How to Play a Dogleg Hole in Golf: Strategy, Aiming Tips, and Smart Decisions

What Is a Dogleg in Golf?

A dogleg is a hole — usually a par 4 or par 5 — that bends to the left or right, instead of going straight to the green.

Imagine standing on the tee box and seeing the fairway curve around trees, bunkers, or water. You might not even see the green from where you stand. That’s classic dogleg territory.

This kind of design forces you to make decisions right from the tee:

• Where should I aim?
• How far should I hit?
• Can I cut the corner — or should I lay up?

Doglegs demand more than just good ball striking. They require strategic thinking, distance awareness, and confidence in your line.

Step 1: Use the Flag to Choose Your Side of the Fairway

Most golfers make the mistake of picking a side of the fairway randomly — or just aiming for the widest part. But there’s a smarter way.

Use the pin position on the green to decide your tee shot line.

Here’s why:

Example: Dogleg Right

• If the flag is on the right side of the green, you want to approach from the left side of the fairway.
• That gives you the best angle into the pin and keeps trouble (like greenside bunkers or tight landing zones) out of play.
• If the flag is on the left, then playing more down the right side of the fairway is perfectly fine — just be sure not to block yourself with trees or rough.

Same logic applies to doglegs left, just flipped:

• Right pin = play left side
• Left pin = play right side

Pro Tip:

Always check pin position before teeing off on a dogleg. Your approach angle starts with your drive.

Step 2: Control Your Distance — Don’t Blast Past the Bend

One of the biggest mistakes on doglegs? Overhitting your tee shot without knowing the layout.

If you hit it too far or in the wrong direction:

• You may fly past the corner and land in deep rough, trees, or fairway bunkers
• You might lose the angle to the green and be forced to punch out sideways
• You could leave yourself blocked out completely — especially on tree-lined holes

How to avoid this:

• Use your GPS or course guide to figure out how far the dogleg bends
• Choose a club that gets you just short of the corner — unless you have a clear plan to go over it
• Visualize your landing zone, not just the direction

Golden rule: Only try to carry the corner if you know the exact distance and your carry yardages.

Step 3: Can You Cut the Dogleg?

It’s tempting. The dogleg dares you to take the shortcut. And sometimes — it’s worth it.

But here’s the truth: Cutting the corner only makes sense if several key conditions are met.

Only attempt to cut the dogleg if:

✅ There’s no serious danger in the corner (no trees, water, out of bounds)

✅ You have enough carry distance and ball height to clear the corner

✅ You know your precise line of play — and can visualize it

✅ You’re willing to accept the risk of a bad lie or a blocked approach if it fails

If all of these are true, go ahead and take the aggressive line.

But if not? Play smart. A well-placed shot short of the corner often sets up an easier approach than a risky attempt that ends up in trouble.

Common Dogleg Scenarios — and How to Play Them

Scenario 1: Dogleg Right with a Back-Right Pin

• Aim for the left side of the fairway
• Keeps your approach open and avoids being blocked by trees
• Avoid trying to cut the corner unless you’re confident in your line

Scenario 2: Dogleg Left, Pin is Center or Back Left

• Play to the right side of the fairway to open up your second shot
• Hitting too far left might block your angle or bring hazards into play
• Use a club that controls distance and shape (draw if you’re comfortable)

Scenario 3: Short Par 4 Dogleg with a Reachable Green

• Tempting to go for it
• But consider: Is there trouble short or right? Can you carry bunkers or trees?
• If yes: Attack. If not: Lay up to your ideal wedge distance and score from there

Tactical Takeaways: Build Good Dogleg Habits

Doglegs become much easier when you approach them with a repeatable thought process.

1. Always check pin location

The flag determines your ideal angle of attack — and that starts from the tee box.

2. Know the distance to the corner

Use your GPS or course map. Don’t guess. Control your tee shot yardage accordingly.

3. Only cut the dogleg when the risk is worth it

A bold shot can pay off — but only when it’s calculated, not reckless.

4. Think backwards from the green

Good strategy on doglegs starts from the green and works backward. Where do you want to be hitting your second shot from?

Final Thoughts: Doglegs Are Strategic — Not Scary

Doglegs can be confusing, especially when you can’t see the green or the fairway bends around hazards. But with the right approach, they’re actually a chance to gain strokes, not lose them.

• You don’t need to overpower them
• You just need to think clearly, choose your line, and hit with intention

So next time you step onto a tee box and face a fairway that bends out of sight, don’t panic. Ask yourself:

“Where’s the flag? What’s my best angle? And how far should I hit?”

Answer those, and you’ll be the one turning tricky holes into birdie chances.

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