If you ever play two-man best ball, think about the following strategy:  You can’t afford bogeys.   The key is getting as many birdies as possible.

So rather than playing based on getting the first ball into the fairway and then flailing away, give yourself more chances by working to keep both balls in play.  That also applies to par threes and water holes.  If you get one on the green then pay more attention with the other ball to getting it closer to the pin.  Again, two balls ultimately means more chances for birdie.

The keys to having a sound strategy is knowing your strengths and weaknesses and to pit your strengths against the course’s weaknesses. How can you determine what your strengths and weaknesses are? It’s simple, track your progress with the Pocket Pro booklet.

First, note how the course sets up to your game. If you tend to have a ball fight left to right or right to left, what do you need to consider? Think your way around the course. Know where you can be aggressive and where it makes more sense to be more conservative.

Consider this: tee your ball on the side of the trouble.  This opens you up to the widest avenue of the fairway. Then play your shot accordingly. Visually you will feel less intimidated. 

If there is no trouble on the hole, then find the flattest spot within the tee box.

Don't be afraid to go a little long. Too often amateurs think they can hit the ball further than they actually do. So if you have water or sand or any other hazard between you and the green, take out an extra club. It is better to be safe than sorry.

more on strategic thinking