The 3 Dumbest Mistakes Mid-Handicaps Make ( and How to Fix Them)

If you are a mid-handicap golfer (somewhere in the 10–20 handicap range), chances are you are just a few smart decisions away from playing the best golf of your life. The problem? Most players in this range are stuck making the same avoidable mistakes—round after round.

Here are the three most common (and costly) errors mid-handicaps make—and how to fix them without changing your swing.

1. Swinging for Hero Shots Instead of Playing Percentage Golf

The mistake:
You hit your drive into the trees and instead of punching out, you try to thread a low 4-iron through a window the size of a pizza box. Or you are 240 yards out and decide today is the day your 3-wood finally flies like Rory's.

The fix:
Learn to accept that a bogey is sometimes better than trying to save par and walking off with a double (or worse). Smart golf means taking your medicine and playing the percentages.

🏌️ Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “What shot gives me the best chance at no worse than bogey?”—and hit that one.

2. Neglecting the Short Game

The mistake:
You hit a few putts before the round and occasionally chip in your backyard—but most of your practice time is spent bombing drivers or hitting full irons on the range.

The fix:
Make a 60/40 rule: 60% of your practice time should be inside 100 yards. Focus on distance control with wedges, reliable chip shots around the green, and especially lag putting. You will be amazed at how many strokes you can save without ever touching your full swing.

🎯 Drill Idea: Set up a 3-club chipping challenge—try to get up and down using a 7-iron, pitching wedge, and sand wedge. Learn how to create different trajectories and feel.

3. Not Having a Go-To Shot Under Pressure

The mistake:
You stand on the 18th tee with a one-shot lead over your buddy and suddenly wonder, “What should I hit here?” You have no plan. No comfort shot. You just swing and hope.

The fix:
Every solid mid-handicap needs a go-to shot—especially off the tee. Whether it is a bunt driver, a smooth 3-wood, or a fairway-finding hybrid, have one shot you can trust when it matters.

⛳ Build This: On the range, start practicing a "fairway finder" tee shot—one that prioritizes control and confidence over raw distance.

Final Thoughts

You do not need a new driver, a lesson package, or a swing overhaul to play better golf. By eliminating hero shots, prioritizing your short game, and building a go-to shot, you will eliminate the biggest score-killers mid-handicaps face.

Stop sabotaging your rounds. Play smarter, practice better, and let your game evolve from good to great.