Lowering your golf scores doesn't always come from hitting the ball better. Often, a smarter approach and improved course management are all you need. Professional golfers excel in this aspect; they know how to navigate the course strategically, which saves them multiple strokes during a round.
However, recreational golfers typically struggle with playing smart, even though we might think otherwise. And when we do try to play intelligently, we often don't execute it efficiently. This is where Tiger Woods excelled during his prime. Even if he wasn't physically sharp, his mental game was always on point. Let's explore five rules Tiger Woods adhered to for achieving his best scores.
1. Avoiding 6s on Par-5s
Par-5s present excellent scoring opportunities. Most golfers, including amateurs, will often have a chance to hit a scoring club into the greens or even reach the green in two shots. The key is to capitalise on these opportunities, not necessarily by making birdies, but by avoiding bogeys.
A bogey on a par-5 means you're losing strokes to the field. Instead of aiming for birdies, focus on eliminating bogeys. Play conservatively and strategically to ensure you don't drop unnecessary shots on these holes.
2. Eliminating Double Bogeys
While a bogey won't ruin your round, a double bogey often will. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid double bogeys at all costs. If you find yourself in trouble, like being in the trees, resist the urge to attempt a hero shot. Instead, punch out and aim for bogey. This conservative play minimises the risk of turning a bad situation into a disaster. By eliminating doubles, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your overall score.
3. No Three-Putts
Three-putting is a major unforced error that can quickly wreck your scorecard. To become a better golfer, you must learn to eliminate three-putts. This requires developing your skills as a lag putter. Fine-tuning your touch from distance will make it easier to avoid those costly extra putts. Focus on getting your first putt close enough to secure a two-putt finish.
4. Avoiding Bogeys with Scoring Clubs
Scoring clubs differ based on your ability, but for this guide, we'll consider anything 9-iron or lower as a scoring club. When you have these clubs in your hands, you must avoid making bogey. The way to do this is by playing smart. While it might be tempting to aim for the flag with a wedge in your hand, you'll often be better off aiming for the safe part of the green. By consistently doing this, you’ll minimise bogeys and even start making more birdies.
5. No Double Chips
While Tiger Woods aimed for no blown "easy" saves, recreational players should strive to avoid double chips. When you're around the greens, your priority should be to leave yourself a putt on the next stroke. This might mean sometimes aiming away from the flagstick, and that's perfectly fine. If you can get the ball onto the green and two-putt, you'll save valuable strokes. Avoiding double chips helps you maintain control and composure around the greens.
Applying Tiger's Rules to Your Game
Now that we've covered Tiger's five rules, let's discuss how you can incorporate these strategies into your own game to see immediate improvements.
Strategic Course Management
Adopting a strategic approach to course management means playing within your limits and avoiding unnecessary risks. Assess each hole and decide on the best strategy to avoid trouble and set up the next shot. This might mean laying up instead of going for the green in two on a par-5 or aiming for the centre of the green rather than the flagstick on approach shots.
Mental Toughness
Like Tiger, focus on maintaining mental toughness throughout your round. Accept that mistakes will happen, but don't let them snowball. Stay focused on the next shot and make smart decisions to avoid compounding errors. Visualisation techniques and staying positive can help keep your mental game strong.
Practice Lag Putting
Improving your lag putting can significantly reduce your number of three-putts. Spend time on the practice green working on putts from various distances. Focus on distance control and try to get each putt within a comfortable range for a two-putt. This will help you save strokes and build confidence in your putting.
Smart Play with Scoring Clubs
When using your scoring clubs, prioritise hitting the green and setting up easy two-putts rather than going for risky pin placements. Practicing precision with these clubs will help you consistently hit greens and avoid bogeys. Remember, it's about minimising mistakes and giving yourself opportunities for birdies without taking unnecessary risks.
Efficient Chipping
Around the greens, focus on getting the ball onto the putting surface with your first chip. Avoid trying to get too cute with your chips, which can lead to double chips and additional strokes. Practice chipping to a safe area of the green where you can two-putt comfortably.
Final Thoughts
Tiger Woods’ five rules for lowering your golf scores are all about playing smart and managing the course effectively. By avoiding big numbers, improving your lag putting, playing conservatively with scoring clubs, and focusing on efficient chipping, you can start to see immediate improvements in your scores.
Remember, you don't have to be the best ball striker to lower your scores. Often, the key to better golf lies in smarter play and better decision-making. Take these lessons from one of the greatest golfers of all time and apply them to your game. With practice and dedication, you’ll be on your way to shooting lower scores and enjoying the game even more.
