Top Mistakes Amateur Golfers Make—and How an AI Caddie Fixes Them

Golf is a game of strategy, precision, and patience. But even the most seasoned golfers can fall into common traps that can ruin a round. Whether it’s using the wrong club, chasing the flagstick, or making poor decisions on recovery shots, these mistakes are all too familiar. However, with the help of SwingWise and its AI-powered caddie, Connor, you can avoid these common pitfalls and take your game to the next level.

Let’s dive into four of the most common mistakes golfers make and how SwingWise can help you avoid them.

Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Club

One of the biggest mistakes golfers make is selecting a club based solely on yardage. While yardage is an important factor in club selection, it’s far from the only thing you should consider. Variables like wind, the lie of the ball, and the slope of the fairway can all significantly impact the shot, yet many golfers ignore these elements when choosing their clubs.

For example, imagine you’re 150 yards from the green, and the hole is playing downhill with a strong headwind. If you pick the club based only on yardage, you could end up hitting a shot too short or overshoot the green, especially if you fail to account for the wind's effect on the ball.

This is where Connor, the AI-powered caddie from SwingWise, steps in. Connor considers a wide range of factors, including wind, slope, and your current lie, to recommend the optimal club for your situation. By taking all of these elements into account, Connor gives you a more accurate and informed club recommendation, boosting your chances of hitting the green in regulation.

Whether you’re playing on a calm day or battling unpredictable weather, Connor’s advice will help you make smarter club choices every time. This could be the difference between a solid approach shot and a risky, costly mistake.

Mistake #2: Always Going for the Pin

Every golfer has been tempted by the flagstick—whether it’s on a reachable par 4 or par 5, or simply when you’re feeling confident. Pin-seeking is a common mistake, especially when the flag is tucked in a difficult position, like behind a bunker or near the water. The allure of hitting that perfect shot can cloud your judgment, leading to risky decisions that often result in disaster.

In reality, pin-seeking can sometimes do more harm than good. It can put unnecessary pressure on your game and increase the likelihood of hitting hazards or missing the green altogether. Instead of aiming directly for the pin, it’s often wiser to aim for a safer part of the green, one that gives you a better chance of making a two-putt.

This is where Connor’s guidance shines. The AI caddie takes your skill level, current course conditions, and the pin’s position into account when recommending your target. Connor doesn’t just tell you to “go for the flag”; instead, it will suggest a safer, smarter approach that gives you the best odds of making par or even birdie without taking unnecessary risks.

Connor’s recommendations help you make more strategic decisions on the course, reducing your chances of missing the green or running into trouble. By aiming for the safest part of the green rather than the risky pin, you can avoid disastrous outcomes and set yourself up for success.

Mistake #3: Poor Recovery Shots

We’ve all been there: your tee shot goes way off track, or you miss a fairway and find yourself in trouble. When you’re out of position, it’s tempting to go for an aggressive shot to make up for your mistake, but that often leads to more trouble. Poor recovery shots can quickly turn a bogey into a double or triple, leaving you frustrated and out of sync with your game.

In situations like this, making the right recovery shot is crucial. Instead of attempting a low-percentage shot that could land you in more trouble, you should be looking for safe, strategic options that get you back in play while keeping your score intact.

This is where SwingWise’s Connor comes to the rescue. Connor offers practical recovery options, advising you on where to aim to safely recover from tough lies or bad positions. It calculates the risk and reward of each shot, helping you make a smart choice that brings you back into play without adding unnecessary strokes to your scorecard.

Whether you’re hitting from the rough, navigating trees, or dealing with an awkward lie, Connor provides clear recovery strategies that minimize risk and help you stay on track. By taking the guesswork out of recovery shots, you can avoid compound errors and keep your round intact.

Mistake #4: Not Planning Layups on Par 5s

Par 5s are often seen as an opportunity to go for the green in two shots, but this is not always the best strategy. When you try to reach the green in two, especially on longer par 5s with hazards in play, you increase the chances of making a big mistake. In many cases, a smart layup can set you up for a much easier third shot and a better chance at birdie or par.

The key to managing par 5s is recognizing when to play it safe and lay up. But deciding where to lay up and how much distance you need can be tricky, especially if you’re dealing with bunkers, water hazards, or other obstacles.

Connor, the AI-powered caddie, helps you make these decisions with ease. By analyzing the layout of the hole, including any hazards and the best approach angles, Connor recommends the optimal layup spot for an easier approach shot. Whether you're 250 yards out or 350 yards from the green, Connor can pinpoint the best location to lay up, minimizing the risk and maximizing your chances for a low score.

With Connor’s guidance, you’ll learn when to play conservatively and set yourself up for a more manageable shot into the green. Planning your layup on par 5s will take the pressure off and help you avoid the temptation to go for a risky shot that could cost you.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common mistakes can have a significant impact on your game. By making smarter club choices, playing for safer targets, improving your recovery shots, and planning your layups on par 5s, you’ll set yourself up for lower scores and a more enjoyable round.

But why stop there? With Connor, the AI-powered caddie, you can take your golf game to a whole new level. Connor’s expert advice helps you navigate these common mistakes and make the most out of every round. Whether you're a beginner looking to lower your scores or a seasoned pro refining your strategy, SwingWise’s AI-powered caddie will guide you every step of the way.

Want to support the development of SwingWise?

Check out our IndieGoGo page to help us bring Connor and SwingWise to life. With your support, we’ll be able to add more features like advanced analytics, custom yardage books, and even more personalized recommendations to take your game to the next level.