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Course Management

2 Minutes to a Lower Handicap

Most of you reading this are probably thinking that I am going to give you some cure all swing or putting tip. Sorry to disappoint you. This is about saving strokes... and isn't that what good golf is all about anyway.

Next time you play a round of golf make your number one objective to get the ball on the green. I frequently observe amateurs as they play a round of golf and I am amazed by the number of players who will shoot directly at a flag that is tucked 10 feet from the left edge of the green... with a 3 iron... out of the rough. The best players in the world would not try this, which is why they are the best players in the world.

The key is to know your limitations and play accordingly. The average tour player will only shoot at flags with short or mid irons in their hand from the fairway. You need to know when you should shoot at flags, and when you should get the ball on the green.

The quickest way to lower you score is to get the putter in your hands as soon as possible. I am going to suggest that if you are faced with anything but the easiest of shots you simply try to hit the ball into the center of the green.

For you, this may be 100 yards away in the middle of the fairway, in a bunker, or simply chipping from next to the green. In most situations inside 100 yards the average tour player averages about 2.5 shots, (the shot to the green plus an average of 1.5 putts) your goal should be to average 3 shots. Being within a half shot of the best players in the world isn't so bad... is it?

Because it will seem so simple to just get the ball onto the green, you will also be filled with confidence and execute these shots more proficiently.

My 2 minutes is up so remember, the next time you play forget about where the pin is, and get the ball on the green.
Use Your Par for the Course

Your goal is always to try to play to the best of your abilities each and every round. However, in many instances, you are trying to achieve an unrealistic goal. Instead of utilizing the course par on your scorecard, I suggest developing your own par and substitute it on your scorecard.

For example, play your course hole by hole in your mind and record your score. Be realistic in your assessment of what you think you can make on each hole on your course.

The next time you go out to play, scratch out the scorecard par for the course and substitute your par for the course in its place.

As your game improves, you will want to adjust your par accordingly. Next time you go out and play up to your potential, you will be able to tell your friends that you shot par for your course today.