Every golfer practices their golfing skills to shoot lower scores.

[GoneGolfin]

http://ezinearticles.com/?Golfers:-S...nes&id;=5360734

But good skills are only half of the matter. Knowing how to apply those skills on the course gets to the heart of shooting lower scores. These ten guidelines will help you get the most out of the game you have.

[B-Con]

2. From the fairway, getting your approach shot green-high, whether on or off, is your goal. Play away from trouble. If this means playing away from the green and chipping on, do so, instead of playing into challenges that can run up your score.

That's an interesting statement. I've actually played the opposite strategy: Hit as far as I can on-line, rather than hit on-line as far as you can. I aim for the green and when in doubt club down, because I figure it's better to have a chip from 10 feet in front of the green then end up in the rough beside a tree to the side of the green. Although, that has led to some chronic distance mis-reading on my part, so maybe that's not a great idea.

[allin]

That's an interesting statement. I've actually played the opposite strategy: Hit as far as I can on-line, rather than hit on-line as far as you can. I aim for the green and when in doubt club down, because I figure it's better to have a chip from 10 feet in front of the green then end up in the rough beside a tree to the side of the green. Although, that has led to some chronic distance mis-reading on my part, so maybe that's not a great idea.

Either strategy can work. Strategy really comes down to playing to your strengths, avoiding your weaknesses. I am not a good sand player but above average for my handicap with a lob wedge or other short iron. If I have to hit a long shot over a trap I would rather miss the green and recover using my othe shots than go for the green and leave it in the trap.

[B-Con]

Either strategy can work. Strategy really comes down to playing to your strengths, avoiding your weaknesses. I am not a good sand player but above average for my handicap with a lob wedge or other short iron. If I have to hit a long shot over a trap I would rather miss the green and recover using my othe shots than go for the green and leave it in the trap.

Unfortunately, reading distances is not my strength, so my trademark move is to size up a swing from 160 yards, mishit and leave it 40 yards short, and then approach with a pitch that also comes up short. Maybe aiming to get pin-high is better for me... I'll have to think about it.

[Danattherock]

8. There is probably one mistake that is doing the most harm to your game, and if it got corrected, it would turn things completely around. Have a lesson to identify that flaw and get it fixed.

I couldn't agree more. Found mine recently in fact. A "kill move" some call it.

-Dan

[CassinoNorth]

Some great course management tips in there for sure.


I get greedy way too much on short par 4's. No need to risk a ball in the woods when hitting a 5 iron off the tee will leave me a 8 iron away from the green.

[wrx_junki]

#1 - I think I would be forced to play the forward tees if this were true. I don't think I can hit the fairway 75% of the time unless it's with a 5 iron.
#4 - I rather have the mentality of holing the putt whether from 30 feet or 5 feet than trying to leave it close.

Besides those two I think the rest are some great tips that most people forget from time to time.

[ScottColeGolf]

This is a good thread. Most golfers do not manage their games very well, and that is why they shoot higher scores than they should. All golfers who want to improve their game should get a playing lesson or at least a full game evaluation so they can really pinpoint their weak areas. In regard to the putting suggestion, the issue with that is that most golfers do not consistently hit the sweet spot on the putter, and therefore, do not control the speed of their putts very well. So, that is a matter of developing a good, consistent putting stroke, and practicing putting more often.

[CurtisBen]

This is a good thread. Most golfers do not manage their games very well, and that is why they shoot higher scores than they should. All golfers who want to improve their game should get a playing lesson or at least a full game evaluation so they can really pinpoint their weak areas. In regard to the putting suggestion, the issue with that is that most golfers do not consistently hit the sweet spot on the putter, and therefore, do not control the speed of their putts very well. So, that is a matter of developing a good, consistent putting stroke, and practicing putting more often.

You know I have found this very point as a glaring weakness and now after almost an entire season as had me struggle I am getting better with making solid contact with my putter I am working on that at night in the house but I finally feel that I can make decent contact with my putter. I just wished I would have figured this out sooner.

[Robato]

Nice list.
I like #1, because I'm getting better scores by using my driver less these days. I play a 13 degree 3 wood that makes it much easier to get in the fairway when the fairway is tighter.
#2 and 3 are good too. I often think about the flag as a target, and aim right for it, but I get on the greens a lot more often when I aim for the whole green, like one big dartboard. And chips and pitches are fun to try to get close to the hole, but if the pin location is in a difficult spot, I aim for more of the green to play it safe.
#4, I agree totally. On long putts, if I go for the hole, I'm sure to make it a difficult second putt. I play the long putts much better if I imagine a big circle around the hole. Get it close, if it falls in, even better.

Good stuff. Yep, its always good to relax and enjoy the round with friends. Lessons are also great. I took a month off and just used my round money on lessons, and it helped me break into the 70s. And the only club I used in the lessons was a 7 iron!