If you are a golfer, you know that avoiding big numbers is the key to a good game. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned golfer, bad games happen, just like good games happen. Of course, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. However, how can you make sure you avoid bad games with double and triple bogeys?
When playing a round of golf, no matter how experienced you are, there are many things to think about and certain things to do that are necessary to play a decent game. While everyone has their own strategy, there are some tips that one can take for avoiding double and triple bogeys. This can be imperative to your improving your game and ensuring that you don’t continuously pass over par.
If these doubles and triples can be eliminated from your score, then imagine the strokes that could be saved per round. Managing your shots is the key to golf, and here we will give you some tips for avoiding double and triple bogeys in order to play a better game. Below you will find out exactly how.
Choose Your Club Wisely
Yes, most of the time you will want to reach for your driver when teeing off. But make sure to take a good look at the hole before choosing. If there are woods, water hazard, or OB nearby, then think again before pulling out the driver. Perhaps you should go with a 3-wood or a hybrid in this case. Yes, your distance won’t be as long, but your risk of incurring a penalty stroke will be greatly decreased. You don’t want to take a chance with a driver if another club will leave you with short- or mid-iron on the green. Or at least an easier shot than if your ball ends up in the trees or water.
If you do decide to hit with the driver, then make sure you tee up on the side of trouble and aim away from it. If the lake is on the right side and you decide to go with the driver, then tee up on the right side and aim for the left side of the fairway. If you were to tee up in the middle and aim that way, then the chances are much higher that you would end up in the lake with a penalty.
Accept Your Fate
Minimize the damages done. This means that if you do end up hitting the ball into the woods or sand, take all of your options into consideration. This could mean playing a shot that won’t get you closer to the hole. A bogey doesn’t mean the end of the game for you. Don’t continue to shoot poorly just because of one bad shot. This could mean a sideways pitch-out if you are in the trees rather than aiming for closer to the hole. Cut your losses and continue on. After all, a bogey is better than a double or triple bogey.
When your ball is in a danger zone, don’t tempt fate. There is a very slight chance that you would be able to hit a good shot from there, so why risk it? Just take the extra stroke and play the ball into a safer zone. Then, you are able to show off your skills. However, staying in the danger zone and hitting it from there you’ll end up with a double or triple bogey in no time, and no golfer wants that.
Think About Your Shot
This includes identifying any trouble you may encounter on your shot before you take it. You need to manage your misses. If you can see that a perfect shot is too risky, then consider your other options. Where there is trouble, there is also salvation. Most holes are structured in such a way that you can play away from the trouble. While there may be a chance that you can play a risky shot and make it, it could also end poorly, so considering your options and playing away from trouble is a better option.
Don’t try to be heroic with your shot. If you see that you probably won’t make it, then why take the chance? Other people are waiting to play and don’t want to sit there waiting for you to get out of the trouble zone. If you think you can avoid a bad shot, then it’s better not to take it.
Practice Your Putting
This may seem obvious, but in order to reduce your score, you must practice your putt. Avoiding 3 putts is crucial to winning, or even getting a good score in golf. By practicing your putting beforehand, you will reduce the chance of getting 3 or more putts on a hole, because that can significantly decrease any chances of you winning a round.
Most times, if people are getting double or triple bogeys it’s because they are putting 3 or more times. PGA Tour suggests that you step off distances of 30, 45, and 60 feet from the hole, stick a tee in each, and try putting from each distance each time you practice. This will help you to associate a certain stroke with each distance, allowing you to do better on the green.
If you are trying to step your game up and avoid double and triple bogeys in golf, then consider each of these tips. Practice will continue to help, but there are other things to take into consideration. Make sure that if you are taking risks, you are sure of them. Otherwise, take a step back and enjoy the game.
Back 2 Basics has everything you need to become a pro. Whether it’s equipment, putting mirrors or advice, we have your back. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional golfer or a beginner, we have everything you need for your game. Now, go out there and play a great game while avoiding double and triple bogeys.
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