By June-Ann Jones
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.
If the hole is cut near a bunker or hazard, a shot to the middle of the green is often the best play. Is the flag at the top of a slope, in which case you will want to be hitting your putt up the slope if at all possible.
Try to think of where you would like your shots to be when you start the hole and play to those positions. Being on the fairway is easier than being in the rough.
Hazards
On some holes you may find hazards that you can't get over. It's sensible to lay up short in this case. A common error in 'laying up' is to use too much club so ending up in the hazard! If you're going to lay up, then don't mess with with hazard, choose a club which will allow your ball to finish short of the hazard.
Dog Legs
With the dog leg there is always the temptation to cut off 'as much as possible'. It is nearly always better to be too wide off the tee than too narrow, as this keeps you out of trouble and gives a better view, without obstacles, around the corner.
Recovery Shots
Very often even when we have carefully planned where we would like the ball to be, we find that an 'escape' shot of some sort is required. The safe option is alway best - it may mean you possibly will drop a shot, but better to drop one than make a triple. Don't 'have a go' unless it doesn't matter, or you are very confident you can make the shot.
The same applies to bunkers, take enough loft to get you out of the bunker. This is the object of the exercise - not to try for the longest shot and in doing so hit the top of the bunker and land back in it!
You need to assess your ability and correctly play the course according to make the most of that. Getting that elusive score is what keeps us coming back week after week................
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.
If the hole is cut near a bunker or hazard, a shot to the middle of the green is often the best play. Is the flag at the top of a slope, in which case you will want to be hitting your putt up the slope if at all possible.
Try to think of where you would like your shots to be when you start the hole and play to those positions. Being on the fairway is easier than being in the rough.
Hazards
On some holes you may find hazards that you can't get over. It's sensible to lay up short in this case. A common error in 'laying up' is to use too much club so ending up in the hazard! If you're going to lay up, then don't mess with with hazard, choose a club which will allow your ball to finish short of the hazard.
Dog Legs
With the dog leg there is always the temptation to cut off 'as much as possible'. It is nearly always better to be too wide off the tee than too narrow, as this keeps you out of trouble and gives a better view, without obstacles, around the corner.
Recovery Shots
Very often even when we have carefully planned where we would like the ball to be, we find that an 'escape' shot of some sort is required. The safe option is alway best - it may mean you possibly will drop a shot, but better to drop one than make a triple. Don't 'have a go' unless it doesn't matter, or you are very confident you can make the shot.
The same applies to bunkers, take enough loft to get you out of the bunker. This is the object of the exercise - not to try for the longest shot and in doing so hit the top of the bunker and land back in it!
You need to assess your ability and correctly play the course according to make the most of that. Getting that elusive score is what keeps us coming back week after week................
About the Author:
Is there a secret way to reduce your handicap? Read more great articles by June-Anne Jones about skills and tips to help improve your golf. More articles on ladies golf sets and information on ladies golf clothes
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