I found swinging a nice short frisbee throw straight down the target line helps a ton on the choked down shots. It’ll stop you from pulling. Just throw a frisbee a little more right at the target during your practice swings. It’ll start turning into throwing darts. LEFT hand dominate with one practice swing, then RIGHT hand dominate with another practice swing. The accuracy will fall into place.
You’ve changed my whole outlook on my game. I grew up playing attack the flag and couldn’t break ninety for twenty years. I began the way of the playa last year and my PB is 85 now. All I practice is tee shots at the range and pitching/chipping to score. I can’t thank you enough Golf Sidekick ❤️
Glad you figured it out. I've hit 93 last year. First year golfing. Now into my second year. After a winter layoff, I've been out a few times and hitting 98 and 100. Definitely waddaplaya has influenced my golf game. Especially mentally. For practice, Clay Ballard helped me with my swing from setup to follow through. Especially impact position. I can really compress that ball. Cheers to breaking 80 and 75.
@@suryavaraman.4277 I started 4 months ago, had never hit a driver/wood or any iron above a 9 in my life before and that was 20 years previous. I have already broken 100 but am yet to break 90 or even 95 but I birdied a par 5 for the time this morning. :) Although I completely agree with the way of the 'Playa' I am not sure the 'only play the shots you are comfortable with' aspect of it applies so much when you are a beginner? I go for the shots I know I can sometimes make (even though most of the time I don't) because for me it is the best/fastest way to learn. I think their is a danger of concentrating too much on score too early on. I think it's better to just play golf and find out the shots you need to improve on?
I've been watching your channel for 3 years now. Wow, that's weird to say. When i started out, i was probably a 150 and was watching your how to break 100 series. My last 3 weeks, i've played all under 90 rounds and am watching your how to break 80. Thank you so much. I've never felt i could afford golf and lessons, so your videos have been about half of the coaching i've gotten. You're the best.
Thanks playa and thank you for watching. Well done on being a legend and breaking barriers. Nice to see messages from people who GET IT - i love you. Let me know when you break 80 on Instagram in my DMs waddalife
@@bkingthrows awesome! 82 is right on the doorstep, any round now for sure. I find any deviation from Matt's approach to the game and I start getting into trouble. I actually shot my best a 74 recently, everything was working and had a few long lucky putts go in. Since then I have posted an 85, 83 and 80. The 85 I was feeling confident with driver and paid the price a few times.
I was in a bad place with golf, attitude went in the toilet and I even complained about good shots, basically a real joy to be around. Then after getting on with your channel, I started enjoying the game again, realized that I may not be able to crush the ball 350 yards but I can improve in my putting/ short game. Started working on those skills and I’ve started improving. Mind you, I’ve been playing 7 years and improved rapidly for first couple years and then hit a wall. Went down the UA-cam golf instruction rabbit hole years ago and my game got worse. I hadn’t improved in years. This channel made me realize how much my attitude can make or break my round, losing the ego also changed things, I’ve parked the driver and 3 wood is my go to off the tee. I don’t care if I’m not the long dong off the tee anymore, as long as my load is in the fairway. When I play now, no matter how sloppy I am off the tee, I know if I can get close to the green, my short game and putting will bail me out. So thanks amigo, short game and losing the ego reinvigorated my game and I’m finally improving again. Shot my best round at my local course two weeks ago, wasn’t like I was stroking the ball either, I just stayed in play and knew if I could just get close to the green I’d be okay.
Love it. I heard a new saying today "Perfect is the enemy of Good." - when you try too hard and force it, it backfires. I thought of the easy life Way Of The Playa immediately. Thanks for another great video Matt!
I’ve learned more from your videos than PGA coaches on UA-cam… you speak perfectly to an amateur like me and I love your wicked sense of humour! Keep up the grind playa!
Gotta thank you bro, you taught me away to course manage better and how to maintain emotions after shitty holes. With that being said I broke 80 and shot 77 today🤙🏽
I got so caught up into grinding and chasing distance over the last couple years that my short game has become worse. My 8 hdcp is about the same now as then. It's time to work more on 100 yds in and not worry as much on distance and if I have to, I'll just move up a set of tees to make golf fun again. Keep the great videos coming Playa!!
Great stuff. I've been embracing this approach this season. No driver. Only carrying clubs that don't cause me stress. Does that mean I have a lot more hybrids? Yes! Does that mean I'm enjoying my rounds more? YES!! And now I'm playing positional golf. I never leave myself any approach inside 100 yds. And my approach game has improved immensely. In fact, now the only difference between a 37 and a 42 is my putting. Unfortunately, my putting is awful more than it is good. To fix that, I'm starting on the putting greens when I get to the range to make sure I don't skimp on my short game practice. Practicing from the green back also makes sense, I guess. Thanks again for all the content!
your series has been monumentally helpful in changing my mentality getting back into golf. Also even that still shot at the end helped me realize im not coming off my back foot enough during impact as well, and im striking it so much better now.
Since I started watching you, the greatest feeling I get on a golf course is hitting a 8, 9, or PW right down the fairway on my 2nd shot of a Par 5 to set up a 8, 9, or PW to the green. Way of the playa
I worked all last year to break 90, finally doing it just once before the end of our (too short) golf season here in Canadia. Have already carded an 88 this year by playing with a plan on one of my favourite courses. No hero shots necessary- just boring old shots with clubs that I know I can hit. Thanks for the wisdom Matt!
Wish I had this channel 10 years ago. Would have enjoyed tournament golf so much more. The Way of the Playa has completely changed my game. Having the most fun of my golfing career. Can’t thank you enough!
