Tips on game strategy - part one
By Alex Nicolson PGA
This section is the first in a series of articles designed to impart the collective wisdom of the greatest players and teachers in golfing history on the strategy of the game.
When my pupils tell me about their rounds or show me their stats, I encourage them to consider how much their bad holes were down to poor execution of shots or the poor choice of shots. Bad swings are much more likely to be triggered if you are attempting a more difficult or risky shot.
By heeding the advice of the following experts, you might become more aware of how canny shot selection can lower your scores.
Tip one - knowing your yardages
"If you don't know the (exact) distances you hit your clubs - and most golfers don't - then you're giving away a lot of shots on the course" Gary Wiren
Get to the range or a quiet part of your course and find a flat area where you can determine your yardages. Hit some shots with each club, and measure the landing distance of the average shot. You'll need to hit at least five with each club to get a fair reflection. If you have access to a laser range finder, this is ideal to take out with you, if not, simply pacing out the distance will do. It is worth re-iterating that there is little benefit in coming away with the yardage of your longest distance with a particular club. Base it on your average or you'll miss a lot of greens short.
Tip two - plan each hole
"Even before you step up to the ball, have a full battle plan for the hole worked out" Arnold Palmer
Even if you haven't played the course before, use the course planner and note the danger areas. It's not thinking negatively to take these into account when formulating your plan for the hole. Moreover, the fact that you have a plan for the hole automatically puts you in a more decisive frame of mind, and one up on most amateur opponents who generally have to react to shots rather than plan ahead.
Tip three - swing within yourself
"Take a club that you can swing at 80% and still get to the hole. Conserve your energy, you have a long life ahead of you!" Gary McCord
Swinging full out on every shot is hard to be consistent at, since it puts your balance, and therefore control, under pressure. Players like Ernie Els try to keep 20% in reserve for standard shots in order to get a more predictable distance out of each club. When the situation calls for the full monty, then you have some in reserve.
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