Some swing flaws (an open face at impact, a slidey weight shift) aren’t “stupid”—they’re just part of learning. But other mistakes are completely avoidable and quietly add 5–10 shots to your card. Clean up these five and you’ll see lower scores fast.

1) Skipping a Morning Stretch Before You Play

Be honest: you won’t do a full warm-up on the first tee. You’ll rush to the range, dab on sunscreen, roll a few putts—and call it good. The problem? Cold muscles limit rotation, shorten your arc, and invite compensation patterns.

Why it hurts your score

• Reduced shoulder and hip turn = less speed and more timing errors.
• Stiff thoracic spine = early extension and thin/fat contact.

Do this instead (5–10 minutes at home)

• Hip openers: 10–12 lunges with rotation per side.
• T-spine: 10–12 cat–cow + open-book rotations per side.
• Shoulders & wrists: Arm circles (20 each way), wrist flexion/extension (20 each).
• Half-swings: 15–20 with a wedge, smooth tempo.

Even five minutes beats nothing—and it travels with you to every course.

2) Not Drinking Enough Water During the Round

Dehydration sneaks up on you: energy dips, decision-making gets fuzzy, and distance control suffers. Once you’re behind, it’s hard to catch up.

Why it hurts your score

• Fatigue changes tempo and contact quality.
• Brain fog = poor targets, bad club choices, three-putt city.

Do this instead (simple hydration plan)

• Front nine: 2–3 sips on every tee + a couple after approaches.
• Back nine: Same cadence; add electrolytes on hot/humid days.
• Snack synergy: Pair water with a small protein/carb bite on 6 and 13.

3) Not Walking to the Hole on Long Putts

If your ball is front-left and the pin is back-right, peeking from 60 feet away won’t cut it. You’re guessing speed and slope—and guesswork three-putts.

Why it hurts your score

• Misreads on total distance and uphill/downhill.
• Under-read side slope = leave it 6–8 feet for bogey.

Do this instead (30-second routine)

1. As others putt, walk to the hole and look back to your ball.
2. Identify highest point of the break and a speed picture (uphill/downhill).
3. Choose a start line and a capture speed (dies 12–18 inches past).
4. Return, one rehearsal for pace, and roll it.

Pace-of-play tip: Do most of this while others are putting.

4) Failing to Calculate Layup Distance on Par 5s

Can’t reach in two? Blasting a 3-wood “as far as possible” often leaves a fiddly 60–80 yards—the toughest distance for many amateurs.

Why it hurts your score

• Awkward yardages lead to bladed wedges and short-sided misses.
• Front hazards come into play when you push too close.

Do this instead (make the third shot your favorite number)

1. Pick your go-to wedge distance (e.g., 95–110 yards).
2. From your current ball, note total to the pin and subtract that number.
3. Choose a layup club that lands short of trouble and leaves your preferred yardage.

Example: 265 yards to the pin, you love 105 in → lay up to ~160. Hit the club that flies/rolls to 105 + 55 = 160.

5) Neglecting Positive Visualization

Telling yourself “don’t go in the water” is still water-focused. Your brain swings toward pictures, not negatives.

Why it hurts your score

• Negative targets create tension and steering.
• Indecision bleeds into tempo and face control.

Do this instead (20–25 second pre-shot routine)

1. Picture the shot: Start line, shape, and finish spot.
2. Commit language: “Start at the right edge, soft fade.”
3. One feel: A single physical cue (e.g., “smooth turn”).
4. Go: One rehearsal, step in, pull the trigger.

Rapid-Fire Fix Checklist

• ☑ Five-minute mobility before you leave the house.
• ☑ Sip water on every tee; add electrolytes in heat.
• ☑ Walk to the hole on putts over 30 feet—read from both ends.
• ☑ On par 5s, lay up to your favorite wedge yardage.
• ☑ Visualize the desired shot; use one clear cue and swing.

Change these five today and you’ll stop handing strokes to the course. Better decisions, better routines, better scores.