I have learnt more about how to get my ball around the golf course from six months of watching this channel than from 25 years of playing golf on my own. I've seen the beautiful light from two main revelations: Now I tee off with a long iron on narrow sub-400 yard par 4s and unreachable par 5s, and I no longer feel the need to go for the green from 230-240 (even when I have the club for it) when there is a bunch of danger protecting it. I'm a single digit handicapper (barely) but my rounds are much better and more enjoyable thanks to drinking Matty's KoolAid, cheers mate
I had a good read of the comments you posted at the end of the video,completely agree. I used to play regularly with a county player here in the uk many years ago. He always said he didn’t expect to hit green more than 50% of the round,but he knew he’d get up & down 80-90% of the time. Having a good short game takes the pressure of the rest of your game too. Matts videos are an eye opener for likes of me who’s been playing 50 years off and on
Matt, on top of the great golf tips/vlog/teaching...you have the best music in the business bro. To the point where I'm hearing in my head your various soundtracks while playing. From the tuba to the birdie guitar! This is your Gold Sidekick trademark. The Playa soundtrack!
best advice in this video @3:52 - practice until ready for the course. In my past I said to me in nearly every golf round "come on try this shot" - super stupid. I recently changed my game to 5 Wood of the tee, but I will not use it on course until I practiced at least 100 tee shots on the range to feel confident. Great advice
This is why I'm a subscriber. That golf wisdom spoken at 3:38 is so true. Hence why in my next round I'm gonna ditch my woods just to play with irons for 3 full rounds. I want to see if my strategic planning on the golf course can improve. Knowing that I'm good with 3-iron to sand wedge, will be a great confidence booster.
Yesterday hit 39 front9 and 47 on back9. My HCP is 14.5 and this was my 5th round of this summer. There is a lot potential but lot work to keep the flow ☺️ your videos help a lot my course management🙏🙏
I've gone from an 18.6 handicap to a 13.7 and it's all because of you Matt. Taking the 10 seconds to talk through the shot and your putting tips have transformed my game. I'm enjoying the game more and now expect to score well. I'm not even using my driver on most holes and now practice my Italian (GIOTG) on the approaches. There are no hero shots. Thanks again. It makes all the difference.
This is how to play golf. The Baus has spoken & so we must listen. Seriously, your approach is spot on. I chase distance & yet I play my best when I focus on into the green & putting. Well done mate
So much love for this bro! "I'm gonna show you how to score by hitting it shorter not longer." line was pure gold. Also hole 16 highlighted exactly what folks who disagree with this concept do not have............ the missing ingredient is discipline! It is somewhat of a lost skill these days.
So, so right. Just recently decided absolutely no need for a driver from white tees (where my group plays from, 6300). Closing in on sub 80 since that decision. A few sub 40 nines that feel so routine, still looking to pair up a front and back, but the feeling is it will be any day.
Great video! Keep them coming. Your thought process on how to play holes has really unlocked another level of both enjoyment and performance in my game. Can’t thank you enough!
I’ve really enjoyed your videos. I play off 15. Today, for fun, I played 9 holes using only 7 iron and putter, shot 8 over including a triple. Just thought about playing the hole differently to usual. Had a blast doing it.
I’ve been tossing up on buying a 7 wood , you have now sold me . Time to join the 7 wood club . No excuses not to break 80 consistently. Your putting is crazy good inside 3-4 foot . Wad a playa .
Love it love it love it, this video was absolutely fantastic, and came to me at the exact right time in my game, the last round I played yesterday I decided NO driver, I have a 3 driving iron that I decided to hit off of the tee instead of using my driver, My round was much more relaxed, my score was not bad, I hit a 91, not my best round I usually shoot in the 80s, but no stress ,no balls in the water ,no balls lost in the woods, I’m going to continue this experiment, and with your help I will love golf once again!
Love it ! Thank you for the video and the commentary ! I have put the Driver down for a little while and have been using my 3 driving iron, I definitely hit more fairways and come up a little shorter in distance ,but, stress free and my scoring is close to the same , I am Loving golf once again ! Thank You Matt !
Great video, I'm going to try this on my next round. My 3 wood goes around 220 and I'm fairly accurate with it, then I'm going to lay up to a comfortable pitching distance rather than always going for the green. Currently I'm 14 handicap and getting in the high 80's to low 90's. Lets see how I go!
I love how you coasted to a better score than ive ever had... Intelligent playing and putting, amazing man! . I used to use my 3 wood only for years with that same thought
Matt thanks to you I shot a 77 today. Hit the driver only once. Managed the game instead of trying to crush the ball. Hitting shots with hazards in mind instead of aiming at every flag. Thanks for the tips and showing us the way!
And that last comment about the value of short game practice is 🔥🔥. I’m an old school Dave Pelz disciple. That man’s short game show is directly responsible for me getting down to a 12 handicap when I was still trying to play “power golf” in the mid 90’s. I recommend anyone reading his short game Bible or if TGC still has them online watch them… they’re incredible.😎
I basically did the same thing the other day after imploding and shooting a 92 the week before. Went mostly 5 iron out of the box on short par 4s even though driver was working just to ensure I was in play. I still doubled 3 times (bunkers and water) but still shot 84. It’s amazing what being on the course every hole does for your score.
I loved seeing the shots not to plan vs the shots that went to plan. Being able to see that even shots I would've though as what was intended wasn't always the case and you just step up and play the next shot and broke 80. I know a lot of people who get frustrated simply because the shot didn't go according to plan and that ruins the rest of the hole.
I’ve learned a lot from watching your videos. Mainly to play within my limits and out of trouble. Still at the breaking 100 regularly stage but can do better by leaving my driver behind and keeping it in play and stress free.
These videos are so helpful. Thank you!! All strategy. Not focusing on swing mechanics. Love the 7 wood. Going to have to try one instead of my 10 year old 3 hybrid.
LOVE your content!! Been watching for a year or so and applying your mental approach to the game has helped me immensely!! Also, I think your ideal lay up number is 95yards. That’s what you should be aiming for and will never need to hit a soft PW into a green again.
To be honest i don’t need to tough love anyone who gets it like most playas. But there is always a victim who makes an excuse and they have been totally squashed in this video
This was fun to watch and very accurate. I don't hit it very far for my HCP (17), but I've then had to rely on my short game. My putting has always been decent, but ever since I spent more time on chipping and pitching and less time on the driving range, my scores have improved drastically.
Another great video from the Bucket Head. This one relates to me directly, as I'm usually hitting 220-240 with driver, and face 140-160 into the green constantly in an average round. Thanks, Matt!
