Episode #511: Wicked Smart Game Plan - Mason's Guide from 9.7 to Scratch Golf

This "Wicked Smart Golf Game Plan" episode features Mason, a 31-year-old golfer from the Salt Lake Valley who has been playing for nearly 20 years. These game plan episodes are designed to provide listeners with background on a golfer's current status to help them develop a tailored plan for improvement.

Mason, who currently holds a 9.7 handicap, aims to drop to a 3 or 4 handicap within the next 12 months, with an ultimate long-term goal of becoming a scratch golfer.

• Distance as a Weapon: Mason already possesses significant distance, averaging a 295–300 yard carry with his driver, which the host notes is a major advantage for reaching a scratch-level handicap.

• Wedge Matrix Training: To improve approach shots from 50–100 yards, the host recommends Mason build a "wedge matrix" by practicing and recording three specific distances (full swing, three-quarter knockdown, and two-third rib cage height) for each of his wedges.

• Mental Routine Shift: The host advises Mason to stop taking practice swings next to the ball for full-swing shots, suggesting he instead perform rehearsal swings behind the ball to separate "thinking" from "playing" and improve confidence.

• Data-Driven Practice: Mason is encouraged to use his Arccos sensors to track statistics, which will help identify his "big three" weaknesses and allow him to create a focused, weekly practice plan rather than just hitting a bucket of balls.

• Purposeful Putting Sessions: For more effective practice at lunch, Mason should move beyond just "hitting balls" and instead use drills involving a metronome for tempo and a putting mat for start-line feedback.