Why Playing More Golf Isn’t Lowering Your Handicap
11:17 · Think Above Par | Your Mental Caddy for Golf Mindset & Performance · 2026-09-16
Does playing more golf actually make you a better golfer? Not necessarily. In this episode of Think Above Par, Kathy explains the important difference between practicing your golf skills and playing the game. You’ll learn why repeatedly playing rounds can allow bad swing habits to creep in, how practicing the wrong things may reinforce the very problems you’re trying to fix, and why your fundamentals deserve regular attention. Kathy also shares how to balance time on the golf course with productive practice, what to check after tournament rounds or difficult playing conditions, and how to prevent small issues with your grip, posture, alignment, ball position, and tempo from becoming bigger swing problems. If you play frequently but aren’t seeing your handicap improve, this episode will help you take a more intentional approach to golf practice—without beginning an emergency swing reconstruction after three ugly shots. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between practicing and playing golf Why playing more rounds doesn’t automatically improve your skills How ineffective practice reinforces bad habits Why fundamentals often cause bigger swing problems How to balance practice, tournaments, and recreational rounds What to work on after playing in wind or difficult conditionsReceive free weekly mental golf tips HERE How many shots is your mental golf costing you? Take the quiz here: quiz.mymentalcaddy.com Continue your mental journey at Your Mental Caddy HERE Mastering Your Golf Brain - A Guide to Self-Coaching Mastering Your Golf Brain - The Workbook Mental Golf Journal - A Range for Your Brain Are all available at KathyHartWood.com/book Email Kathy at Kathy@KathyHartWood.com Website: KathyHartWood.com