As soon as I stopped trying to focus on hitting every green and started focusing on my chipping, my score started to drop and I just hit my lowest round of 77 last week. 6 GIR and 7 one puts is all it took. I highly recommend anyone trying to break 80/90 to focus on chipping, it will save so many strokes around the green. Leave the GIR's for the playa's trying to break 70
I love hitting my driver and it was my most cherished club being able to go out and consistently tag 280-290 yard drives. But that wasn't helping my 20+ handicap when it took 4+ shots and 2 putts to cover the remaining 120-180 yards to the pin. I decided to finally spend time on the short game range and strokes are coming off my scores way faster than just launching driver at the range. chipping pitching and putting made even difficult courses way easier to play and I start to get more enjoyment on cozying a 25-50 yard shot right up to the pin for a tap in birdie or par than a huge drive off the tee.
There we go playa. When someone handicap is 20+ then automatically there is no average drive length if it’s claimed over 270. Because it doesn’t count then. The average drive being 270+ will only be taken seriously when that playa breaks 85
I live in S.Korea and golf is expensive ($220 Avg) so I always watch your videos to maximize my game by avoiding hero shots and take simple shots that I'm most comfortable with. Broke 90 first time two weeks ago. Really trying to keep those smooth tempo. Thanks
Matt... You are the playa!! I am spending 2 hours a week in a Rush short game intent of improvement.... Still hasn't pay off but it Will.... Hunting. Cheers from argentina!
Wonderful video! Unreal! I’ve got to try this next time. Once I can get a reliable 220+ club in the fairway I’ll hopefully be there-my short game has been on but my tee shots are horrendous. I took the driver out of the bag but my 3 and 5 woods are still not cooperating
....and then you taught me about the birds and the bees! Hahahaha, the comedy is pure gold! Such great content, thank you Matt for all the inspiration.
Great Video. I’m struggling right now. Lost some distance from injury and hitting 70 years old. Used to be able to break 80 from white tees more than half the time. Moved up a tee and struggling. If I’m chipping well I can still do it. What I’m struggling with is I can’t do things I used to do and greens are out of reach when others I’m playing with are in reach. Hopefully weather will turn and my drives will start going 190-200 yards again. Ito the doubters out there I can still break 80 with majority of my 2nd shots being 3W, 5W. It’s all short game. To the doubters of not being able to get up and down more than 6 times, My buddy shot a 37 on the back 9 with 1 green and 9 putts. If you follow the way of the player even short hitters can break 80
@@GolfSidekick Took your 80’s White Board to heart and following the short hitters roadmap for practicing. I practiced 2 hours a day this winter on lag putting and grooving my putter swing. Last year did not get the ball to the hole 50% of the time or more. This year consistently to hole or just past. I also worked on the many clubs chipping technique. I almost never got inside my playing partner who is deadly with his wedge, even when I had a putter in my hand. This year, I’m inside him about half the time.
@@GolfSidekick absolutely and most of us have more room to improve there as we spend so much time trying to maximize our distance. I'm super guilty of this and as I play from less than 6400 yards anyway it's even dumber.
Hey Matt thank you this helps me alot I don't hit big but straight it helps me alot because it's very close to how I play I hit 3 wood about 180 and is my club of choice of tee so I don't hit massive but hit straight and safe I also took your advice and took the club's out of my bag that I'm not confident with and simplified my bag which helped my game alot
Love my 7 wood. Put it in the bag at the start of last season. Such a go to club. Off the tee on short Par 4’s second shots on Par 5’s and even some cheeky anti duff chipping around the green! 👍🏼
Another excellent vid. You've got a couple of big things going for you. You have power to spare and would be a plus handicapper from 2-4 feet. You just nail those short putts even the little awkward range ones again and again and again.
The biggest thing that helped me break 80 was making sure I was comfortable standing in front of every shot. If the club I was holding scared me when I went to hit, I’d put it back and grab a club I knew I could keep in play. You have reinforced this idea for me, thank you!
One of your best Chief! This one matches my game plan after following you for the last three years. I'm constantly surprised that you have people who take the time to watch your vids and then complain about the format. Far as I can tell, all I've ever seen from you is straight up advice on how to enjoy the game and shoot lower scores... not how to get more lag, not how to adjust the face to path to avoid a slice, et cetera. LOL, you just shot under 80 and I'm sure someone will bitch rather than take the positive methodology. Keep it up playa!!!
lol apparently YoUtUbE MoNeY cHaNgEs PeOpLes!!!!! Meanwhile trying to show people that the game is easier than you think. Look at my impact position is imperfect. Look at my shots. They’re 33% according to plan. 66% NOT! Easy life. No more time for losers and victims
Well guys I fucking did it. I shot a 76 today on 5/2/22. After flirting in the low-mid 80's I've finally broken 80 by 4 strokes. No mulligans, every shot counted. Mental game is the biggest thing, making good contact every hit and just trying to make good shots rather than perfect. Your videos speak more to me than any other. I'm not a specific mechanics, move the elbow this way, swing inside yadda yadda, I just need information on how to attack the course and this guy gets it. Waddaplaya.
I'm mostly inspired by Bryson's search for reliability in the swing+putting, and I just get the actual single plane training from Kirk Junge. What Bryson will then do is crank everything up to 110% and if you take the cranking up to max part out, it makes pretty good sense for me.
I’m with you Mort… the ideas are great, but the distance chasing is insane for the normal guy. Just a way to get injured if you ask me. I have Junge’s program… and learned to play with the More Norman swing in the 90’s, so I’m completely down with single plane ideas and am hoping that going through Junge’s program this year will be a good refresher. I played about 8 rounds last year for the first time in 17ish years.😄
@@morten3465 that’s great. I bought the lessons stand alone, but I am thinking about getting the subscription for a couple of months to get some good feedback from the instructor, or Kirk… whoever does the stuff. Lol Glad to hear it’s a good service.
I don't know why it hasn't clicked until now. What you wrote at 2:12 is exactly what I need to improve. Step one for me needs to be par-3 quality from 100 in. Step two is to be par-3 quality from 150 in. I find my training and range time unfocused and therefore little gain, but no more. Thanks playa
Matt - you're so good at holing out from 3-5 feet. You just rock up and tap it in like it's a gimmie every time. Breaking 80 is always gonna be easier when you have that in your pocket
I removed my drive from my bag b/c it got me in trouble. I tee off most of the time with my 3H...and i hit a lot more fairways...still in the 80s and 90s for a round...but i'm no longer getting pissed and having meltdowns over bad drives.
