+ Play The Percentages
One misconception recreational players have about professionals is the assumption the game’s best don’t hit terrible shots. The reality is golf is a chal- lenging game at any level, and even tour pros hit it off the mark every now and again. The secret to low scores is keeping your ball consistently in position where scoring is even possible. This means leaving yourself with easy shots, even if your contact is less than your best. When playing from the tee, use your natural ball flight to maximize your land- ing area. The average fairway is approximately 30 yards in width. Being that the majority of tee shots will exhibit curvature, aim- ing down the middle essentially limits your available landing space to only 15 yards to either side. To maximize landing area, aim to the appropriate perimeter based on your normal ball flight. In this scenario (right, top), an unlikely straight shot will still find the edge of the fairway. A normal hook will find the middle, and an aggressive hook will find the opposite portion of the fairway. Approach shots are all about hitting a safe part of the green that allows for an easy par or a run at birdie (right, bottom). Architects and course superinten- dents love to sucker players into choosing overly risky decisions. Flags tucked in tricky corners, near water or protected by daunt- ing bunkers, are meant to invite you into danger. Getting close to the hole requires a perfect shot, and the risk rarely matches the reward. Instead of falling prey to the diabolical, adopt the mantra of making “confident swings at conservative targets.” It’s a great strategy that will keep you in position to score, while eliminat- ing any blow-up holes.
BOYS AND GIRLS HOW TO PLAY WITH THE
To maximize landing area, aim to the appropriate perimeter based on your normal ball flight.
Approach shots are all about hitting a safe part of the green.
SUMMER 2015 /
NCGA.ORG / 47
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