Playing a course for the first time...

This coming Anzac Day long weekend, I have 3 rounds booked over the 3 days , 2 of which will be at courses I have not played before.

Does anyone have any "Golden Rules" or, any tips in general for getting the best possible results when playing a course for the first time...???

Cheers

Make sure to spend lots of time on the putting green.
When in doubt, lay up!

That's the advice I'd give someone if asked. Personally, I do the opposite - no time on the putting green and just hammer away.

I think you've got to determine what you want from the rounds.

If you want a good score, pick up a guide, play the percentages, shoot to the fat part of the green etc etc.

If you want to see parts of the course the members see, and hence have a full experience of the course and get value for money, use Lowposts second option!

hi
go onto there web site and look at each hole and try looking at it on Google earth to get an idea how its laid out and you can also get some idea of what way the wind will be blowing.
it at least gives you an idea in your head of whats to come.
cheers
bill

Yep, buy you a Sky Caddie, they are great, download the course before you go. You will have the perfect yardages, including layup points and areas to avoid. My new course play has greatly improved since I got my Sky Cad. SG4. It costs an additional $29 bucks a year, too download unlimited courses, but worth it.

That is what I recommend as well. The greens will likely be the biggest difference from what you are used to (your swing should be any different). The better you get a feel for the greens the better you're likely to play. If you haven't gotten a feel for the speed and reading the greens by the time the round starts then you'll probably not going to during the round.

Grip it and rip it .

Bit late Scragger - sorry,

Stick to your pre game routine. Personally I have found I play better golf on unfamiliar courses - why?, cos I concentrate more and apply myself.

Enjoy the surrounds, company and bevvies.

Good hitting, you will have a blinder. You are playing well of late and your confidence is high.

Hope our girls play well too and have a win for us.....!

VP

I don't know about anyone else but I tend to find I play quite well on umknown courses.
I don't know what it is, perhaps it's the fact that you are unaware of where hazards lie. As stated above, grip it and rip it sometimes pays. Anyone playing their own course of course knows where to play the ball, what areas to avoid etc.
On a new one you've no real idea and ignorance sometimes does pay off.