Few days ago, I shot 73 from black tee at Blue Canyon in Phuket. Your videos have helped me a lot since I've been shooting in the 90s. Edited: now I'm consistently thriving around level oar and few days ago I shot 74 off the tips in windy condition
I would love a video of showing how you practice the short game. I'd like to see drills etc that you go through in the hour you suggest we spend there. Thanks
Regardless of distance, you need to know your game and play the appropriate tees. Everyone should play from tees where they can keep the ball in play and have 160 or less in on a typical par 4. That's a driver for big hitters like me (playa) so I play blues/tips. But there's absolutely no shame in playing whites to shorten the course for your game. This is what affects pace of play more than anything and slow golf aint fun for no one. Love this strategy; know your game. Preach brotha!
Exactly. Yet there are people who go out to hopefully break 110 from 6900. Meanwhile they don’t understand that they can do it if they learn to do it from 6000 first
In my neck of the woods with course length. I generally play 6000-6200yds, I'm old and dont bomb it off the tee and this yardage keeps golf more enjoyable for me.
7 or 8 clubs is exactly what I do, replicating the Break 80 System: 3 Driving Iron goes 220-250 off the tee 7-PW covers me under 175 SW Putter Will carry a 6 iron as 8th club if needed to reach a longer Par 3.
This is the way of the Senior Playa. My Driver is my 200-225 m shot and I try to get my approach shot from inside 150 m ( but prefer inside 135m= my 6 iron). I use single length irons, so my attack zone is from SW 65m - 6 iron 135m, where the swing is the same for each iron i.e. no favourite distance/ just confidence that I will hit the green or a near miss.
Watch Padraig Harrington on taking some distance off shots... go down the grip, 5 yards shorter, narrow stance, another 5 yards shorter.. You should be able to get those 125 shots nailed using either or both...
Funnily enough my Driver is one of my most consistent clubs. I don’t hit far (with any club), but my driver usually stays away from severe trouble. Even so, I only take it out for tee shots with a massive landing area, or on particular long holes. On a short par 4, I’d rather play long-iron/wedge than try and reach the green with the drive. Feels so much more enjoyable and relaxing - “stress-free” to use the Playa-in-Chief’s vernacular - and I find actually more likely to result in a bird (or at least par) than the greedy approach.
My weird spot here is that I am a weirdo that is hitting my driver consistently better than anything else in my bag. I only drive it about 240-250, but for the first time in my life I can hit a driver… and it’s 100% due to the adjustable and more upright lie angles of todays drivers… but I digress. Great video as always Bausman!😎
Jason, I’m the same. For the 1st time in my life my driver is going where I want it to. My issue is it’s only going 180 yards right now. If I miss a fairway, it’s because I was trying to miss on that side. Last week I had a fitter look at my set up. He changed the lie of the driver and since I’ve been able to hit the sweet spot more consistantly
Great video. So as someone that shoots 84 on a good day, 81 on a fantastic day, you know what I see here that makes a difference? Routinely knocking down 6 to 10 foot putts. In this video, I would be thrilled to be making that many putts from the distance. And then I would break 80.
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I found swinging a nice short frisbee throw straight down the target line helps a ton on the choked down shots. It’ll stop you from pulling. Just throw a frisbee a little more right at the target during your practice swings. It’ll start turning into throwing darts. LEFT hand dominate with one practice swing, then RIGHT hand dominate with another practice swing. The accuracy will fall into place.
Yesterday I rolled up to the first tee here and saw a playa wearing your gear as I was wearing mine! We instantly became bros. Waddalife
bros before pros
Makes my Friday when I receive the text that the new Waddaplaya gear is on the way. Stay positive playas!!! Great video as always Baus!!!
@@GolfSidekick Didn't know my comment would set off the internet Karens to attack lol don't know what that youtube money guy was on about!
@@jeremyd7299 People seem to think you become an instant millionaire making 2 videos a week in the golfing niche. No more Karens will be tolerated.
@@GolfSidekick or taking into account the time spent to edit the footage, render for UA-cam then upload. It's not exactly free money.
You’ve changed my whole outlook on my game. I grew up playing attack the flag and couldn’t break ninety for twenty years. I began the way of the playa last year and my PB is 85 now. All I practice is tee shots at the range and pitching/chipping to score. I can’t thank you enough Golf Sidekick ❤️
Thank you playa. You keep at it and get those 150 yard shots going and you are set for sub 80
Glad you figured it out. I've hit 93 last year. First year golfing. Now into my second year. After a winter layoff, I've been out a few times and hitting 98 and 100. Definitely waddaplaya has influenced my golf game. Especially mentally. For practice, Clay Ballard helped me with my swing from setup to follow through. Especially impact position. I can really compress that ball. Cheers to breaking 80 and 75.
@@suryavaraman.4277 I started 4 months ago, had never hit a driver/wood or any iron above a 9 in my life before and that was 20 years previous. I have already broken 100 but am yet to break 90 or even 95 but I birdied a par 5 for the time this morning. :) Although I completely agree with the way of the 'Playa' I am not sure the 'only play the shots you are comfortable with' aspect of it applies so much when you are a beginner? I go for the shots I know I can sometimes make (even though most of the time I don't) because for me it is the best/fastest way to learn. I think their is a danger of concentrating too much on score too early on. I think it's better to just play golf and find out the shots you need to improve on?
I've been watching your channel for 3 years now. Wow, that's weird to say. When i started out, i was probably a 150 and was watching your how to break 100 series. My last 3 weeks, i've played all under 90 rounds and am watching your how to break 80.
Thank you so much. I've never felt i could afford golf and lessons, so your videos have been about half of the coaching i've gotten. You're the best.
Thanks playa and thank you for watching. Well done on being a legend and breaking barriers. Nice to see messages from people who GET IT - i love you. Let me know when you break 80 on Instagram in my DMs waddalife
Awesome job Benjamin Kingsley. Matt got me a 77 today, you'll get there too.
@@RichardPatrick84 82 is my current best. 3 other rounds under 86 (All 4 round in the last 2 months). Someday soon!!!
@@bkingthrows awesome! 82 is right on the doorstep, any round now for sure. I find any deviation from Matt's approach to the game and I start getting into trouble. I actually shot my best a 74 recently, everything was working and had a few long lucky putts go in. Since then I have posted an 85, 83 and 80. The 85 I was feeling confident with driver and paid the price a few times.
