Think Your Way to Better Golf
Improving your swing is important—but smart decisions on the course can be just as valuable. Course management is the strategy behind every shot, and it’s something recreational golfers often overlook.
Play to Your Strengths
If your driver is unreliable, there’s no shame in teeing off with a hybrid or 3-wood. The key is hitting fairways and avoiding penalties. Know what clubs you hit well and plan accordingly.
Avoid Hero Shots
When you’re in the trees or stuck in a tough lie, playing safe is usually the smarter play. Instead of risking a triple bogey trying to reach the green, pitch out and save bogey or par.
Know Your Distances
One of the biggest mistakes amateurs make is misjudging how far they hit each club. Use a rangefinder or GPS to get precise distances, and play to your averages—not your best shots.
Think Backward From the Green
Consider where you want to hit your next shot from. For example, instead of blasting a 3-wood to try and reach a par 5, lay up to your favorite wedge distance.
Respect the Pin
If the pin is tucked behind a bunker or near the edge of the green, aim for the middle. Going at every flag can cost you strokes.
Final Tip
Develop a pre-shot routine that includes visualizing the shot, choosing a conservative target, and committing to the swing. Smarter golf is lower-scoring golf.
