How To Use Course Management For A Better Round
July 4, 2008
Course management is a skill and it’s only by gaining experience and actually getting on the golf course that you will develop your ability in this area. We all make mistakes, but you have to learn in order to avoid making the same mistakes in the future and increase your chance to score well.
You must bear in mind your own limitations and play to your strengths.
Positional Play
It may sound logical but always look for the easiest way to the hole. When you are standing on the green, look at the position of the flag. If the flag is on the right edge of the green then coming in from the left side of the fairway will leave the easier shot.
It may be that the hole is near a hazard or a bunker, in which case a shot to the middle of the green will be the sensible play. The flag may be at the top of a slope, if this is the case it is better to play below the pin as this will give you an easier putt.
Try before you start a hole to imagine where you would like your shots to be and play to those positions. We all know it is easier to hit shots from the fairway than the rough.
Hazards
Occasionally you will find a hazard in your line of play which you are unable to get over. The best play will therefore be to lay up short. All too often the error of using too much club is made with the result of ending up in the hazard. A ‘lay up’ should be exactly that, and you should choose a club which will not allow your ball to enter the hazard.
Dog Legs
When playing dog legs it it always tempting to cut off too much. Is is usually a better plan to be too wide off the tee than too narrow as this will ensure that you have a good view of the next shot without obstacles in your path.
Recovery Shots
No matter how carefully you play you will often find yourself in positions which require an ‘escape’ shot of some sort. Always take the safe option - it may be the chip out sideways - but it wont land you in more trouble, and if you play the shot correctly it will get you out of trouble. Don’t be tempted to ‘have a go’ unless you are feeling very confident or it doesn’t matter!
When you are in a bunker, your primary aim should be to get out - in one shot. If you do not use the correct club and end up back in the bunker, then you have made a silly mistake and incurred an extra shot or two!
Course management is the ability to accurately assess what your current ability is and then making the most of it. This is what keeps us all guessing and coming back for more each week…………..
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