If you shoot over 95, you might feel like coaching is for "real golfers." It's the opposite. High handicappers have the most to gain from good coaching, often dropping strokes faster than anyone else. The trick is finding a coach who knows how to work with you.
What high handicappers actually need
When we look at a high handicapper's round, the same few issues show up again and again:
- Poor contact. Fat and thin shots that go nowhere.
- A big curve. Usually a slice that costs penalty strokes and lost balls.
- Weak short game. Three or four shots from 50 yards in.
- Too many putts. Three-putts from long range.
Notice what's missing: complicated swing positions. High handicappers don't need a tour-level swing. They need solid fundamentals.
Qualities of a great coach for higher handicaps
They simplify. A great coach gives you one clear focus, not ten swing thoughts.
They prioritize contact. At Beyond Golf Performance, low point control comes first. Hit the ball, then the ground. When that improves, everything gets easier.
They respect your body. Many high handicappers have physical limits from age, injuries, or desk jobs. A TPI-certified coach screens your body and builds a swing you can repeat without pain.
They focus on scoring, not looks. Your swing doesn't need to be pretty. It needs to be repeatable and get the ball in the hole.
They're patient and encouraging. Golf is hard. The right coach makes you want to come back.
Where the fast strokes are
For high handicappers, the quickest wins usually come from:
- Cutting out penalty strokes by taming the slice
- Improving chipping so you get on the green in one
- Lag putting to avoid three-putts
- Smarter course management, like playing to the middle of greens
Together, these can knock 10 or more strokes off a high handicapper's scores.
Our approach
Our Phase One program covers exactly what high handicappers need: a TPI screen, putting and chipping, wedges and short irons, driver, and an on-course session to tie it together. You leave with a weekly practice plan so improvement continues between sessions.
For golfers ready to commit, our full 18-month program is designed to take 15 to 18 strokes off your game.
Coaching for high handicappers near you
We coach golfers of every level at Balcones Golf Academy, serving Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, and Round Rock.
Book at beyondgolfperformance.com/book.
