| There are many factors that can contribute to | | | | like bunkers. |
| helping to lower your golf scores and reduce | | | | |
| your handicap and course management is one of | | | | It is important to play high percentage shots |
| them. This is an often overlooked aspect of | | | | that you know you can pull off more often |
| golf as people seek to develop a perfect | | | | than not. If you find yourself 275 yards from |
| swing in order to play better golf. The fact | | | | a hole and have never hit a 3 wood that far |
| is that proper course management can make a | | | | then do not try to pull of a miracle shot on |
| huge difference and it really is a big part | | | | the course. Instead just lay up safely with a |
| of the mental game of golf. | | | | shorter club and then use your wedge game to |
| | | | get the ball close to the hole. Do not forget |
| Every course has it unique challenges and | | | | to take the hardness of the greens into |
| every hole is also different. It is important | | | | consideration when hitting your approach |
| to know what your strengths and weaknesses | | | | shots. After the first couple of holes you |
| are first. When you play a new course analyze | | | | should be able to get a good idea of how much |
| each hole and come up with a game plan. Your | | | | roll the greens have. |
| game plan should have an element of | | | | |
| flexibility, for instance if it is windy then | | | | You should always hit the shot you know you |
| you will need to adjust accordingly and hit | | | | can hit rather than some shot you saw a pro |
| lower shots and choose longer clubs, you may | | | | hit on tv. Also be sure to swing within |
| hit more punch shots that stay under the wind | | | | yourself and under control as this will help |
| if the wind is in your face. | | | | to promote more accurate swing mechanics. |
| | | | Also when checking for wind direction on a |
| If the wind is helping you might decide to go | | | | hole it is best to look at the tops of trees |
| ahead with a driver on a par 5 and go for the | | | | instead of just throwing up some grass in the |
| green in 2 shots instead of using a 3 wood. A | | | | air since the wind at ground level may be |
| good tip to follow is to analyze each hole | | | | swirling due to trees and hills whereas the |
| from the green looking back to the tee. This | | | | golf ball will be more affected by the wind |
| view will let you see the hole better and | | | | higher up. |
| will allow you to pick better landing spots | | | | |
| on the fairway that will give you a better | | | | Before each round make sure to come up with a |
| and flatter lie for easier approach shots. | | | | specific game plan and club selection off the |
| | | | tee for each hole and stick with it. If you |
| When hitting approach shots into a green you | | | | made a decision to not go for a specific par |
| are generally better being short than long | | | | 5 in 2 shots then do not change that plan and |
| unless there is water or some other hazard | | | | hit your driver just because some of your |
| short of the green. Most courses are very | | | | playing partners decided to go for the green |
| unforgiving if you go long on a hole as you | | | | in two. The biggest key to course management |
| will usually find yourself in the trees or | | | | may be simply playing the high percentage |
| even out of bounds. The pin positions on a | | | | shots that keep you out of trouble and allows |
| hole should influence how you hit your | | | | you to hit the most fairways and greens in |
| approach shots. For most amateurs it is good | | | | regulation. Use some of these golf course |
| advice to pick the fat part of the green | | | | management tips to help you play better golf |
| instead of shooting at tight pin placements | | | | and shoot lower scores. |
| that bring water and other hazards into play | | | | |