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As I reviewed the questions from readers for today’s column, one from Lee R. asked about a couple of little things that he was wondering about. He’s working hard to get better but says it amazes him how many golfers will just play with a wide array of different balls and never bother to clean the face of their clubs before a shot . . . the little things.

Well, Lee, I’ve always believed that in golf and life, little things can mean a lot. Let’s stick to golf today and I’ll address those two issues and a few others that might change your success on the course.

1. Playing different brands of balls. I’ve written about this before, but there are so many good products out there, with so many different playing characteristics, it can make a huge difference, especially in your short game and putting touch. I’m a firm proponent of finding a ball you like (preferably one that spins a lot) and then sticking to it. That will give you consistent performance and feel for an improved short game.

2. Cleaning your clubface. For consistent performance, you should approach each shot with a “squeaky clean” clubface, particularly on your irons and wedges, where the last shot probably left grass and dirt in the grooves. Grooves are in the news now with the USGA changes to geometry soon to take effect, but a groove that is half-filled with dirt is a spin killer. Keep a moist towel or brush on your bag and wipe off that clubface before or after each shot. It might save you one or two shots a round.

3. Dirty or worn out grips. The least expensive piece of golf equipment is the one most overlooked. If you have been playing your irons, wedges, driver or any club more than a year or so, the grips could very well need replacing. Clubs can last forever . . . grips wear out. Take a little time and inspect them. The two most common wear spots are where the two thumbs lie on the grip. If you see visible wear, replace the grips! And at least every few rounds, take your clubs in to the house and wash them with warm water, a mild cleanser like Comet or Ajax and a soft brush. Your hands and the bottom of your bag get them dirty, and you gradually lose control, so you just grip tighter. Not a very good solution.

4. Worn out spikes. We’re all wearing soft spikes now, and they just don’t last that long, especially if our course has us walking across the parking lot or on cart paths very much. Take a look and replace them if the points are worn back. Unsure footing can cause errant golf shots.

5. Get In The Zone. Most of us play golf much more for social reasons than for the game itself. It’s fun spending a few hours with your buddies, and enjoying life together. But it’s not fun to hack and gouge around the course either. To get the most out of your golf, and have fun, too, develop a routine for “getting in the zone” when you get ready to hit each shot. I’ll write more on this soon, but when you approach your ball and it’s time for golf again, take about 5-10 seconds to forget that story your buddy was just telling, and focus on your shot.

I’m sure there are dozens more little things that could go on this list, so I’ll look to you guys to help complete it for Lee and everyone else here. Chime in guys . . . and ladies . . . and let’s see what all we can come up with.

See you Friday with the next installment of our short game series.

Terry Koehler is "The Wedge Guy" and President of EIDOLON Golf- The Short Game Company.

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