The Surprising Secret to Mastering Your Golf Game: Less is More
Ever noticed how golfers often grab a sleeve of three balls for putting practice without a second thought? It’s almost ritualistic—like reaching for a coffee mug in the morning. But here’s the kicker: this seemingly harmless habit might be sabotaging your progress. Personally, I think this is one of those small details that reveals a lot about how we approach practice in general. It’s not just about golf; it’s about the human tendency to default to convenience over intention.
Former LPGA Tour pro Tiffany Joh, now an assistant coach for the U.S. National Development Program, calls this out brilliantly. She argues that using multiple balls during practice leads to unfocused, almost mindless repetition. And she’s right. When you’re juggling three balls, you’re not simulating real-game conditions—you’re just going through the motions. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it mirrors our broader approach to skill-building. We often confuse volume for quality, thinking more reps automatically mean better results. But if you take a step back and think about it, intentionality trumps quantity every time.
Why One Ball Could Change Everything
Joh’s solution? Grab one ball and treat the putting green like a mini golf course. Play 18 holes, with each putt counting as a stroke. Par, birdie, bogey—it’s all there. This simple shift forces you to focus on every shot, just like you would on the actual course. What many people don’t realize is that this method isn’t just about improving your putting; it’s about rewiring your mindset. You’re no longer practicing at something; you’re practicing for something. That’s a game-changer.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the emphasis on variety. Joh suggests mixing up putt lengths and slopes, which adds a layer of complexity. This isn’t just about sinking putts; it’s about adaptability. In my opinion, this is where most golfers—and frankly, most learners in any field—fall short. We get comfortable with repetition and forget that real-world challenges are rarely predictable. This method forces you to think on your feet, which is exactly what you need when the pressure’s on.
The Psychology Behind Intentional Practice
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this approach taps into the psychology of competition. By turning practice into a game, you’re engaging your brain in a way that aimless repetition never could. What this really suggests is that motivation isn’t just about external rewards; it’s about creating internal stakes. When you’re trying to ‘beat’ your own par, you’re invested in the outcome. This raises a deeper question: how many of our daily habits could benefit from this kind of intentionality?
From my perspective, this isn’t just a golf tip—it’s a life hack. Whether you’re learning a language, mastering an instrument, or even improving your communication skills, the principle remains the same. Focused, goal-oriented practice beats mindless repetition every time. One thing that immediately stands out is how rarely we apply this logic outside of sports. Why is that? Maybe because it’s easier to grab three balls than to commit to one.
The Broader Implications: From Golf to Life
If you expand this idea beyond the putting green, it starts to look like a blueprint for success in any field. Think about it: how often do we multitask, thinking we’re being productive, when in reality we’re just spreading ourselves thin? The ‘one ball’ approach is a metaphor for focus—a reminder that depth beats breadth. What this really suggests is that we’ve been sold a lie about productivity. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing better.
This also ties into the concept of deliberate practice, a term popularized by psychologist Anders Ericsson. The key isn’t just showing up; it’s showing up with a purpose. When you’re playing 18 holes on the putting green, you’re not just practicing—you’re performing. And that’s where growth happens. Personally, I think this is a lesson we could all stand to hear more often.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Simplicity
In the end, the brilliance of Joh’s advice lies in its simplicity. It’s not about buying fancy equipment or overhauling your technique. It’s about making one small, intentional change. But here’s the thing: small changes often lead to big results. If you’re willing to swap three balls for one, you’re not just improving your putting—you’re redefining how you approach practice altogether.
So, the next time you head to the putting green, ask yourself: am I here to go through the motions, or am I here to get better? The answer might just surprise you. And if you take my advice, you’ll choose the latter. After all, in golf—and in life—it’s not about how many balls you have. It’s about what you do with the one you’ve got.
