Conquering Your Golf Goals with Erika Larkin
You know that golf can be a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends and family. Probably you are thinking of making it a hobby someday. But when you’re just about to get started, nervousness kicks in and you can’t go to the golf course anymore because you think you’re not that good. Don’t worry! A lot of people out there are not as good as you think! Whether you’re starting out or have been struggling to keep the consistency to improve your stats, today’s episode is for you!
We interviewed Erika Larkin on how to improve your golf stats and handicap each time you swing that club. She shares tips and strategies for everyone at all levels; beginners, 30 handicappers, 15 handicappers, and even the most advanced golfers that yearn to get to a single-digit handicap. You don’t want to miss this!
Join us also as we do a recap for the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City S2E1, and listen to our thoughts about what we love, our favorite characters, skincare, and makeup game!
About Erika Larkin
Erika is a PGA teaching professional who is part of the teaching staff at Golf Digest. She was voted the number one teacher in Virginia, after featuring in the Best Teachers list in the state since 2014. Erika was also featured in the Top 50 Teachers in America list of 2022-2023. She will be one of our featured guests at the Desert Classic this March.
The Takeaways
Erika’s top suggestions to golf starters
- You have to take the leap. A lot of people try to dip their toes in and then they get into their safe zone where they feel comfortable just playing with their husbands or friends.
- Although that’s a good place to stay for a little while, the reality is that Golf is so much more than that. There are so many cool people to meet and there are so many places to play.
“If you are going to get into golf, you have to be willing to embrace the adventure.”
- You have to be ready to be comfortable being uncomfortable, both socially and physically at different stages of the development of your game.
Why you should not get scared starting out
- You are not alone. There’s no need to get scared. If you are a beginner, most people are more than willing to help you love the game that they love.
- It’s normal to feel nervous. But you will be surprised to know how bad most people on the golf course are. They can barely hit the ball! Go out and just play! You will improve with practice!
Tips for a 30 handicapper to move to 20
- Take a look at your scorecard
- Figure out how many putts you have
- It doesn’t mean your golf swings will get better if you are paying more attention to putting but in terms of scoring.
- If you can eliminate 3-4 putts, you’re going to shave 5-7 or more strokes right away.
Tips for a 15 handicapper to move to single-digit
- If you are not hitting your driver at least 175 yards, that power should be a goal that you have to have to get down to really lower handicap.
- Know what you are doing with your shots. When you can hit more greens, you’re going to start to score.
- Inside 20 yards, if you do miss the green, you have to be really good with your short stuff.
Managing tension
Tension is the worst thing to have while playing golf. This is because mental tension leads to physical tension that in turn breaks the pattern of how you’re performing. Here are some ways to manage tension:
- Build confidence in your skillset
- Play more pressure golf matches
- Put yourself in those pressure moments during practice.
“It takes practice to feel comfortable playing under pressure and understanding how to manage the tension.”
Golf Lessons and what to expect from them
- There are short time fixes and long-term plan lessons to work with. Decide why you are taking the lessons.
- Know what’s coming up on the calendar and choose the best strategy.
- You can make a change overnight. But not consistently. You’re going to have a mix of good and bad days for a while.
Podcast Timestamps
[02:05] Our most recent golfing stats
[05:23] Welcoming our guest
[07:30] Erika’s top suggestion to golf starters
[09:41] Getting started with Golf
[11:18] The Executive course
[12:11] Tips for a 30 handicapper to become a 20 handicapper
[13:07] Tips for a 15 handicapper to become a single-digit handicapper
[15:01] Working on your tight lies
[17:02] Why body tension is the worst thing to have
[17:35] How to manage tension
[20:23] Preparing for a tournament
[21:39] Golf lessons and what to expect from them
[26:10] Are there short-term fixes to your game?
[27:37] Get in touch with Erika
[31:59] The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City
[32:36] Sarah’s apology
[32:50] Season 2 Episode 1 Recap
[34:53] Do we have roles in The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City?
[36:22] Latest episode recap
[37:44] Secrets of a sugar daddy
[40:28] What we think about detective Whitney
[41:41] Our skincare game
To get in touch with Erika:
Resources
Connect with us on your favorite social platform:
Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group: Housewives of Golf
Tori:
Instagram: @tori_totlis
TikTok: @tori_totlis
Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com
Sarah:
Instagram: @sarahheldgolftravel
Website: EliteGolfExperience.com
Podcast IG: @housewivesofgolf
Podcast YouTube: Housewives of Golf
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