As golfers, it’s important to focus on accuracy off the tee in addition to power. Hitting fairways at a higher percentage can greatly improve your game without the need for swing changes. Gary Player recently shared a valuable tip on how to hit more fairways by adjusting your course management strategy.
Instead of trying to hit the ball straight, Player suggests using your natural shot shape to your advantage. For example, if you tend to fade the ball as a right-handed golfer, line up down the left side of the fairway. This way, if the ball moves in its typical direction, you’ll have a larger margin for error. By adjusting your aim based on your shot shape, you can effectively make the fairway seem larger and increase your chances of finding the short grass.
Many recreational golfers make the mistake of always setting up for a straight shot. However, as Ben Hogan famously said, hitting a straight shot is often a fluke. By understanding and embracing your natural shot shape, you can improve your course management and hit more fairways. This small tweak in your setup can lead to significant improvements in your game without the need for swing changes.
By aiming with your shot shape in mind, you can make the fairway appear twice as wide compared to aiming down the middle. This strategy allows you to account for any movement in the ball and reduces the risk of missing the fairway. Player emphasizes the importance of giving yourself as much advantage as possible on the course, as golf is already a challenging game.
Whether you tend to draw the ball or fade it, adjusting your aim accordingly can lead to more consistent and accurate shots off the tee. By understanding your typical shot pattern and using it to your advantage, you can increase your chances of hitting more fairways and setting yourself up for better approach shots. Implementing this small adjustment in your course management can have a significant impact on your overall game.
In conclusion, focusing on accuracy and course management can greatly benefit your golf game. By embracing your natural shot shape and adjusting your aim accordingly, you can increase your chances of hitting more fairways and lowering your scores. Gary Player’s advice on hitting more fairways by aligning with your shot shape is a simple yet effective strategy that can lead to improved performance on the course. Give it a try during your next round and see how it can help you play smarter and hit more fairways.
