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Free Lesson Weekly: Keeping It In Play

• 2,114 Posts

  Mon, Sep 9 2013 4:41 PM

  My tip, for those just starting out, try to hit your approach to the middle of the green, not at the flag (compensating for wind, of course). On miss-hits, you're more likely to still land on the green and avoid hazards, specifically water - holes #6, #11 and #18 on Congressional come to mind. It's a good way to practice your putting too, and it's a lot easier to get the ball close enough for a par with a putt than with a flop from 30/40 sand or 40/50 rough, especially at Merion... those weeds around the greens are hard to get out of some times.

  Once you get better at judging distances & winds, elevations & whatnot, then you can start aiming for the flag.

  Kelsey  =)

• Mushy01 2,567 Posts

  Mon, Sep 9 2013 4:47 PM

  Kelsey12:

  My tip, for those just starting out, try to hit your approach to the middle of the green, not at the flag (compensating for wind, of course). On miss-hits, you're more likely to still land on the green and avoid hazards, specifically water - holes #6, #11 and #18 on Congressional come to mind. It's a good way to practice your putting too, and it's a lot easier to get the ball close enough for a par with a putt than with a flop from 30/40 sand or 40/50 rough, especially at Merion... those weeds around the greens are hard to get out of some times.

  Once you get better at judging distances & winds, elevations & whatnot, then you can start aiming for the flag.

  Kelsey  =)

  A true shot saving tip Kelsey, a par is better than any bogey anyday.

   

• Chinajohn 1,190 Posts

  Mon, Sep 9 2013 7:24 PM

  My only addition is look at elevation change when planning where to put your drive. i.e. the elevation change from where you intend your second shot to be from to the green (assuming you're playing a par 4). If you favour a 64yd wedge it can be somewhat frustrating to go to all the planning hassle of working out and implementing a lay up to find out you allowed for the wind but you still have a significant elevation change that may require a different club.  

• juggss6 121 Posts

  Mon, Sep 9 2013 8:54 PM

  Don't forget of course about how elevation change plays a part in your backspin. Backspin has much less of an effect when your target is above you than below you.

• petethepup 204 Posts

  Mon, Sep 9 2013 10:00 PM

  One of the best threads in these forums. Good to see that some of the finer players in this game, also play to lay up, or the fat of the green. Great tips here for all, those coming up, and those who have been around awhile.    Thanks.

• alosso 21,094 Posts

  Mon, Sep 9 2013 11:47 PM

  I assume that many of the readers have not the top equipment, and course management has to include shot shape as a major input. Add percentage decisions, and many Par5s cannot be attacked in two, many approaches have to be to green center.

  BPB#5 is a premium example for the former, CCC##2&3 come into mind for the latter.

  Some good lessons can be learned under the "Tough-it-out" tournament's course and club conditions. Take relief with a custom putter and ball if you want, play with even lies, nevertheless the dream of darting shots right at the flag will be over after two holes with Starters on OAK front nine ;)

• oneeyedjohn 9,589 Posts

  Tue, Sep 10 2013 2:10 AM

  The 1st hole at Oak is a nightmare with starters because you can't get any spin. I have hit 160 to a 190 pin there ( front ) and still go rocketing to the back.

  Only once in a dozen attempts this last week have I kept it on the green.

  2nd hole is middle of green everytime.

  After that it's not so bad.

• GARRYCARTER 1,533 Posts

  Tue, Sep 10 2013 2:28 AM

  My tip to new players is wear a hat,It won't help your play but it will stop you from pulling you hair out,Handy tips been given guy's good work all.

  GC.