At Next Level Golf, we’re all about helping you make real, measurable improvements in your game. One of the most powerful tools you can use to accelerate your progress isn’t a new club or a fancy gadget – it’s the simple but incredibly effective 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle.

Today, we’re breaking down how you can apply this game-changing concept to your practice and play, so you spend less time grinding and more time seeing results.

 

What is the 80/20 Rule?

The 80/20 rule states that roughly 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. In golf terms: a small number of the things you practice (or don’t practice) are likely responsible for the majority of your successes – or your struggles – on the course.

Think about it: Are a few poor shots ruining your round? Are there just a couple of areas where you consistently lose strokes? That’s the 80/20 rule in action.

Understanding this means you can zero in on the areas that truly move the needle for your game, instead of wasting time on low-impact practice.

 

How to Apply the 80/20 Rule to Your Golf Practice

Here’s how you can start practicing smarter starting today:

1. Identify Your “Vital Few”

Take a moment after your next round and analyse your scorecard. Be brutally honest:

  • Where are your big mistakes happening?
  • What types of shots cause you the most stress?
  • Where do you consistently lose strokes?

For most golfers, it’s usually a few repeat offenders:

  • Poor driving accuracy
  • Missed short putts
  • Weak wedge play around the greens

Focus on these specific areas, not the ones you already feel good about.

 

2. Prioritise High-Impact Practice

Instead of spending an hour mindlessly hitting full-swing 7-irons on the range, devote 80% of your practice time to the 20% of your game that costs you the most strokes.

For example:

  • Struggling with three-putts? Spend more time on 3-10 footers.
  • Losing drives into trouble? Work on tee shot accuracy and decision-making.
  • Blading wedges over greens? Groove your 40-70 yard pitch shots.

Targeted practice beats quantity every time.

 

3. Practice Under Pressure

It’s not enough to just work on the right things – you need to simulate the pressure you’ll feel on the course. Add pressure to your short putting drills. Create “must get up-and-down” challenges around the green.

The goal is to make your practice harder than real play, so real play feels easier.

 

4. Track Your Progress

The 80/20 rule isn’t a one-and-done deal. You’ll need to re-assess every few weeks:

  • What’s improving?
  • What’s still holding you back?
  • Has a new weakness emerged?

Adjust your focus accordingly. This way, you’re constantly evolving and always working on the most impactful areas.

 

A Quick Example

Imagine you normally shoot 90. You realise that:

  • You three-putt five times a round.
  • You make two penalty strokes from wild drives.
  • You chunk three simple chips around the green.

That’s 10+ shots lost from just three areas. Improving even slightly in these would push you under 85 quickly – without changing your full swing!

 

Smarter Practice = Faster Progress

 

At Next Level Golf, we believe your time is valuable. By applying the 80/20 rule, you can practice with purpose, maximise your results, and get to your next level faster than you ever thought possible.

Remember: Don’t practice more. Practice what matters most.

 

Why Choose Next Level Golf?

Next Level Golf provides an unparalleled experience that blends cutting-edge technology, professional expertise, and a welcoming environment. Whether you’re practicing, taking lessons, or simply enjoying a round of simulated golf, we’re here to help you unlock your full potential.

Visit us at the Pod Business Centre, Harris Way, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, TW16 7EL. You can also contact us at 0208 183 0770 or via email at nlgteam@nextlevelgolf.co.uk to book your session today. Let’s take your game to the next level!