I was in a bad place with golf, attitude went in the toilet and I even complained about good shots, basically a real joy to be around. Then after getting on with your channel, I started enjoying the game again, realized that I may not be able to crush the ball 350 yards but I can improve in my putting/ short game. Started working on those skills and I’ve started improving. Mind you, I’ve been playing 7 years and improved rapidly for first couple years and then hit a wall. Went down the UA-cam golf instruction rabbit hole years ago and my game got worse. I hadn’t improved in years. This channel made me realize how much my attitude can make or break my round, losing the ego also changed things, I’ve parked the driver and 3 wood is my go to off the tee. I don’t care if I’m not the long dong off the tee anymore, as long as my load is in the fairway. When I play now, no matter how sloppy I am off the tee, I know if I can get close to the green, my short game and putting will bail me out. So thanks amigo, short game and losing the ego reinvigorated my game and I’m finally improving again. Shot my best round at my local course two weeks ago, wasn’t like I was stroking the ball either, I just stayed in play and knew if I could just get close to the green I’d be okay.
Waddalife playa. Thank you for your message. When you leave the UA-cam mechanic world behind, its only good things
Love it. I heard a new saying today "Perfect is the enemy of Good." - when you try too hard and force it, it backfires. I thought of the easy life Way Of The Playa immediately. Thanks for another great video Matt!
One of my favorite sayings. Twitter proves that with the reply guys focusing on the fingernail when someone points to the moon
I’ve learned more from your videos than PGA coaches on UA-cam… you speak perfectly to an amateur like me and I love your wicked sense of humour! Keep up the grind playa!
Thank you and i agree. Most of them are grifters
Gotta thank you bro, you taught me away to course manage better and how to maintain emotions after shitty holes. With that being said I broke 80 and shot 77 today🤙🏽
You really helped my game Matt! No competing with others. Im just playing my game and smart golf and it's a lot more fun. I love this channel.
If i helped you then making the video was worth it. But also you helped yourself. This is the 🔑 you must find the 🔒 that it fits
I got so caught up into grinding and chasing distance over the last couple years that my short game has become worse. My 8 hdcp is about the same now as then. It's time to work more on 100 yds in and not worry as much on distance and if I have to, I'll just move up a set of tees to make golf fun again. Keep the great videos coming Playa!!
Great stuff. I've been embracing this approach this season. No driver. Only carrying clubs that don't cause me stress. Does that mean I have a lot more hybrids? Yes! Does that mean I'm enjoying my rounds more? YES!!
And now I'm playing positional golf. I never leave myself any approach inside 100 yds. And my approach game has improved immensely. In fact, now the only difference between a 37 and a 42 is my putting. Unfortunately, my putting is awful more than it is good. To fix that, I'm starting on the putting greens when I get to the range to make sure I don't skimp on my short game practice. Practicing from the green back also makes sense, I guess.
Thanks again for all the content!
Get yourself a putting mat for home. It makes a world of difference when it comes to a confident putting stroke when you’re hitting 50 putts a day.
your series has been monumentally helpful in changing my mentality getting back into golf. Also even that still shot at the end helped me realize im not coming off my back foot enough during impact as well, and im striking it so much better now.
Since I started watching you, the greatest feeling I get on a golf course is hitting a 8, 9, or PW right down the fairway on my 2nd shot of a Par 5 to set up a 8, 9, or PW to the green.
Way of the playa
Bob Rotella is my man. I just started listening to his audio books properly in February
I worked all last year to break 90, finally doing it just once before the end of our (too short) golf season here in Canadia. Have already carded an 88 this year by playing with a plan on one of my favourite courses. No hero shots necessary- just boring old shots with clubs that I know I can hit. Thanks for the wisdom Matt!
Breaking 90 sessions coming back soon
Listen to this man and you will lower your scores! I broke 80 for the first time this year with a 76 on a tough course by revisiting the WOTP.
Truth
Wish I had this channel 10 years ago. Would have enjoyed tournament golf so much more. The Way of the Playa has completely changed my game. Having the most fun of my golfing career. Can’t thank you enough!
I have learnt more about how to get my ball around the golf course from six months of watching this channel than from 25 years of playing golf on my own. I've seen the beautiful light from two main revelations: Now I tee off with a long iron on narrow sub-400 yard par 4s and unreachable par 5s, and I no longer feel the need to go for the green from 230-240 (even when I have the club for it) when there is a bunch of danger protecting it. I'm a single digit handicapper (barely) but my rounds are much better and more enjoyable thanks to drinking Matty's KoolAid, cheers mate
Beast mode engaged
Agree
I’ve seen other GS videos, but this one made me a subscriber. Thank YOU!
I had a good read of the comments you posted at the end of the video,completely agree. I used to play regularly with a county player here in the uk many years ago. He always said he didn’t expect to hit green more than 50% of the round,but he knew he’d get up & down 80-90% of the time. Having a good short game takes the pressure of the rest of your game too. Matts videos are an eye opener for likes of me who’s been playing 50 years off and on
Matt, on top of the great golf tips/vlog/teaching...you have the best music in the business bro. To the point where I'm hearing in my head your various soundtracks while playing. From the tuba to the birdie guitar! This is your Gold Sidekick trademark. The Playa soundtrack!
best advice in this video @3:52 - practice until ready for the course. In my past I said to me in nearly every golf round "come on try this shot" - super stupid. I recently changed my game to 5 Wood of the tee, but I will not use it on course until I practiced at least 100 tee shots on the range to feel confident. Great advice
This is why I'm a subscriber. That golf wisdom spoken at 3:38 is so true. Hence why in my next round I'm gonna ditch my woods just to play with irons for 3 full rounds.
I want to see if my strategic planning on the golf course can improve. Knowing that I'm good with 3-iron to sand wedge, will be a great confidence booster.
And when you put the woods back, they’ll be better too
@@GolfSidekick it will more or less become breaking 75 instead of breaking 80.
Waddalife.
Yesterday hit 39 front9 and 47 on back9. My HCP is 14.5 and this was my 5th round of this summer. There is a lot potential but lot work to keep the flow ☺️ your videos help a lot my course management🙏🙏
I've gone from an 18.6 handicap to a 13.7 and it's all because of you Matt. Taking the 10 seconds to talk through the shot and your putting tips have transformed my game.
