By Rob Duca
Far too often, amateurs bite off more than they can chew when it comes to managing their way around the golf course. Faced with a shot from the woods, an awkward lie or a bunker shot up against the lip, they will attempt the so-called “hero shot” that even a professional would be hesitant to attempt. Knowing when to take a risk, when to play conservative, where to hit the golf ball, and how to assess a hole are all part of course management, and proper course management is one of the surest ways to shave strokes off your score.
With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you successfully navigate your way around the golf course.
- It Starts with the Tee Shot
A tee shot to the proper spot in the fairway is the first step toward a successful hole. Many amateurs give little thought to where they set up on the tee, instead simply going to the center of the tee box. Often, teeing off on one side of the tee box will provide a better angle to the fairway. The more a right-handed golfer starts on the right side of the tee box, for example, the more likely you are to aim left, and, the more you tee off on the left side of the tee box, the more likely you are to aim right. That matters when the hole doglegs in one direction or when you want to give yourself a better angle to the pin.
- Choose Clubs Wisely
If you know you are unable to reach the green on your second shot, don’t blindly choose the club that you can hit the furthest distance. Instead, take a club that you feel confident hitting and will allow you to reach the green on your third shot. If you’re able to hit it pure and with good distance and accuracy, you’ll build confidence for future long shots.
- Play the Percentages
You’ve probably heard of “sucker pins.” Those are pins tucked in the corner of the green, perhaps just over a bunker. When approaching the green, play to the spot with the least danger. In many cases, the best play is to the center of the green.
- Take Plenty of Club
Most golfers rarely hit long of the green. That’s because they have chosen a club that will get them there only if they hit a pure shot, and how often does that happen? Take extra club, with the assumption that you won’t hit it perfectly. But when you slightly mishit it in this case, you’ll reach the green, and you won’t be able to wipe the smile off your face.
Don’t Short-Side Yourself
Chipping the ball close to the pin and one-putting will make a huge difference. When approaching the green, it’s extremely important to not short-side yourself. Play to the opposite side of the pin, giving yourself some green to work with. This strategy is even more important for players who don’t hit the ball solidly or with enough consistency.
- Play to a Number
When forced to lay up short of the green, play to a yardage that allows you to hit a club you have confidence using. For example, if you need to carry a bunker to get to a green, it may be easier to leave yourself a greater distance, where you could make a slightly larger swing, helping launch the ball higher in order to carry the hazard.
- Be Smart in Bunkers
Fairway bunkers can quickly add to your score, especially ones with a high lip. When you find yourself in a difficult greenside bunker, play for the center of the green or to a location that requires you to carry a shorter distance over the sand.
- Accept Your Fate
Don’t compound one mistake by making another. Don’t get greedy after hitting a shot into the woods or into heavy rough, or when you’re faced with a difficult lie. Take your medicine. Put the ball back in play and move on. This will keep the big number off your scorecard.
Applying these golf course management tips is the quickest way to lower your score. Lessons are not required, nor is hitting the ball longer or making more putts. It’s all about thinking your way around the golf course.
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