged a business career, first with Stanley Works (the tool company) for eight years and then in the insurance world in New England for the next 15. He talked things over with his wife and then took the leap of faith in 2004 in becoming a USGTF member.
“I just find it so much fun, enjoyable, satisfying and rewarding,” said McCosker of his golf career. “And seeing kids grow up and being part of their lives is really special.” McCosker has spent the last 13 years at The Quechee Club in Quechee, Vermont, one of the state’s best private, four-season recreation and golf facilities, as an assistant golf professional, and for five years was the junior coordinator, He greatly increased the participation in ladies’ league play by more than 50 percent, and designed instruction clinics specifically for women in improving golf skills and increasing their enjoyment of the game.
He recently stepped back from his position at Quechee in order to renovate a home in Vero Beach, Florida. He plans to play more golf, improving his game and resume his teaching career once his house is finished. McCosker also is involved in club fitting and repair, another passion of his. And having the best of both worlds, he plans to play with friends and members at Quechee when he’s in Vermont for the summer.
McCosker has developed a number of good players, with one currently having professional aspirations. “I’ve had a great career developing so many relationships,” he commented.