I'm enjoying the game more and now expect to score well. I'm not even using my driver on most holes and now practice my Italian (GIOTG) on the approaches.
There are no hero shots. Thanks again. It makes all the difference.
Love it playa, soon it's 9 handicap
This is how to play golf. The Baus has spoken & so we must listen. Seriously, your approach is spot on. I chase distance & yet I play my best when I focus on into the green & putting. Well done mate
We all do even i do. Perfect is the enemy of excellent
Quickly becoming my favorite golf channel.
Your putting was phenomenal. Long range shots got close and short putts went in everytime.
So much love for this bro! "I'm gonna show you how to score by hitting it shorter not longer." line was pure gold. Also hole 16 highlighted exactly what folks who disagree with this concept do not have............ the missing ingredient is discipline! It is somewhat of a lost skill these days.
I like tagging along with a golfer watching his club choice and listening to his comments on the various positions
So, so right. Just recently decided absolutely no need for a driver from white tees (where my group plays from, 6300). Closing in on sub 80 since that decision. A few sub 40 nines that feel so routine, still looking to pair up a front and back, but the feeling is it will be any day.
Great video! Keep them coming. Your thought process on how to play holes has really unlocked another level of both enjoyment and performance in my game. Can’t thank you enough!
basically this is the viagra for golf games playa
This shows you don't need mega distance just good course management!! Nice round Matt!!
I’ve really enjoyed your videos. I play off 15. Today, for fun, I played 9 holes using only 7 iron and putter, shot 8 over including a triple. Just thought about playing the hole differently to usual. Had a blast doing it.
Love your channel and beliefs...reign in the ego, leave the big dog at home, nail the short game and putting. Keep the vids coming.
Love the banter with the caddies. Adds a little more fun.
neng is a great caddie - she gets tipped way too much but i think she is the funniest
@@GolfSidekick It must be a really good laugh out there. Come to England some day mate, would love to show you round my home course.
@@willcollinson1018 Maybe this year...Need a break soon
@@GolfSidekick Let me know dude
Love he content and attitude, these videos are funny and informative. Wadda UA-camr.
I’ve been tossing up on buying a 7 wood , you have now sold me . Time to join the 7 wood club . No excuses not to break 80 consistently. Your putting is crazy good inside 3-4 foot .
Wad a playa .
Love it love it love it, this video was absolutely fantastic, and came to me at the exact right time in my game, the last round I played yesterday I decided NO driver, I have a 3 driving iron that I decided to hit off of the tee instead of using my driver, My round was much more relaxed, my score was not bad, I hit a 91, not my best round I usually shoot in the 80s, but no stress ,no balls in the water ,no balls lost in the woods, I’m going to continue this experiment, and with your help I will love golf once again!
Love it ! Thank you for the video and the commentary ! I have put the Driver down for a little while and have been using
my 3 driving iron, I definitely hit more fairways and come up a little shorter in distance ,but, stress free and my scoring is close to the same , I am Loving golf once again ! Thank You Matt !
I’m a big fan of the channel, this is some of the best content to date. Keep up the great work, Matt. Good to hear bdawg too.
bdog gonna be here soon showing us all how its done
Great video, I'm going to try this on my next round. My 3 wood goes around 220 and I'm fairly accurate with it, then I'm going to lay up to a comfortable pitching distance rather than always going for the green. Currently I'm 14 handicap and getting in the high 80's to low 90's. Lets see how I go!
I love how you coasted to a better score than ive ever had... Intelligent playing and putting, amazing man! . I used to use my 3 wood only for years with that same thought
We must strive to be better and the driver is a goal. But it’s not necessary to obtain your maximum fun
Very nice....I plan to use a similar (no driver) approach with a 3 and/or 4H, then 8i and/or 7i to green on par 5 or 4 and see how I do. 👍
Good self induced conundrums.......Excellent golf training exercise Matt.
Matt thanks to you I shot a 77 today. Hit the driver only once. Managed the game instead of trying to crush the ball. Hitting shots with hazards in mind instead of aiming at every flag. Thanks for the tips and showing us the way!
Well done playa. Just a few small tweaks can make such a difference!
Quality video as always Matt, still find I learn from this even as a high handicapper where breaking 80 is a dream
I like how you show that people can play from the whites and still put up a score without the driver, amazing
And that last comment about the value of short game practice is 🔥🔥. I’m an old school Dave Pelz disciple. That man’s short game show is directly responsible for me getting down to a 12 handicap when I was still trying to play “power golf” in the mid 90’s. I recommend anyone reading his short game Bible or if TGC still has them online watch them… they’re incredible.😎
Pelz was legend
I basically did the same thing the other day after imploding and shooting a 92 the week before. Went mostly 5 iron out of the box on short par 4s even though driver was working just to ensure I was in play. I still doubled 3 times (bunkers and water) but still shot 84. It’s amazing what being on the course every hole does for your score.
I loved seeing the shots not to plan vs the shots that went to plan. Being able to see that even shots I would've though as what was intended wasn't always the case and you just step up and play the next shot and broke 80. I know a lot of people who get frustrated simply because the shot didn't go according to plan and that ruins the rest of the hole.
I’ve learned a lot from watching your videos. Mainly to play within my limits and out of trouble. Still at the breaking 100 regularly stage but can do better by leaving my driver behind and keeping it in play and stress free.
These videos are so helpful. Thank you!! All strategy. Not focusing on swing mechanics. Love the 7 wood. Going to have to try one instead of my 10 year old 3 hybrid.
They call it a heavenwood for a reason
LOVE your content!! Been watching for a year or so and applying your mental approach to the game has helped me immensely!! Also, I think your ideal lay up number is 95yards. That’s what you should be aiming for and will never need to hit a soft PW into a green again.
You are right. From now on i have to calculate to 90-95 yard layup. Nice playa
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Found your channel a few days ago and just bought a ball marker to show my support.
Love the vibes and love the content!
@@96per58 love that playa waddaman
Tough love there at the end from our golf guru
To be honest i don’t need to tough love anyone who gets it like most playas. But there is always a victim who makes an excuse and they have been totally squashed in this video
This was fun to watch and very accurate. I don't hit it very far for my HCP (17), but I've then had to rely on my short game. My putting has always been decent, but ever since I spent more time on chipping and pitching and less time on the driving range, my scores have improved drastically.
