The Importance Of Course Management To Lower Your Golf Scores
Reducing your golfing handicap is a great challenge. There are many factors involved that can affect your golf scores and course management is an important one. Most amateurs start a round without any real plan on how to manage the course under different circumstances. Here are a few tips to keep in mind regarding course management that may help you:
Tip 1: Play high percentage shots
It is tempting to always try to hit the heroic shots we see the pros pull off on television. However if your goal is to shoot the best round you are capable of on that day then you need to adjust this mentality. Remember that the pros spend countless hours perfecting their game and thus the heroic shots they pull off are actually high percentage for them but not for the average weekend golfer.
You need to hit shots you know you can pull off at least 90 percent of the time. For instance, instead of going for the green on long approach shot you might consider instead hitting the ball 20 or 30 yards short of the green and then relying more on your chipping and putting to get the ball in the hole rather than hitting a risky long iron shot which can bring a lot of trouble into play especially on holes that have many hazards surrounding the green.
You need to closely evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and when you are on the course hit the shots you know you are comfortable hitting and have consistently executed on the driving range.
Tip 2: Adjust your game for different weather conditions
Weather conditions on a golf course can change quickly. If it starts to rain then you need to remember that this will soften the fairways and greens so pick your targets accordingly taking this into account. If the wind picks up suddenly then make the necessary adjustments. You may need to take an extra club or two if you are faced with heavy wind in your face. A good strategy when playing in the wind is to try to keep the ball low so hitting a lot of knock down shots can be effective.
Tip 3: Play the course and not your playing partners
If you happen to be partnered with a player that has a low handicap and hits the ball very far then do not develop an ego and try to match them. Remember that golf is predominantly an individual game so do not let what others are doing influence your strategy. Focus on playing the course and not trying to beat the other players in your foursome if you want to produce better golf scores.
As published on:
http://www.golfswingtips4u.com/golf-course-management-tips.php
Tip 1: Play high percentage shots
It is tempting to always try to hit the heroic shots we see the pros pull off on television. However if your goal is to shoot the best round you are capable of on that day then you need to adjust this mentality. Remember that the pros spend countless hours perfecting their game and thus the heroic shots they pull off are actually high percentage for them but not for the average weekend golfer.
You need to hit shots you know you can pull off at least 90 percent of the time. For instance, instead of going for the green on long approach shot you might consider instead hitting the ball 20 or 30 yards short of the green and then relying more on your chipping and putting to get the ball in the hole rather than hitting a risky long iron shot which can bring a lot of trouble into play especially on holes that have many hazards surrounding the green.
You need to closely evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and when you are on the course hit the shots you know you are comfortable hitting and have consistently executed on the driving range.
Tip 2: Adjust your game for different weather conditions
Weather conditions on a golf course can change quickly. If it starts to rain then you need to remember that this will soften the fairways and greens so pick your targets accordingly taking this into account. If the wind picks up suddenly then make the necessary adjustments. You may need to take an extra club or two if you are faced with heavy wind in your face. A good strategy when playing in the wind is to try to keep the ball low so hitting a lot of knock down shots can be effective.
Tip 3: Play the course and not your playing partners
If you happen to be partnered with a player that has a low handicap and hits the ball very far then do not develop an ego and try to match them. Remember that golf is predominantly an individual game so do not let what others are doing influence your strategy. Focus on playing the course and not trying to beat the other players in your foursome if you want to produce better golf scores.
As published on:
http://www.golfswingtips4u.com/golf-course-management-tips.php
Labels: Game Improvement