Golf is full of hand-me-down “truths” that quietly sabotage progress. After decades in the game—as a player, coach, and gear tinkerer—these are the seven myths that deserve retirement today. Bust them, and you’ll free up strokes without overhauling your swing.

Myth 1: Replace Your Putter Every Few Years

Reality: Great putters age well. Putter tech evolves slowly; speed control, face aim, and start line matter far more than model year.

• What to do: Get a quick putter check every season—length, lie, loft, and grip wear.
• Try this first: One putting lesson and a fresh grip often outperform a brand-new head.
• DIY test: From 6, 12, and 18 feet, roll 10 balls each. If dispersion tightens after a grip change or minor loft tweak, you’re set.

Myth 2: Physical Fitness Doesn’t Matter for Golf

Reality: Mobility and basic strength boost speed, protect joints, and steady contact—especially as we age.

• Daily 10 (minutes): Hip 90/90s, open-book T-spine, ankle rocks, wrist/forearm stretches, and 2×15 glute bridges.
• Before you play: 20 arm circles each way, 10 lunge + rotations per side, 15 tempo half-swings with a wedge.

Myth 3: You Need Expensive Gear to Play Well

Reality: Fit beats price tag. Last year’s head with the right shaft and lie angle often outperforms the latest premium model that doesn’t suit you.

• Smart path: Get fit → buy within budget → tweak loft/lie/grip → learn your new yardages.
• Money saver: Shop prior-year models and adjust specs. Performance, not paint, lowers scores.

Myth 4: The Longer the Drive, the Better the Player

Reality: Distance helps, but scoring lives in approach play and short game. A straight, average-length tee ball plus great wedges beats wild bombs.

• Split your practice: 30% driver, 40% wedges/short game, 30% irons/putting.
• Targeting rule: Middle of the fairway > max yards if it risks penalty strokes.

Myth 5: If Your Driver Slices, Just Use a 3-Wood

Reality: The 3-wood can mask issues but won’t fix path/face problems—and off a tee it’s not always easier. Learn a playable driver swing.

• Quick fixes: Ball off lead heel, slight spine tilt, tee half a ball above the crown.
• Path feel: From the top, let the club shallow (clubhead behind hands) and swing through a tee gate inside-to-out.
• When to 3W: Tight, penal holes or into-wind bullets—by choice, not fear.

Myth 6: Swing Easy When Your Game Feels Off

Reality: “Easy” often becomes slow and decelerated. You need smooth tempo with committed intent, not a tentative jab.

• Cue: “Smooth back, athletic through.” Maintain speed through the strike.
• One-thought reset: Pick a single feel (e.g., “turn to finish”) and play. Overthinking breeds steering.

Myth 7: You Must Hit Harder to Gain Distance

Reality: Smash factor (centered contact + launch/spin) trumps brute force. Harder swings that miss the center go shorter and crookeder.

• Center first: Use impact tape or foot spray; chase toe/heel patterns to the middle before chasing mph.
• Easy gains: Tee height right, ball forward, neutral grip, and a balanced finish. Add structured speed work only after strike quality improves.

Myth-Free Checklist

• ☑ Keep a well-fit putter; fix grip/loft/lie before replacing.
• ☑ Add 10 minutes of mobility/strength to your routine.
• ☑ Prioritize club fitting over price or release year.
• ☑ Favor accuracy and wedge proximity over maxed-out drives.
• ☑ Train a confident driver swing; use 3W when the shot calls for it.
• ☑ Smooth tempo, committed strike—don’t decel.
• ☑ Strike center face first; then pursue speed.

Let these myths go, and you’ll spend less time guessing—and more time enjoying better golf.