Simple Golf Course Management for Lower Scores

I once played with a friend who told me with better course management I could cut 5-10 strokes off my score. As a single digit handicap player I was astounded that this part of my game was lacking. My personality gave me a “grip it and rip it” action type of golf game so I was very good at recovery shots. When I learned to slow down and moderate my behavior I became more consistent and scored lower rounds.

To determine the kind of golfer you are, log on to my website and read the 2004 January through April newsletters. When you understand your personality you can then consider the strengths and weaknesses specific to your style and relate your behavior to your golf game.

Before the golf season is in full swing, why don’t you take the time to determine if your personality is playing the holes at your home golf course the best possible way for scoring low? The golf course architect designed each hole with a specific purpose. If you look at the holes from the architect’s perspective, you might find a better way to play them.

Golf is a game where the position of your golf ball is vital for scoring. Without a strategy it is easy to beat yourself. Professionals have a plan to play each hole for the lowest possible score. With the plan in mind, they then focus by taking dead aim at each target, one shot at a time.  In planning your strategy, visualize the entire hole and ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the length of the hole?
• Is the fairway wide or narrow?
• Is it flat, undulating or sloping?
• Is it straight away or a dog leg?
• What is the yardage from the tee to the trouble (bunkers, water, trees, etc.)?
• Where do I want to land my tee ball to avoid all the problems?
• Is there trouble around the green (water, sand bunkers, trees behind, etc.)?
• Is it better to hit short or long on this green?
• What is the shape, slope, speed of the green?

You may have lots of talent, but if you don’t know how to think your way around the golf course, you aren’t going to play up to your potential. Here are some tips for managing your game:

1. Play the percentages. Don’t expect to hit your best shot. Hit the shot that you can hit 75% of the time. Hitting to the center of the greens will give you more opportunities than hitting to the pins.
2. Hit the ball in the fairway. Sometimes that is easier said than done. Know where the widest parts of the fairway are. Hit to the largest landing area. This may require using a 3-wood instead of a driver off the tee. Know exactly how far it is to avoid the fairway bunkers.
3. Par 3’s: Know where to miss it away from any possible trouble spots. Plan to land the ball where you haven’t “short sided” the next shot. Give yourself the best angle to hit to the green. If the pin is on the left, tee your ball up on the right and vice versa.
4. Par 4’s: Use the terrain of the hole to help you put the tee ball on a flat fairway lie. If you miss the fairway, knowing the layout of the hole will enable you to change your strategy for the best possible recovery.
5. Par 5’s:  These longer holes give you one more chance to recover. If you have to hit your best shot to reach the green, plan on laying up to avoid the greenside bunkers. If you have to lay-up, place the ball where you can hit a full shot and have a good opening into the green.
6. Be decisive. Once you start your pre-shot routine, trust that you have been decisive inl your choices and are ready to send those images to your swing.

Play “In the Zone” With Joan

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