Golf-Course Management Lower Scores
What we should and should not do in golf can be a lot of things depending on your perspective on the game. However, golfers can develop an approach to Golf-Course Management Lower Scores. Initially, start by committing to lowering golf scores. Indeed, please don’t start over practising or set off on a major overhaul of a golf swing. We can only play with the swing that we have and we probably will not achieve or find a dream golf swing in the short term.
Notably, measuring golf course management is not easy to do without some sort of data. Because some golfers only deal with what is happening right now and they are not looking at the bigger picture viewing their performance facts and trends. On occasion, I find golfers are looking for that one magic swing tip or a slight change to a swings movements during a round to counter bad swings. Whereas, if a golfer has more information about his or her strengths and weakness they are likely to make a better decision based on a strategy born from their performance data. Thus, the question, how to make a long term strategy for course management?
What do you well, Golf-Course Management Lower Scores Template
We all have heard all this stuff before, “play to your strengths and identify your weaknesses”. But we do need to do this! Take time out, sit down and create a template that will collect the information about how you score from your next four competitive rounds. The trending information from that data will help you clearly identify your strengths.
The following sample template that I use with golfers that I coach to collect and analyse scoring information. Essentially, use Excel or similar to create a similar file for collecting data.
| Golf Course | Cork Golf Club |
|---|---|
| Tee Box | White |
| Handicap | 4 |
| Total Fairways | 15 |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Gross scores | Nett of total | % Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 36 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 72 | |||
| Score | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 36 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 72 | 4 | 100% | % Handicap strokes to par |
| Fairways | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 100.00% | % Fairways missed in regulation play |
| Greens | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 100.00% | % Green missed in regulation play |
| Putts | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 100.00% | % Putts per round – we shall use 33 as the par number of putt per 18 holes |
| Up & Down | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Mark 1 for less than 2 shots taken from off the green with 10 yards of the green, including putts taken |
Ranking Template
Additionally, identify your strengths ranging from 1 to 5 based on that information.
| Ranking | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Irons | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 100-yard shots | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 50-yard shots | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Pitching | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Chipping | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Putting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Notably, ranking one and two is not great, three is not a bad score, rank four as good and rank five as excellent. However, add more categories depending on how specific the analysis needs to be.
Keep a Log Book
Also, it’s recommended keeping a golfing logbook. The logbook is simply detailing the golf shots played during a competition round. However, do take the time noting the reasons for the shots played. This information is crucial for developing an on-course management plan.
Imagine this scenario; the only way to hit a green in regulation is to play a high draw over and around the trees, then over a water hazard. Also, let’s say there is a lay-up area about one hundred yards from the green that is an easier shot to play. A golfer should know his/her game well enough to understand that the regulation shot is not likely to come off, but the golfer tries the shot and disaster. Each week the golfer plays the same hole, in the same way, and expects a better result. However, for all the wrong decisions made he/she still ends up with a blank or a double bogey.
Golf is fun and practice playing harder shots whilst playing a casual round. But, do avoid playing high-risk shots during a competitive round as bad shots can become a double bogey. Remember, there is always time to work on the range improving your golf skills. The time to push the limits of your skills is not when you’re on the course and trying to post a score.
What to do with the information collected?
From the data collected, you can identify what you do well and what you don’t. Such as fairways hit, greens in regulation, the number of putts and etc. If you miss a green how often do you get up and down? How many shots are lost from 3 putting and missing short putts? From the logbook entries; we are identifying the reasons behind the golf shots that were played well and not so well. Additionally, with your information at hand, arrange a meeting with the local PGA Pro to discuss how to play the problem shots and problem holes better.
B.Y.O.GC.P (Build your own golf course plan)
Pick the shot shape of the day. Should golfers start off the round with hitting a cut or a draw shot, then play that type of shot for the rest of the round. Conversely, if long iron shots are not hit with any consistency, then investigate playing with hybrid clubs in lieu.
Know your strengths and play the shots that reflect how you well you can play. Thus, avoid playing high-risk shots or shots that are often played badly. Suggestion! Golfers that like playing a one hundred yard shot and golfers that do not like hitting a forty or fifty yards shots to the target. Withoutdought lay up to the one hundred yard marker for holes that you cannot reach in regulation.
Notably, record golfing strengths. Indeed, list the shots that golfers can play starting at the green and then plotting back to the tee. Mainly, there is a lot of work in creating a personalised Golf Course Management plan. However, working with a really good plan is worth it the time and effort to start planning.
Finally, start building your own on-course golf plan today, and contact us if you have any issues. Golf-Course Management Lower Scores and work on a golf practice routine.