6 keys to lowering your scores without a single change

When most lay players think about improving their golf game and lowering their scores, a good percentage of them think that the only way to do so is to make swing changes.

Here's the problem with making swing changes: They can be difficult for a novice golfer to understand, they aren't always made for you, and they take tons of repetition to get the hang of consistent feel. However, there is no guarantee that you will see big gains as quickly as you want.

But improving your golf game without a single swing change is possible – you just need to know what steps to take.

That's where Top Golf Teacher Brian Manzella comes in, as he recently sent me some fun pointers to consider when trying to shave strokes off your scorecard.

How to improve your golf game outside change of state

Manzella's tips came without a word, as I posted the following photo on my Instagram account – which is a screenshot of a text conversation between me and a friend, with my friend looking for three things that would help him get better at golf.

As I'm far from a golf coach – I'm not really sure that my classification as a layman qualifies me to offer golf advice – I tagged a few top GOLF teachers in the post to get their expert thoughts. Low and behold, Manzella is another respondent, sharing the following advice.

1. Get comfortable with your 7-iron from more distances

Anytime you're between 250 yards and 170 yards from the hole, hit a 7 iron — making it your most trusted club in the bag. If you learn to hit it clean, it will leave you in a better position to lower your score and remove any tension about using clubs like your woods, which can be difficult to hit for many beginners.

2. Rely on the 'Texas Wedge'

If possible, putt all of them a ball off the green where you can swing a hybrid – also known as the Texas Wedge. This will help keep the ball down and avoid any risk of chipping or chipping, while allowing you to better control your distance.

3. Avoid opening it for wedge shots

Play every 56- or 60-degree wedge shot with the face off the hair…even the undershots. This not only helps you control your ball flight (keeping it low on the ground), but it produces bump and run, allowing you to use some release if your shot lands on the putt.

4. Control your putter face from short distance

When putting from within five feet, brace your putter on your lead arm. By doing this, it provides a more stable point to swing the club, helping to control your face to hit square for the correct roll.

If you are a player who wants to generate more clubhead speed, try lifting your trail foot (slightly) before you start your swing. This is known as a foot pop, and it can help you rotate your hips for more leverage in your backswing.

6. Drive it with your driver before anything else

This goes against conventional wisdom, but practice hitting the driver first and then hitting your bells. If you are constantly losing strokes due to tee shots or bad penalties, you need to work on hitting more fairways, which will lay the foundation for the entire hole. If you can avoid searching for your ball in the woods a few times each round, you will be in a better position to get a low score.

So if you're looking to improve your golf game and don't have the time or interest in full-scale swing changes, try using Manzella's advice above. By playing a little smarter and making the game easier on yourself, you'll start seeing fewer or fewer strokes sooner.

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Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor