Golf is not just about power and technique; it’s a mental game that requires strategic thinking. If you’re aiming to break 100, 90, or even lower, understanding course strategy is key. By making smarter decisions on the course, you can avoid costly mistakes, lower your scores, and improve your overall game. In this guide, we’ll explore essential course strategy tips to help you reach your scoring goals.
Play Within Your Limits
The first step in effective course strategy is knowing your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t try to hit every shot perfectly or go for every green in regulation. If you’re not confident in a long shot, consider laying up and focusing on getting to the green in a manageable number of strokes. Play within your capabilities, and avoid unnecessary risks.
Prioritise Accuracy Over Distance
While it’s tempting to always go for maximum distance, accuracy is often more important. Focus on keeping the ball in play by hitting to safe areas of the course. For example, aiming for the centre of the fairway instead of trying to cut corners can save you strokes. A more accurate shot may not be the longest, but it’s often the smartest.
Master Your Short Game
To break 100 or 90, your short game needs to be sharp. Spend time practicing chipping, pitching, and putting. A solid short game can make up for mistakes off the tee or in the fairway. When you miss the green, focus on getting up and down to save par or minimise damage. The fewer putts you take, the lower your score will be.
Avoid Penalty Strokes
Penalty strokes can quickly ruin a round. To avoid them, steer clear of hazards like water, bunkers, and out-of-bounds areas. If a hole has trouble on one side, aim for the opposite side of the fairway or green. Playing it safe might feel conservative, but it’s a smart move that can save you multiple strokes over the course of a round.
Think Two Shots Ahead
Good course strategy involves thinking ahead. Plan your approach to each hole by considering not just your next shot but the one after that. For example, if you’re teeing off on a par 4, think about where you want your second shot to be. This mindset can help you avoid tough lies, awkward angles, or hazards.
Manage Your Emotions
Golf is a mental game, and managing your emotions is crucial for success. After a bad shot, it’s easy to get frustrated and make poor decisions. Instead, take a deep breath and refocus on your strategy. Stay patient, and don’t let one bad hole ruin your round. The best golfers maintain composure and stick to their game plan.
Play to Your Strengths
Identify your strengths on the course and use them to your advantage. If you’re more comfortable with your short irons, focus on positioning yourself for those shots. If your driver is inconsistent, consider using a 3-wood or hybrid off the tee. Tailoring your strategy to your strengths can lead to more consistent scores.
Understand Course Layout
Before your round, study the course layout. Identify potential trouble spots, hazards, and doglegs. Knowing where to aim and what to avoid can help you develop a solid game plan. Some golfers find it helpful to create a mental map of the course or even take notes during practice rounds.
Stay Consistent
Consistency is key when trying to break 100 or 90. Instead of trying to make heroic shots, focus on minimising mistakes and staying on track. A bogey on a difficult hole is better than a double bogey or worse. Keep the ball in play, avoid blow-up holes, and let your steady play lead you to lower scores.
Conclusion
Breaking 100 or 90 in golf requires more than just skill; it demands smart course strategy. By playing within your limits, prioritising accuracy, and staying mentally composed, you can gradually lower your scores and reach your goals. Remember, golf is a marathon, not a sprint—improvements come with time and practice. Stick to your strategy, and you’ll see results.
