Golf isn’t just about swinging a club—it’s about making strategic decisions that play to your strengths while minimizing risks. This is where course management comes into play. Proper course management can help you avoid costly mistakes and turn average rounds into great scores.
In this post, we’ll cover essential course management strategies to help you play smarter and lower your scores.
1. Know Your Distances
One of the biggest course management mistakes golfers make is misjudging how far they hit their clubs. Guessing can lead to missed greens and hazards.
Pro Tip:
Use a rangefinder or GPS device to measure your distances accurately.
Track how far you hit each club in practice to build confidence on the course.
2. Play the High-Percentage Shot
Sometimes, the heroic shot isn’t the smartest play. If you’re faced with a risky situation, choose the safer, higher-percentage shot to keep your round on track.
Example:
Instead of trying to clear water from 220 yards out, lay up to a comfortable wedge distance.
3. Tee Shot Strategy
Choosing the right club off the tee is crucial. You don’t always need a driver, especially on tight holes or when hazards are in play.
Tee Shot Plan:
On wide fairways, hit driver for maximum distance.
On narrow or hazard-filled holes, consider the distance of a fairway wood or hybrid for to avoid reaching hazards, narrow areas, or bunkers.
4. Aim for the Smart Side of the Green
Pin hunting can be tempting but dangerous, especially when the flag is tucked near hazards. Aim for the “fat” side of the green where there’s more room for error.
Green Management Tip:
On tough pin positions, aim for the center of the green to guarantee a putt.
5. Manage the Par 5s
Par 5s offer scoring opportunities, but only if played wisely. Avoid trying to reach the green in two unless you’re confident in the shot. Instead, lay up to a comfortable spot for your third shot. Most birdies on the golf course come from Par 5s, so take advantage of the extra shot.
Example Strategy:
Hit a safe tee shot and then lay up to your favorite wedge distance for a high-percentage approach.
6. Keep it close to the Hole
The old adage of "Putting uphill is much easier than putting downhill" does not make much sense when looking at the make rate of 3 ft versus 5 ft. When possible, try to keep your approach shots close to the hole to increase your chances of making putts.
Approach Tip:
On sloping greens, aim for a spot that leaves a more makeable 3 foot putt.
7. Have a Pre-Shot Routine
Decision-making becomes easier when you stick to a consistent pre-shot routine. This helps you focus, commit to your shot, and avoid second-guessing.
Pre-Shot Routine Steps:
Analyze the situation (distance, wind, lie).
Choose your target and club.
Commit fully to your decision.
8. Stay Positive and Patient
Course management isn’t just physical—it’s mental. Golf can be unpredictable, so stay positive even when things don’t go as planned. Avoid risky shots after a mistake; instead, focus on the next shot with a clear mind.
Conclusion
Great golf is as much about smart decisions as it is about perfect swings. By applying these course management strategies, you can play more consistently, avoid costly mistakes, and lower your scores.
Ready to elevate your game with professional guidance? Book a personalized coaching session at www.ericjmacdonaldpga.com, and learn how to manage the course like a pro.
Smart decisions lead to better scores—start playing the game within the game today!
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