Golf Course Management Secrets: A Guide For Rookies

Watching a professional game as a spectator you would have noticed golfers spend more than 70 percent of the time planning their shot, squatting before the ball, walking towards the ball, etc. Although the technical aspect of the game (i.e.) the drive, chipping, putting, etc. are important, it cannot be denied that learning to strategize and plan the game, to get out of sticky and tricky situations, to play the percentages – all contribute to the success of a player. To express all the above key elements in a single phrase – Golf Course Management – can considerably help a player achieve a low score. Here are some golf course management secrets for rookies.

• Even before you start a hole, the few minutes you get are invaluable. Use that to play the hole in your mind, in reverse. Start with the pin, the green, to the tee. If you’re familiar with the course and the greens in particular, try to think of the best areas in the green to play your approach shots.
• No player wants to hit a bad shot, but miss hits are bound to happen. The trick here is to look for places where you’ve the best chance to recover quickly if a miss hit ensues.
• Players can gain valuable information from the ball flight. If you’re good at analyzing flight, just by the direction and angle, you can measure the success of the shot or identify the flaw that needs to be corrected. For example: if the ball initially goes straight and holds the same line, then it’s a straight shot. On the other hand, if the ball initially goes right of the target, but ends up left of the target; then you’ve hooked the ball.
• We’ve all been taught to use certain clubs for certain situations, and as a rookie you might take it proper to abide by the advice given in the golf magazines and videos. But, you should plan your approach based on the hole’s design.
• There are golfers who prefer taking risks; they feel this attitude gives them an edge over others. But, nothing is worth the risk of a bad shot, especially on holes that are full of tricky bunkers and narrow fairway. Rather than taking chances, golfers must play percentage golf.
• You may be a naturally talented golfer, but nothing will take the place of hard practice. So, if you haven’t worked at a shot, practiced hard and long, then don’t use it, play safe and avoid unnecessary risks.
• If you’re not sure about the plan you’ve worked out, then seek the help of the golf pro. Ask the pro about your strengths and weaknesses, and tips on golf course management.