You probably hit it normal for your handicap.
Another great video from the Bucket Head. This one relates to me directly, as I'm usually hitting 220-240 with driver, and face 140-160 into the green constantly in an average round. Thanks, Matt!
Then you know what is needed. Like a baus
As soon as I stopped trying to focus on hitting every green and started focusing on my chipping, my score started to drop and I just hit my lowest round of 77 last week. 6 GIR and 7 one puts is all it took. I highly recommend anyone trying to break 80/90 to focus on chipping, it will save so many strokes around the green. Leave the GIR's for the playa's trying to break 70
You are part of the great awakening playa. Brilliant that these ideas are as old as time
@@GolfSidekick I shot a 79 today and I had 10 GIR's. Hitting greens does not mean better scores.
I love hitting my driver and it was my most cherished club being able to go out and consistently tag 280-290 yard drives. But that wasn't helping my 20+ handicap when it took 4+ shots and 2 putts to cover the remaining 120-180 yards to the pin. I decided to finally spend time on the short game range and strokes are coming off my scores way faster than just launching driver at the range.
chipping pitching and putting made even difficult courses way easier to play and I start to get more enjoyment on cozying a 25-50 yard shot right up to the pin for a tap in birdie or par than a huge drive off the tee.
There we go playa. When someone handicap is 20+ then automatically there is no average drive length if it’s claimed over 270. Because it doesn’t count then. The average drive being 270+ will only be taken seriously when that playa breaks 85
@@GolfSidekick Love it. Love the channel. Love the videos. Keep it up. Working towards 85 so my drives count.
New PB last week playa. A +15, 86. 4 below my hcp. Laying up to 100y from a fairway bunker is a joy now.
This is the way. 79 coming soon.
I live in S.Korea and golf is expensive ($220 Avg) so I always watch your videos to maximize my game by avoiding hero shots and take simple shots that I'm most comfortable with. Broke 90 first time two weeks ago. Really trying to keep those smooth tempo. Thanks
Excallent playa!
What a Draw Machine with the 7 wood :D Beautyyyy
Matt... You are the playa!! I am spending 2 hours a week in a Rush short game intent of improvement.... Still hasn't pay off but it Will.... Hunting. Cheers from argentina!
Don’t be Russian when you can be Chilean EZ LIFE
@@GolfSidekick last saturday i shot 80! My personal best and missing 5 putts of less than 1 mtr. Bijna! but keeping the joy!
Wonderful video! Unreal! I’ve got to try this next time. Once I can get a reliable 220+ club in the fairway I’ll hopefully be there-my short game has been on but my tee shots are horrendous. I took the driver out of the bag but my 3 and 5 woods are still not cooperating
....and then you taught me about the birds and the bees! Hahahaha, the comedy is pure gold! Such great content, thank you Matt for all the inspiration.
thanks legend
Great Video. I’m struggling right now. Lost some distance from injury and hitting 70 years old. Used to be able to break 80 from white tees more than half the time. Moved up a tee and struggling. If I’m chipping well I can still do it. What I’m struggling with is I can’t do things I used to do and greens are out of reach when others I’m playing with are in reach. Hopefully weather will turn and my drives will start going 190-200 yards again. Ito the doubters out there I can still break 80 with majority of my 2nd shots being 3W, 5W. It’s all short game. To the doubters of not being able to get up and down more than 6 times, My buddy shot a 37 on the back 9 with 1 green and 9 putts. If you follow the way of the player even short hitters can break 80
Proves that inside wedge range is still gonna be the decider. Keep short Game strong
@@GolfSidekick Took your 80’s White Board to heart and following the short hitters roadmap for practicing. I practiced 2 hours a day this winter on lag putting and grooving my putter swing. Last year did not get the ball to the hole 50% of the time or more. This year consistently to hole or just past. I also worked on the many clubs chipping technique. I almost never got inside my playing partner who is deadly with his wedge, even when I had a putter in my hand. This year, I’m inside him about half the time.
I love being inside my partner playa. Every time. Waddalife
@@GolfSidekick absolutely and most of us have more room to improve there as we spend so much time trying to maximize our distance. I'm super guilty of this and as I play from less than 6400 yards anyway it's even dumber.
Hey Matt thank you this helps me alot I don't hit big but straight it helps me alot because it's very close to how I play I hit 3 wood about 180 and is my club of choice of tee so I don't hit massive but hit straight and safe I also took your advice and took the club's out of my bag that I'm not confident with and simplified my bag which helped my game alot
Love my 7 wood. Put it in the bag at the start of last season. Such a go to club. Off the tee on short Par 4’s second shots on Par 5’s and even some cheeky anti duff chipping around the green! 👍🏼
You are right bro. Versatile like crazy
Another excellent vid. You've got a couple of big things going for you. You have power to spare and would be a plus handicapper from 2-4 feet. You just nail those short putts even the little awkward range ones again and again and again.
SWEET SIDEBURNS BROSEF!
Quarantine in Hotel after returning to thailand sideburns
You hit it towards the moving target when that caddie was running hahah!
Been watching all your videos baus. You are a legend
Thanks beast
The biggest thing that helped me break 80 was making sure I was comfortable standing in front of every shot. If the club I was holding scared me when I went to hit, I’d put it back and grab a club I knew I could keep in play. You have reinforced this idea for me, thank you!
Yes baus you get it!
One of your best Chief! This one matches my game plan after following you for the last three years. I'm constantly surprised that you have people who take the time to watch your vids and then complain about the format. Far as I can tell, all I've ever seen from you is straight up advice on how to enjoy the game and shoot lower scores... not how to get more lag, not how to adjust the face to path to avoid a slice, et cetera. LOL, you just shot under 80 and I'm sure someone will bitch rather than take the positive methodology. Keep it up playa!!!
lol apparently YoUtUbE MoNeY cHaNgEs PeOpLes!!!!!
Meanwhile trying to show people that the game is easier than you think. Look at my impact position is imperfect. Look at my shots. They’re 33% according to plan. 66% NOT! Easy life. No more time for losers and victims
I've missed the caddy no good joke.
Still so classic and fun.
Never retire that one.
