Play The Hole Backwards For Lower Scores
January 25, 2012 BY Lakeshore Links IN General, Tips & Training
From the moment I step on the tee on the first hole I am planning my attack to make the best score possible. Most amateur golfers are happy to hit the ball somewhere in the fairway and then maybe the green. Professionals take a different approach.
I like to get as much information as possible on the course I am playing. This starts with the green and where the pin is located. This information is vital because it tells me what type of a shot I may be hitting my approach shot with and the best possible direction to putt to the hole. If the pin is located on the left side of the green I will probably need to hit a draw shot to get the ball close to the hole. Now that I have determined what type of approach shot is required I can plan where my tee shot needs to be situated. I may feel as though I need to put the ball in the centre or right centre of the fairway for a simple approach. In that case I may decide to fade my tee shot to eliminate the left side of the fairway to secure an offensive position.
Be a thinker and planner the next time you play. The ball won’t always behave the way you want it to, but if you have a plan your misses will be better.
Tell us what you think of this lesson. Post a comment.
Good luck.
Jason March
CPGA Head Teaching Professional
Lakeshore Links Indoor Golf Academy.
Ryan "The Lion" Woods
Very good advice! A great tee shot is only great if it leads you to your strengths. Planning your path to the hole based on your best shot onto the green makes nothing but sense.