How Amateurs Can Save ‘5, 10 Strokes a Round,’ According to Justin Thomas
Golf is a game of precision, strategy, and mental fortitude. For professionals, a few minor adjustments or improvements can mean the difference between a victory and a missed cut. For amateurs, shaving strokes off their score can sometimes feel like an impossible task. However, Justin Thomas, one of the PGA Tour’s most consistent and talented players, believes that amateurs can easily save “5, 10 strokes a round” with a few smart and simple changes to their game.
In an exclusive interview with various golf publications and through his appearances on instructional platforms, Thomas has shared insights on how regular golfers can improve their game. His tips focus on aspects that can be easily overlooked but, if mastered, can dramatically improve scores. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or someone looking to take the game more seriously, implementing Thomas’s advice could make a significant difference in your next round.
1. Focus on Short Game and Putting
The Importance of Chipping and Pitching
The short game, which includes chipping, pitching, and putting, accounts for a significant portion of your strokes on the course. Justin Thomas emphasizes that amateurs often overlook the importance of these shots, especially in favor of focusing on their long game. However, the key to lowering your score starts close to the green.
“A lot of amateurs, especially beginners, don’t put enough time into their short game,” Thomas says. “I’ve always thought that if you can get up and down 50% of the time, you’ll be a good golfer.” By focusing more on developing the ability to get the ball up and down from various lies, amateurs can drastically reduce their number of wasted shots.
One common mistake is over-hitting the ball around the greens. Instead of trying to hit every chip and pitch shot with maximum power, Thomas advises golfers to focus on finesse. By using the correct lofted clubs, like wedges or sand wedges, and learning how to use the right technique for different situations, you’ll have more control over the ball’s flight and spin.
Putting: The Real Stroke Saver
The most significant part of the short game, of course, is putting. Justin Thomas has always been a solid putter, and he insists that amateurs should spend a large portion of their practice time honing their putting skills. “You’d be surprised how much better you can get just by working on your putting,” he says. “It’s not about hitting it farther. It’s about making more putts.”
The difference between making a 10-foot putt and missing it can be the difference between making par and making a bogey or worse. Amateurs often miss putts due to poor alignment, inconsistent stroke mechanics, or a lack of confidence. Thomas recommends simple drills to help improve alignment and distance control, which will translate directly to lower scores.
Practicing with Purpose
A great way to get better around the greens is to practice with purpose. Instead of mindlessly hitting chips and putts, Thomas suggests setting targets for each practice session. For example, create a specific goal like hitting 10 out of 15 chips within a three-foot circle of the hole or making 20 putts in a row from a set distance.
The key to getting better in the short game is consistency. Thomas has said that his most valuable asset in terms of improvement is not hitting 50 putts in a row but practicing in a way that builds muscle memory and confidence for real course situations. Through focused, purposeful practice, amateurs can dramatically cut down their strokes.
2. Improve Course Management
Strategic Decision-Making
Another area where amateurs lose strokes is poor course management. Amateur golfers often try to overpower every hole, taking unnecessary risks, or attempting shots that are too aggressive. In contrast, professionals like Justin Thomas have the discipline to play smart golf, making calculated decisions that minimize mistakes and maximize scoring opportunities.
“Know when to be aggressive and when to play it safe,” Thomas advises. “There’s no shame in laying up or hitting a club that you’re comfortable with, rather than trying to do something crazy.”
For example, when approaching a par 5, rather than trying to hit the green in two shots, Thomas suggests laying up to a comfortable distance where you can ensure an easy wedge shot into the green. While amateurs may feel pressure to reach the green in two, this aggressive approach often leads to double or triple bogeys when they miss the green, leading to higher scores overall.
Avoiding Big Numbers
Amateurs are often prone to the “big number” – a blow-up hole where one mistake leads to several others, and a double or triple bogey turns into a nightmare. Thomas explains that playing smart and minimizing risk is essential to avoiding these big scores. If you find yourself in trouble, whether in the trees or in a bunker, Thomas suggests hitting a shot that gets you back into play rather than attempting to make a heroic shot that could lead to more mistakes.
Club Selection
Club selection is another key part of course management. Justin Thomas often talks about using clubs he’s confident in, rather than taking unnecessary risks with clubs that might not fit the situation. A great example of this is on par 3s, where golfers often overestimate their abilities and hit a club they don’t feel comfortable with. Instead of reaching for the longest club, Thomas recommends going with the club that allows you to hit a controlled shot.
On the tee, Thomas points out that it’s often more about positioning than power. Many amateurs believe they need to crush every drive, but hitting fairways and positioning yourself for the next shot is far more important. By focusing on finding fairways and keeping the ball in play, amateurs can improve their consistency, which will pay off with lower scores.
3. Mental Toughness and Patience
Managing Expectations
One of the hardest parts of golf for amateurs is dealing with frustration. Golf is an unforgiving sport, and one bad hole or a missed putt can completely derail a round. However, Justin Thomas believes that developing mental toughness and learning to stay patient is key to saving strokes.
“Golf is a mental game,” Thomas explains. “If you can stay calm and focused, you’re going to have a much better chance of playing well. You have to be patient and understand that mistakes happen. The key is not letting them affect the rest of your round.”
Thomas suggests focusing on the present moment and not getting bogged down by mistakes from earlier in the round. By keeping a positive mindset, even after a bad shot or hole, golfers can stay focused on executing the next shot well. Golf is a game of ups and downs, and having the mental resilience to rebound after a mistake is essential to shooting lower scores.
Breathing and Relaxation
A part of mental toughness is also managing stress and staying relaxed, especially during key moments of the round. Thomas, who is known for his calm demeanor on the course, recommends simple breathing exercises or visualization techniques to stay relaxed and focused. Taking deep breaths between shots, especially after a tough hole, can help calm nerves and reduce the tension that can lead to mistakes.
Setting Realistic Goals
For amateurs looking to improve, Thomas also stresses the importance of setting realistic goals. It’s easy to get discouraged if you’re not playing at a high level right away, but setting small, achievable goals can provide motivation and keep you on track. Thomas suggests tracking progress and focusing on improving one aspect of your game at a time.
4. Fitness and Flexibility
Physical Conditioning
Another often-overlooked factor in saving strokes is fitness. Justin Thomas has long been known for his impressive physical conditioning, which contributes to his consistency on the course. Although amateur golfers don’t need to adopt the extreme fitness regimens of professionals, basic fitness can help with distance, stability, and endurance, especially for those who play in the heat or wind.
By incorporating strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises into a regular routine, amateurs can improve their swing mechanics and reduce the risk of injury. A more flexible and powerful swing will lead to better ball striking, which is crucial for lowering scores.
Stretching for Flexibility
Thomas also advocates for flexibility and mobility work. In particular, amateur golfers often have limited flexibility, which can negatively impact their ability to make a full, fluid swing. Stretching before and after rounds can prevent tight muscles and enhance mobility, which will lead to better performance and fewer injuries. Whether it’s working on hip flexibility or stretching the back, improving flexibility is a small but significant way to enhance overall play.
Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Results
Justin Thomas’s advice for amateurs is clear: small changes to your short game, course management, mental approach, and fitness can lead to significant improvements. By focusing on the areas that most golfers overlook and committing to consistent practice, amateurs can easily shave “5, 10 strokes a round.”
By following Thomas’s wisdom, golfers of all skill levels can work towards mastering the mental and technical aspects of the game, which will lead to lower scores, fewer mistakes, and, ultimately, more enjoyable rounds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, taking the time to implement these strategies will not only make you a better golfer but will also help you enjoy the game more.
