Play the Hole Backwards – a tip on course management.
Many golfers are set on hitting their driver on every tee box. Players who really want to shave strokes off their score should play the hole backwards! Well, not literally of course. Figure out which club you hit accurately 100-125 yards with a full swing, and hit the ball to that distance from the tee box (or from the fairway if a par 5).
Let me give you an example. I hit my sand wedge roughly 100 yards, accurately. If I was playing hole # 1 at Rancho Sierra which is 288 yards, I want to hit a club that would put me 100 yards out. For me, that would be a 6-iron. If I tee off with a 6-iron and hit it about 190 yards, that will put me at my ideal distance to attack the pin as accurately as possible. If I were to tee off with my driver, which is just 
about everyone’s most inaccurate club, I would be 10-20 yards from the green (assuming I don’t hit it O.B., into the lake, or into some other fairway). Since I don’t have a 10-20 yard club, I have to resort to a small “feel” shot with a wedge that I rarely practice. This can result in a multitude of unwanted results. To name a few: the chunk shot, the chili dip, the bladed shot, the thin shot, the shank, over shooting the green, and the whiff. Those kinds of shots can be avoided if you were to “play the hole backwards.” Try this the next time you play – I guarantee you will shave strokes, if not, at least you’ll lose less golf balls.
– John Chopp / our ex- Rancho Sierra pro and starter
Need additional help with your golf game? Check out our pro who is sure to help or click here for another tip.