Compared to cricket or tennis, golf may seem like a languid sport. Despite its simple premise – hit the ball from point A to a hole at point B with the fewest shots possible – golf is actually an incredibly challenging game.
Australia is also home to some highly underrated yet amazing golf courses on the planet. If you want to play your best game at these courses and bring down that handicap into the 30s or lower, you need to focus on picking the right strategies.
Who Needs Golf Strategies?
Whether you are into cricket, tennis or rugby, knowing the basic rules is the first part. But once you are past that stage, you need to look at advanced theories to improve your performance. Whichever game you choose to play, strategy and knowing the basics are certainly crucial. Even if you choose to practice your skills with some golf-themed slots at a top-rated online casino, background knowledge of how to play golf makes for better gameplay. The expert team at NoDepositDaily share their insights.
Golf strategies are aimed primarily at amateur players who have a reasonable proficiency in the game. If you know your drivers, irons, wedges, and the basics of a good swing, you are ready to learn more about golf strategies!
1. Plan Your Attack in Advance
Each golf course has a unique array of cleverly positioned hazards and danger zones to add some variety and challenge. When you come up to a new, unfamiliar hole, always take a long and hard look at the known danger zones.
You can use scorecards, yardage books, and even Google Map Images. Measure out the distances to known dangers - like that tricky lake to the side of your second shot to the green, or a fairway bunker on a par 4 or 5 hole. Then, create contingency plans for shots that go awry.
Find out the best spots to aim for – if there is a water hazard to the right, you may want to miss to the left. If there is a greenside bunker, you may want to go short with a mid-iron instead of long with a full driver swing.
2. Use Virtual Golf Simulator Courses
Trackman is a Danish company that creates devices with Doppler radar technology to analyze various aspects of your golf swing. Virtually all the pros on the Tour use Trackman data to improve their swings and techniques.
Amateur players can also benefit from Trackman golf solutions to help improve their game. Once you have a decent grasp of the fundamentals, you can start looking at some essential performance numbers using Trackman at your local coaching center.
You can also play on an indoor simulator to enjoy playing at some of the top Masters courses in the world. These also provide you with useful performance data that can hold you in good stead in a real course.
3. Curb Your Aggressive Instincts
Rarely does a game of golf reward an aggressive approach at the amateur level. Relying on your driver for every single hole is probably not the optimal strategy. Sometimes, picking a 2, 3, or 4-iron may be a better option.
You will have days when the driver is simply not doing the job for you. And on shorter courses, the aggressive swing may take you into a hazard off the greens. In such situations, it is best to keep the driver in the bag and hit some shots into the fairway instead.
4. Hit Your Putts Harder
There is one area of your game where too much caution may be holding you back – your putting game on the green. Many golfers deliberately underhit their putts in fear of overshooting the hole and losing a point.
If you find your putts lose steam before reaching the hole, you suffer from this trait. Correcting it is easy – you just need to practice your putts with a different target. Instead of focusing on the hole, aim at a point 2 feet farther from it. You will start hitting faster putts in no time.
5. Improve Your Bunker Game
Many players just leave the ball in the sand when they hit a greenside bunker. This is sub-optimal play since you can easily get your way out of the sand with proper bunker technique. To negotiate the sand effectively, you just need to ignore your regular technique.
Unlike normal shots, you are expected to hit the earth in a sand bunker, not the ball. You want the wedge head to hit the sand and propel the ball out of the bunker indirectly. Stand squarer and make a full follow-through for the best bunker shot.
6. Try to Use More Clubs
Every golfer has a particular club as their favorite. Having that trusty 5-iron or a short iron is quite normal. However, relying on the same club for most of your shorts will do you no good in the long run.
There is a reason why a golf bag has over 10 clubs – each club is a specially designed tool for getting the best outcome in specific situations. Knowing when to use a 9-iron instead of a 6-iron can help you crack the magical 30 handicap limit.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun! Clubs
Ultimately, your aim in golf is to have fun and enjoy a refreshing day out in the sun and greenery. Don’t let missed shots or water hazards get you down. Keep a positive outlook and enjoy the game with your friends.
With the ongoing LIV controversy, the international golf scene is in a very interesting space right now. Whether the Professional game is truly in danger or not, you can always rely on us to deliver the best tips and strategies to keep your handicap away from danger!