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Golf is a sport where pure technique is not the only key to improving performance. Beyond the hours spent on the driving range, it is possible to lower your handicap by becoming a clever strategist on the course. This article explores essential strategies that will allow you to gain valuable shots without even touching your swing.
In a sport where every shot counts, decision-making on the course is just as important as striking technique. Knowing which club to use, how to manage obstacles, and which trajectories to favor can make the difference between a successful round or not. By incorporating simple but effective strategies, you can improve your score by several strokes per round, without spending more time on the driving range.
One of the recurring questions on the course is the following: should one favor a high or low ball? The answer, although it may vary depending on the situation, often leans toward a high ball.
Why? Because the higher your ball flies, the less likely it is to be stopped by obstacles such as bunkers, bushes, or unfavorable slopes. An obstacle 25 meters above the ground is practically non-existent. Therefore, if you have the power, it is advisable to aim for a long carried flight, which reduces the risks of ground interference.
This strategy not only helps avoid obstacles but also maximizes distance on the fairway. By flying high, the ball reaches more open playing areas, thus offering you an easier next shot.
The wind is often seen as the golfer’s enemy, especially when it is head-on. Yet, with some strategic adjustments, it is possible to limit its negative impact on your game, particularly during drives.
A common misconception is that simply planting your tee low will generate a low drive and thus bypass the wind. This method is actually counterproductive. When you place the tee too low, you tend to strike the ball downward, which increases backspin, that backward rotation of the ball that makes it climb sharply. Excessive backspin, combined with headwind, results in a high and floating ball that quickly falls without advancing.
The best solution to tame the wind is, paradoxically, to reduce your swing speed. By slowing your swing, you reduce backspin and allow the ball to better penetrate the wind, enabling it to travel further. Although it seems counterintuitive to hit less hard to go farther, this technique is effective and often underestimated.
However, if the wind is at your back, you can increase your swing speed without too much risk. The wind will carry you, maximizing the distance traveled.
Beyond wind conditions and ball height, course strategy consists of asking yourself the right questions at every shot. What is the risk involved? What is the potential reward? Sometimes, choosing a more conservative shot can prevent costly mistakes. For example, instead of aiming for the green directly when you are in the rough, it may be wiser to play a positioning shot in order to attack later with a safer iron.
A good golfer knows it is not always necessary to be aggressive to succeed on a course. On the contrary, the best players are often those who know where to take risks and where to avoid them. Playing it safe by aiming for wide areas, even if it means sacrificing a few meters, helps avoid costly penalties and difficult recovery shots. This is particularly true on holes with significant obstacles like water or deep bunkers.
Every player has strengths and weaknesses. Some golfers excel in short game, while others shine in powerful drives. It is essential to adapt your game strategy to your specific abilities. If your strength lies in putting, make sure to get the ball on the green in two shots rather than risking a bold shot that could penalize you. Conversely, if you are comfortable with long distances, don’t hesitate to be more aggressive on par 5s.
In addition to technical advice, reading can help you refine your understanding of the game and develop a solid strategic approach. Here are three must-read books for any golfer looking to improve:
Lowering your handicap without spending hours on the driving range is possible by developing better course strategy. Whether by adjusting your ball height, playing with the wind, or making more thoughtful decisions, these small tips can allow you to gain several strokes per round. Becoming a skilled strategist in golf is above all about knowing how to adapt to course conditions and make the most of your strengths while minimizing risks.
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Passionate golfer and co-founder of Teech Golf. My mission with Teech is to build technology that becomes a true companion in helping you improve your game.
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