For pretty much any golfer–professional or amateur–there will always be room for improvement. Even Tiger Woods, at his very best, was looking for more.

If you spoke to Bryson DeChambeau after he shot 58 at Greenbrier, there is a good chance the LIV Golf star would say he left shots out on the course. That’s the beauty of golf, right? Nobody will ever master this game.

However, amateurs have more opportunities for vast improvement. For example, players in the 10 to 20 handicap range are leaving several shots out on the course. Whether it’s three-putting or duffing a chip shot, there are numerous reasons why players struggle to improve. Professionals, on the other hand, are seeking marginal gains: one putt less per round, one more fairway hit, two more birdie putts, etc.

Rory McIlroy, speaking during a podcast appearance in 2024, suggested that some amateur golfers may need to reconsider their decision-making while out on the course, with many looking to take on shots that are simply way beyond their ability level.

Rory McIlroy’s four simple tips

When asked to discuss the easiest ways for amateurs to improve, McIlroy named four relatively simple steps.

“Just play within yourself,” he said. “Even I have to follow that advice. I’ll hit it in the trees and think I can do this, and Harry will be like, ‘Just chip it out.’

“I think, playing within yourself, not taking on too much, really getting to know your tendencies; do you miss it right, left, short or long and playing away from the weakest parts of your game is a pretty easy way to take strokes off your handicap and improve. That’s not just amateurs; that’s everyone. It takes discipline. Play within yourself; don’t take on too much. You don’t have to be perfect to play good golf.”

• READ MORE: Tiger Woods’ tip for amateurs on how to grip a golf club as he admits he used to be ‘wild’ after ignoring his Dad

The mistake Brooks Koepka says amateur golfers always make

It’s not just McIlroy who believes amateur golfers try to play beyond their means. During a recent YouTube video with Rick Shiels, five-time major winner Brooks Koepka claimed way too many amateurs are failing to take their medicine.

“That’s just one thing that ams, they don’t understand is, when you get into trouble, the first rule is to get out,” he said.

“When I’m playing with amateurs, whether I’m playing with them at home or in pro-ams, when they get into trouble, they always think they need to go for the green or for the hero shot.”

“It’s amazing when you go and play with these guys, if you literally just hit it out, play it safe, hit a wedge, you’re going to make a better score nine times out of ten.”