Strategy Builds Success
By Jeff Buder
As published in Flagstick Magazine

The game of golf is more than just hitting golf shots. It is as much a game of strategy as it is execution. A good golf swing is only half the game. There has to be a purpose to the shot. Play smart! Every round should be a learning experience in becoming a complete golfer.

Look at all possible options when playing each hole. To do this you must know your ability in any situation. If you know your tendencies both good and bad, you can control the golf course. Remember golf is a game of misses. Play the shot that fits your game. The less trouble you get into with your mistakes the better and the more consistent your scores will be.

This spring try this simple game to improve your golf strategy. If you are a 20 handicap, for instance, give yourself a shot on every hole and two shots on the two most difficult holes. If par for the course is 72, add 20 and par is now set at 92. If a par 5 happens to be the first or second handicap hole, try to think of the par 5 as a par 7 . Don’t be disappointed with par. You might even “birdie” with a six, or “eagle” with a five. This approach will build confidence, and encourage you to play smarter. For example, on a par five don’t expect to reach the green in three shots. Use clubs that you are comfortable with that could achieve that goal, or even reach the green in four shots, thus reducing the risk of error.

The tee shot is much like a serve in volleyball with the emphasis being placed on getting the ball in play. Consider the following:

CLUB SELECTION
When hitting off the tee, select the club that not only can you hit the farthest, but also the one you are most confident with landing in the fairway.

TEE POSITION
Watch where you tee up the ball on the tee box. If you typically slice the ball tee up on the right side of the teeing area. Conversely, if you draw the ball tee up on the left side. This increases the time your ball travels over the intended fairway.

AIM AWAY
Always aim away from trouble. If there is a water hazard on the right side of the fairway, tee up on the right side of the box and aim left, away from the hazard. A person who draws the ball in this situation should still tee up on the right, but aim to the left center cut of the fairway.

CHOOSE SMART
Remember that a fairway wood off the tee is sometimes a smart choice.