Hello, Daily Duffer readers! Sarah Chen here, and I’m excited to share some insights with you that can truly elevate your golf game, especially when it comes to course management and smart play. As a PGA-certified instructor with over 15 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding the nuances of a golf course can transform a player’s score. And sometimes, the best lessons come from the pros themselves, even when they’re talking about course architecture!
I recently read an excellent piece featuring Geoff Ogilvy, the 2006 U.S. Open champion and renowned golf course architect, discussing his favorite courses. What struck me most was how his observations about course design directly translate into actionable strategies for us, the players. It’s all about understanding risk, reward, and how to play smarter, not just harder.
Magnifying Errors: The Importance of Smart Misses
Ogilvy touches on a crucial aspect of course design by mentioning Royal Melbourne:
“If you miss it in the wrong spot, it’s a bit like the Masters, you just magnify your error. Every time you make an error you just have more trouble trying to get back on track. Royal Melbourne does that in a really subtle way and it catches up with you.”
This isn’t just about championship courses; it applies to your local course too! How often have you missed a green slightly, only to find yourself with an impossible chip or a bunker shot with no green to work with? That’s your local course “magnifying your error.”
In my teaching experience, I always emphasize that a “smart miss” is often more valuable than a perfect hit. This means understanding where the trouble is – bunkers, water, thick rough, out-of-bounds – and consciously aiming away from it, even if it means a slightly longer putt or a less aggressive approach. Don’t chase the flagstick if the penalty for missing is severe. Aim for the center of the green, especially on difficult holes.
Here’s a drill to help you practice “smart misses”:
Drill: Green Light, Yellow Light, Red Light Targets
On the range, pick a target flag. Now, imagine a “green light” zone right around the flag (where you want to be), a “yellow light” zone (a safe miss that’s still playable), and a “red light” zone (where you absolutely do not want to be, like a deep bunker or water hazard). Your goal isn’t just to hit the green light; it’s to ALWAYS avoid the red light, and to prefer the yellow light over a red light, even if it’s not perfect. Practice hitting shots under this mindset, focusing on avoiding the biggest trouble, rather than exclusively chasing perfection.
The Cycles of Play: Adapting Your Strategy
Ogilvy’s description of the Old Course at St. Andrews provides a brilliant analogy for strategic on-course thinking:
“You can play it conservatively all day and you’ll hit 16-17 greens in regulation — no one can hit 17 in two — but you’ll hit most greens in regulation. But you’ll have 50-footers all day, so then you’ll get braver and braver and you’ll start taking on the bunkers and out of bounds and then you’ll start making birdies and think this place is pretty simple, but then you’ll get burned and hit into the bunker and make a triple and then you go back to being conservative again. You seem to go in these cycles.”
This “cycle” is something every golfer experiences, whether they realize it or not. It’s the ebb and flow of confidence and aggression. The key is to consciously manage these cycles, rather than letting them manage you. Don’t let one good shot turn into overconfidence leading to a big mistake, and conversely, don’t let a bad hole turn into despair and overly defensive play for the rest of the round.
The Old Course’s design, shaped by nature and centuries of play, teaches us a fundamental truth about golf:
“The higher the quality your shot, that’s how much easier your next shot is. That place does it better than anywhere.”
This seemingly simple statement is profound. It’s not just about hitting it long, it’s about hitting it *well*. A well-placed shot, even if not perfect, sets up an easier next shot. This is especially true for recovery shots. My students who consistently improve are those who learn to accept a bogey gracefully after a poor shot, rather than compounding errors trying for a miracle par.
Try this drill:
Drill: The “Next Shot” Mindset
Before every shot on the course (or during a practice round), ask yourself: “What is the *easiest* place for my next shot to be, given the outcome of this shot?” This forces you to think a step ahead. For example, if you’re in the rough, maybe the easiest next shot is a chip out to the fairway, not a heroic attempt to reach the green. If you’re on the fringe, the easiest next shot might be a simple putt, not a tricky flop shot. This mental exercise helps you make strategic choices that minimize damage and keep your round on track.
Building a Smarter Practice Routine
These insights from Ogilvy highlight the importance of practicing not just your swing mechanics (though those are always critical!) but also your course management. Learning to assess risk and reward, choosing smart targets, and understanding how your misses affect your next shot are skills that can be practiced and perfected.
Here’s one more drill to incorporate into your routine:
Drill: Variable Yardage Approach Shots
Instead of hitting 10 balls with the same club to the same target, intentionally vary your approach. Choose a target, then imagine that there’s a bunker short, out-of-bounds left, and water long. Now, hit shots with various clubs, not necessarily trying to fly it directly at the flag, but to land it in a “safe” zone on the green, even if it means putting from further away. Play a few “holes” on the range where you simulate different scenarios and choose clubs/shots based on avoiding trouble, rather than purely distance.
Remember, golf is a journey of continuous learning. Geoff Ogilvy, with his deep understanding of how courses are built and played, reminds us that strategic thinking is just as vital as a powerful swing. By incorporating these concepts of smart misses and strategic decision-making into your game, you won’t just improve your scores, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the fascinating challenges golf provides. Keep practicing smart, and I know you’ll see great results!
