A large part of my teaching takes place on the golf course. Once basic skills and sound technique become habits, there is a huge amount of learning that can only happen through play.
The great news is that you can often score lower just by playing smarter and managing your skills through better decisions and solid course management.
Here are five tips to play smarter golf and score lower.
1. Choose a smart target
Being accurate with your aim can make a huge difference during a round. A freeway may seem wide, but choosing one Accurate point of aim it will help you hit more fairways and set up your next shots easier.
Don’t assume that aiming is automatic – it’s a skill that takes practice like any other. Find a method that works for you and apply it consistently.
2. Know your carry rates
It’s important to know not only your total distances, but how far each club goes in the air. This can be eye-opening (and sometimes a little humbling), but it’s essential when you have to contain hazards like bunkers or water.
You can estimate this in the range using targets, but ideally, use a release monitor for more accurate data.
3. Play away from trouble
Penalty strokes are often the result of poor course management. One of the easiest ways to avoid them is to play away from trouble.
This means anticipating your mistakes. If you don’t hit a perfect shot, where is the safest place to land the ball? For example, when facing a water hazard, aim for the shortest carry—even if that means favoring a safer side of the target.
Good course management means planning for imperfect shots. When there’s danger in the game, taking more clubs can help you avoid short and incurred penalties.
There are often fewer long problems than short ones, and being slightly over target is rarely as costly as being short.
5. Accept a good guy
Avoid mixing mistakes. Trying to recover with a risky “hero shot” often leads to bigger numbers.
When you’re in trouble, focus on getting the ball back in play, on the green, and giving yourself a chance to make bogey. A smart bogey is almost always better than double jeopardizing or worse.
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