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Psychology & Mental Health All clubs Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 4 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Why I Miss My Shots in Golf: Charles Marchildon

Do you get frustrated after every missed shot? Charles Marchildon, a PGA of Canada professional, doesn't offer any technical corrections here—instead, he explains why missing shots are part of the game, to help you manage your expectations and frustrations.

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Charles Marchildon
Charles Marchildon · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

4 minNext Level UpJustin Rose's Focus on PuttingJustin Rose · Intermediate / Expert22 minNext Level UpCéline Boutier's Course Management, from Tee to GreenCéline Boutier · Intermediate / Expert2 minFrom the same proSleeve in front of the hip at impact: MarchildonCharles Marchildon · Intermediate / Expert

What the lesson shows

Charles Marchildon begins with the task: a human body, not a machine, which is affected by age, strength, flexibility, a bad night’s sleep, or a long workweek, must execute a long list of technical elements in about two seconds; missing just one is enough. The club, which dynamically weighs about 100 pounds at the moment of direction change, moves at 70 to 90 miles per hour, depending on the golfer, to an effective striking surface of barely one inch. A knee, the hips, the wrists, or the head: the difference between a successful strike and a missed one is minimal.

He draws two conclusions from this. A ball resting on the ground must be struck below its equator in order to go up: The club needs to sweep the floor., and those who try to hit the ball end up narrowing their margin. And it's easy to see why the 3-wood, with its narrow loft, is so hard to get airborne: Choose 5-wood. Finally, he cites a chart from a sports psychologist who specializes in golf: an average round is 20% good shots, 20% bad shots, and 60% average shots. Celebrate your successes, take note of your tendencies when you fall short, and work on them.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Be aware of the day's variables: sleep, fatigue, stiffness.
  2. Remember that the difference between a successful shot and a missed one is very small.
  3. Aim for the ground just below the ball: the club should brush the grass.
  4. If the 3-wood doesn't work, try a 5-wood.
  5. Expect a majority of medium-sized moves in a game.
  6. After each missed shot, note the trend and work on it during practice.

Key Takeaways

A human body capable of movement performs a highly technical maneuver in two seconds.
The effective striking surface measures barely one inch.
To get the ball airborne, it must be struck below the equator: the clubhead skims the ground.
The 3-wood is hard to get to rise; the 5-wood is easier.
An average game: 20% good moves, 20% bad moves, 60% average moves.
After a setback, we take note of the trend instead of getting discouraged.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • To expect a human body to function as regularly as a machine.
  • Thinking you're incapable after a few failed attempts.
  • Try to hit the ball instead of sweeping the floor.
  • Insisting on using a 3-wood that you just can't get off the ground.
  • Drowning in frustration instead of analyzing one's tendencies.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. A Record of Trends Noted After Missed Opportunities
  2. Practice swings that graze the ground before making contact
  3. Comparison of 3-wood and 5-wood on the driving range fairway

Your Questions

Why do I miss so many shots when I play golf?

Charles Marchildon points out that the human body, subject to numerous variables, must perform a highly technical movement in about two seconds, with an effective striking area of barely one inch. Missing the mark is normal.

How many good shots do you make in an average game?

He cites a chart from a sports psychologist who specializes in golf: about 20% good shots, 20% bad shots, and 60% average shots—some hit more or less well and some heading more or less in the right direction.

How do you get the ball to go up?

By hitting it below the equator: the club must make good contact with the ground. Those who try to hit the ball itself limit their options.

Why is it so hard to get 3-wood to rise?

Because it's the least open wood. Charles Marchildon recommends choosing a 5-wood, which is easier to hit high.

Learn More

All “Psychology & Mental Health” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Justin Rose's Focus on PuttingHis attention and eyes move from the target to the ball, then Rose strikes as his attention goes back to the target: nothing stays frozen over the ball. Céline Boutier's Course Management, from Tee to GreenOn the course, Boutier explains her choices: a target off the tee, minimal carry on the approach, a low or high chip depending on the lie, and reading from three angles. Tiger Woods' Course Management: Starting from the GreenTiger designs each hole starting from the green, refuses to allow himself any mental errors, and advises amateurs to aim for zero three-putts first. Charles MarchildonAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Charles Marchildon). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

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