Consider This
Nothing can substitute for practicing shot making, but learning to play a more controlled game where you actually have a game plan will cause you to stay more
consistent and get the most out of every round.
Play to the widest
spot in the fairway...
Look at your projected
landing area and determine from the tee where you should position yourself
to have the widest angle at your target. Then tee the ball up at that position.
Don't over swing...use
a less lofted club if you need more distance...
The key is to develop
an even tempo and helps you to bring the club back to the same spot every
time. It should not matter what club is in your hand. If you want distance
then use a less lofted club but don't change your tempo...
Don't try the miracle
shot...take your medicine and prevent the double or triple bogey...
We should all know this
but most amateurs don't. If you really want to score better then don't try
to be a hero. Accept what has just happened, find a clear opening and just
get the ball back into play. Too often the gamble does not pay off and before
you know it you are facing a double bogey or more...
Play to your game and
not your opponent...
It is not easy to ignore
what your opponent is doing. But it is a major factor in why so many amateurs
lose holes that seemed in the bag. They start thinking about where they are
in relationship to their opponent rather than just focusing on the hole itself
and their own score.
Review your plan on
each tee to stay focused and in the moment...
This is probably the last
thing that most golfers want to do. They would much rather just look down
the fairway and play the hole based on memory. But the fact is that to take
a moment or two to look at your strategy, making that another part of your
shot routine on each tee, you will be better prepared and in most cases will
find that you are playing better overall.
Play to spots or targets
on every shot...
I heard my partner tell
his 13 year old son the other day to keep his eye on the ball and nothing
else and yet I learned years ago that keeping your eye on the ball honestly
works to your disadvantage. I have been told to identify your target, align
yourself toward that target and then pick out a spot an inch or so in front
of the ball on your target line and focus on that spot. This way you are more
consistent getting through the ball...
The same holds true
in putting...
When putting, try picking
out a spot an inch or so in front of the ball where you want the ball to go
and focus on the spot as you putt and not on the ball...it helps you to relax
and stroke through the ball...
The Pocket Pro Golf Advisory Board
Keep Up with Pace of Play
A good rule of thumb is to average no more than 14 minutes per hole
Keep practice swings with each shot to a minimum
If not playing in a tournament, play out of bounds and lost balls as a water hazard and drop your ball within two club lengths from point of entry
Never look for a ball more than 3 minutes
Around the green, always take your putter also even though you are chipping
If you are the passenger in a cart, always hit your shot and start walking to your next shot
If you are the driver of the cart, drop off your passenger at their ball and immediately drive to your ball
Always have a couple of clubs with you so you are prepared to hit your next shot
To save time, putt till you are in the hole
When in doubt as to where you ball went, always hit a provisional
You should never have a hole open between you and group in front of you
Always mark your score cards on the next tee and not at the green
Always carry a spare ball, a divot repair tool and golf tees in your pocket
Repair all ball marks as you arrive at the green
If you have players in your group that can't hit the green on a par three, have them hit first
Other Considerations
Do not talk, make sudden movements and make other noise while someone is playing their shot
Do not walk in someone putting line on the greens
Never let your shadow cast a shadow in someone's putting line
Always rake the sand after each bunker shot and be sure to rake your foot prints
If you see unrepaired ball marks on green, fix them for the players behind you
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