Well guys I fucking did it. I shot a 76 today on 5/2/22. After flirting in the low-mid 80's I've finally broken 80 by 4 strokes. No mulligans, every shot counted. Mental game is the biggest thing, making good contact every hit and just trying to make good shots rather than perfect. Your videos speak more to me than any other. I'm not a specific mechanics, move the elbow this way, swing inside yadda yadda, I just need information on how to attack the course and this guy gets it. Waddaplaya.
Well done playa
I'm mostly inspired by Bryson's search for reliability in the swing+putting, and I just get the actual single plane training from Kirk Junge. What Bryson will then do is crank everything up to 110% and if you take the cranking up to max part out, it makes pretty good sense for me.
I’m with you Mort… the ideas are great, but the distance chasing is insane for the normal guy. Just a way to get injured if you ask me.
I have Junge’s program… and learned to play with the More Norman swing in the 90’s, so I’m completely down with single plane ideas and am hoping that going through Junge’s program this year will be a good refresher. I played about 8 rounds last year for the first time in 17ish years.😄
@@Groovethumper69 I've been on the subscription for about a month sending videos for feedback and emails. I really like the level of service.
@@morten3465 that’s great. I bought the lessons stand alone, but I am thinking about getting the subscription for a couple of months to get some good feedback from the instructor, or Kirk… whoever does the stuff. Lol
Glad to hear it’s a good service.
I don't know why it hasn't clicked until now. What you wrote at 2:12 is exactly what I need to improve. Step one for me needs to be par-3 quality from 100 in. Step two is to be par-3 quality from 150 in. I find my training and range time unfocused and therefore little gain, but no more. Thanks playa
You will do it if you are mindful. No more mindless scrape and hit big playa and lots of time inside 100. Easy life
Plenty of love! Thanks
Matt - you're so good at holing out from 3-5 feet. You just rock up and tap it in like it's a gimmie every time. Breaking 80 is always gonna be easier when you have that in your pocket
Just need to practice and let go of self imposed pressure and over thinking
I removed my drive from my bag b/c it got me in trouble. I tee off most of the time with my 3H...and i hit a lot more fairways...still in the 80s and 90s for a round...but i'm no longer getting pissed and having meltdowns over bad drives.
225+ seven wood. No words. ❤. Love this stuff
Few days ago, I shot 73 from black tee at Blue Canyon in Phuket. Your videos have helped me a lot since I've been shooting in the 90s.
Edited: now I'm consistently thriving around level oar and few days ago I shot 74 off the tips in windy condition
Big day that playa well done
I would love a video of showing how you practice the short game. I'd like to see drills etc that you go through in the hour you suggest we spend there. Thanks
If you don’t chip at all then just chipping is enough
Thanks Matt.
Regardless of distance, you need to know your game and play the appropriate tees. Everyone should play from tees where they can keep the ball in play and have 160 or less in on a typical par 4. That's a driver for big hitters like me (playa) so I play blues/tips. But there's absolutely no shame in playing whites to shorten the course for your game. This is what affects pace of play more than anything and slow golf aint fun for no one. Love this strategy; know your game. Preach brotha!
Exactly. Yet there are people who go out to hopefully break 110 from 6900. Meanwhile they don’t understand that they can do it if they learn to do it from 6000 first
Absolutely love these videos. I'm aiming to break 90 tomorrow. Saturday mornings are for the boyfriends!
Wadda boyfriend wadda morning
In my neck of the woods with course length. I generally play 6000-6200yds, I'm old and dont bomb it off the tee and this yardage keeps golf more enjoyable for me.
exactly
I used to keep 5 wedges in my bag. I was more interested in scoring from 140 and in than I was hitting 5 wood into par 5s. 60/56/52/48/45
7 or 8 clubs is exactly what I do, replicating the Break 80 System:
3 Driving Iron goes 220-250 off the tee
7-PW covers me under 175
SW
Putter
Will carry a 6 iron as 8th club if needed to reach a longer Par 3.
You are the baus
This is the way of the Senior Playa. My Driver is my 200-225 m shot and I try to get my approach shot from inside 150 m ( but prefer inside 135m= my 6 iron). I use single length irons, so my attack zone is from SW 65m - 6 iron 135m, where the swing is the same for each iron i.e. no favourite distance/ just confidence that I will hit the green or a near miss.
Yes sir. The entire way of the playa is based on my time playing golf with seniors for Two years 4 days per week
I’ve only read one book on golf ever, and it was “Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect” by Bob Rotella. Changed the entire way I play golf
Have you done PUTTING OUT OF YOUR MIND?
Payday candy bars broski… my favorite on course snack. Not sure if you can get them but they are perfect for carrying in the bag.
Using my 3W off the tee and keeping it in play has been huge for me, thanks playa
In play and allowing a clear second shot is all
Superb video.....I need to find a 7 wood!
Watch Padraig Harrington on taking some distance off shots... go down the grip, 5 yards shorter, narrow stance, another 5 yards shorter.. You should be able to get those 125 shots nailed using either or both...
Funnily enough my Driver is one of my most consistent clubs. I don’t hit far (with any club), but my driver usually stays away from severe trouble. Even so, I only take it out for tee shots with a massive landing area, or on particular long holes. On a short par 4, I’d rather play long-iron/wedge than try and reach the green with the drive. Feels so much more enjoyable and relaxing - “stress-free” to use the Playa-in-Chief’s vernacular - and I find actually more likely to result in a bird (or at least par) than the greedy approach.
another great video, such a smooth round!
My weird spot here is that I am a weirdo that is hitting my driver consistently better than anything else in my bag. I only drive it about 240-250, but for the first time in my life I can hit a driver… and it’s 100% due to the adjustable and more upright lie angles of todays drivers… but I digress. Great video as always Bausman!😎
Jason, I’m the same. For the 1st time in my life my driver is going where I want it to. My issue is it’s only going 180 yards right now. If I miss a fairway, it’s because I was trying to miss on that side. Last week I had a fitter look at my set up. He changed the lie of the driver and since I’ve been able to hit the sweet spot more consistantly
If you have a good driver then you must target sub 80 easy
Great video. So as someone that shoots 84 on a good day, 81 on a fantastic day, you know what I see here that makes a difference? Routinely knocking down 6 to 10 foot putts. In this video, I would be thrilled to be making that many putts from the distance. And then I would break 80.
And everyone can learn to putt better. No power is needed. No muscles. Just practice and confidence through practice