Lesson to share in Course Management from my last tournament...

This is my latest blog entry about my tourney yesterday...let me know what you guys think and if you have any other advice, thanks!





In this tournament, I shot 74 and got 6th place. I hit the ball extremely well and didn’t miss any putts from 7 feet and in nor did I 3-putt. What kept me from shooting under par (and probably winning) was course management mistakes which will improve only with tournament experience ( make a mistake and learn and then don’t make that mistake again!).
This blog entry will explain what went wrong and how to fix it.
On approach shots make sure to always consider the “fat of the green” and where not to miss.



Many times on a golf course there is a strategy involved in setting up the pins. So you will come to a par 3 and the pin is on the very front of the green which is protected by a deep green side bunker all the way across the front. Or the pin is tucked into the back left corner and there is a pond or lake behind the green.
The mistake is to always be going for the pin. And what happens many times? In the sand or in the water and the hole is over as far as your golf score is concerned.



Why not just play to the fat part of the green in the very center and two putt for par? And every once in a while you’ll drop that birdie putt? But our ego gets in the way, especially if our golf buddies are egging us on! (if you can’t putt well enough to be confident in this concept, you had better get good at putting!)

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I have used the same process at times when my confidence is not full on. But trying to hit the fat of the green can be just as hard as target golf (at the flag). You must learn to hit a target preferably the flag, distance control is a must no matter what part of the green you are taking on, likewise your mind must be free of negative thoughts like were not to miss the green!
Try to approach the shot with a positive swing thought like saying to yourself this is the club for this shot now lets enjoy it, this in turn will free up the brain waves to allow that stroke it’s best chance.

Play in the present not in the future or the past. You can only play one shot at a time so make that shot without pressure of any negative thoughts. I often use my practise sessions prior to the golf day my swing thought while I am on the golf course; it helps me focus on the swing of the day. Having a stock shot in the bag is another way of overcoming pressure but that will only come with continued practice under pressure.

My practice sessions prior to a tournament tend to revolve round the conditions of the day, I would practice my stock shots then if it was a windy day knock down shots etc. Often trying to simulate my opening holes tee to green while I practice.

But one of the best ways for me to take on the challenge of the day is to focus on the present the shot that you are about to play, this is my advise to you hope it helps.

Regards Cliff

Btw my stock shot is straight, but I will often practice a fade and a draw to accommodate that flag that is tucked away on the green. But on the day I picture my stock shot even if it takes me away from the flag by a few feet/yards. If you are pressing to win then quite often you will fail due to that extra pressure you are placing on yourself, but it’s the chance you take some golfers thrive on that type of game his name is Tiger Woods!

I went through your blog/site ... very nice.

I didn't notice any mention of your stats from your tournaments. You likely keep stats, so a review of those might point out if you are consistently dropping a stroke or two on a type of shot (i.e. low up-and-down or sand save percentage). Based on your tournament score results don't compare your stats with the top 10 PGA tour golfers, but with the 75th to 100th group. Ask yourself, how are guys like these beating me, and how and what will I improve to prevent this.

Good luck and only 41 more to go. :-)
Charles

You often talk of putting in your blog.

Read a book called Putting Out of Your Mind by Dr. Bob Rotella

I would recommend it to any player amateur or Pro. It teaches freedom/positive/acceptance of the outcome. Not technical in any way as you would expect from the man.

BTW your golf swing looks good, maybe a tad flat at the top but each to his own.

Your impact is great and that’s the important part of golf many amateur players forget to check.