This week will start a series of course management tip over the course (no pun intended) of the season. Many of our students have good swings but need to think better on the golf course. Playing lessons are very popular because it allows the golf professional to get on the golf course with the player and go over course management. Here are some overall motives that we might talk about with you.

Start from the green and play the hole backwards. No, we don’t mean to physically hit the ball from the green back to the tee. If possible, locate where the flagstick is on the green. You should ask yourself this question: Which side of the green is okay to miss on? If you miss a green on the same side as the flagstick, you will have no room for error to hit the chip close. If you miss the green on the opposite side of the flagstick, it will give you more room to chip. And, if you hit the “fat” part of the green you should have a good putt at it.

Now you can work your way back to the fairway. What is the best side of the fairway to be on when you are hitting to the green? This will be especially important on holes with doglegs so you have a clear shot to the green.

By working back to the tee, you can figure out which side of the tee to set up so you hit the best side of the fairway. You also need to locate what types of hazards are near the fairway. If there is a water hazard down the left hand side, aim to the right side of the fairway.

Some of you may think these are easy concepts to understand while others may think this is too difficult to do, but if you plan out the holes you are playing, you will play a better round of golf.

Finally, here are a few words of advice to remember for improved scores….

- Always hit the safe shot when you get in trouble
- Know how far you can realistically hit each club when swinging normally
- Know the yardages you have to water hazards, bunkers and other objects like trees.