Guide to Effective Golf Course Management

Many low handicap golfers fail to effectively manage the course during their rounds. Golfers who want to maximize their ability to the utmost should follow this guide to managing the golf course with aplomb.

Effective course management for golfers is all about using their heads. Smart golfers carefully think through every shot before they ever step up to hit it. They think through all the factors that will go into the shot, and then they will create a sure plan. In this manner they will be able to hit every shot with confidence, increasing their chances of success.

To practice effective course management, golfers must know their games intimately. This requires taking a good look in the mirror and identifying all the flaws in their game. When golfers know every flaw in their games, they can make moves to actually take advantage of their flaws.

For example, many golfers deal with a hook or a slice on their drives. Effective course management will take advantage of this fact. Instead of aiming straight down the middle, they will aim a little off-centre. This will allow their balls to hook or slice without worrying about them heading into the rough.

Effective course management also means being relaxed and swinging freely. For example, many people step up to a par-five hole and pull out the driver. They see the yardage is over 500 yards, so they swing their hardest and try to crush the ball. More often than not, this leads to a shanked drive. Smart golfers will manage the course by taking a swing at 80-90 percent of their maximum effort, which will result in a much more predictable and accurate swing.

One of the most important parts of effective course management is knowing when to lay-up. This means knowing when to try and hit it over the water and when to lay up short for an easy chip shot. It means knowing when to putt the ball hard to try to sink the birdie, and when to give it a light tap to take the easy par.

Too many golfers always look through their golf sets and pick out the biggest club every time. The smart move is to pick the club from their golf sets that they can most effectively manage the course with. Always think each shot through and then swing with the confidence of knowing that effective course management will pay off.

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