BREAKING 70
Not Enough Birds in the Sky
The sky is your limit when it comes to making birdies. Self-management based upon environmental and course conditions dictate our scoring decisions. And the more birdies you can make, without making double bogey or more, reduces your score.
Conservative aggression is the theme. Making conservative club, shot, and target decisions that allow you to play the most aggressive shot possible, without making big mistakes. You’re now taking into consideration where to land approach shots, and how much a dogleg is adequate to cut off to achieve a short approach shot. You’re no longer avoiding tucked pins but attacking from a different direction or perspective.
When in trouble, par is now your best friend, and you provide it all the love it’s due when you sink the par putt to go on to the next hole. Make great decisions, then set up to perform those decisions, knowing a birdie is realistic on those holes that best set up to your strengths. On holes that don’t, what can you do to provide the best possible opportunity to make birdie, without risking a big number?
The more comfortable you are with your skills, the easier this type of scoring strategy becomes.
John Hughes is a PGA Master Professional, 2009 Northern Florida PGA Teacher of the Year and founder of John Hughes Golf in Orlando, Florida. Reach him at www.johnhughesgolf.com
