MAX YOUR GAME

Nick Dougherty shares his favourite tips to help you shoot lower scores when it matters

- KIT ALEXANDER

GM editor Mike Harris

We all want to play well every time we tee it up, but the reality is that very few of us play to our potential at all, let alone in the ‘big rounds’ when we really want to. It could be a club competition, an away day at a trophy course or a special round with a family member or golfing buddies – these are the times when you want to perform at a level you know you’re capable of.

TaylorMade ambassador Nick Dougherty

Much of it isn’t to do with the fact your swing isn’t as good as Dustin Johnson’s or Rory McIlroy’s. The simple truth is the majority of amateurs don’t play to their potential with the swing they have now. The good news is you can shoot lower scores the very next time you play without making any changes to your swing. Greater understanding of your game, better strategy and decision-making, a more positive mental approach and equipment that’s right for you can all help you play better and more consistent golf.

To discover how to do this, we asked TaylorMade ambassador Nick Dougherty to give GM editor Mike Harris a lesson around Wentworth’s famed West course. Mike has been struggling to play to his potential for a number of years, with his handicap stuck around 10 despite being as low as 6 in 2012. Dougherty is a three-time European Tour winner and now the face of Sky Sports Golf. He also shares his wisdom in the simple and effective Tee Time Tips series on Instagram and Sky Sports. Over the course of the lesson, Dougherty shared a treasure trove of insights that will help Mike – and you – play better golf...

Once you’ve decided on the club and shot, forget everything else and totally commit