Playing Within Your Range

One way to improve your overall golf score is to play within your capabilities. How many times have you tried cutting a corner only to end up in the rough? How many times have you tried to clear the water instead of laying it up short? We all do it, it’s human nature.

When golfing, we tend to be risk takers. However, if you learn to control yourself, you are much more likely to come out with a better score in the end. Here are three simple guidelines to decide whether or not the risk outweighs the reward:

1. Are you on a roll?
If you’re having a great day, it might be worth taking a risk. You’ll need confidence and accuracy to make the shot worthwhile. If you’re at hole 18 and have had a horrible day, then you probably shouldn’t try anything too fancy.

2. Have you practiced this shot?
If you haven’t practiced a shot like the one that you want to attempt, then you should probably try to play it safe. The driving range is where you need to get the kinks out, not the actual course.

3. Will it eliminate a shot?
There is no point in cutting a corner if you’re going to be one shot away from the green either way. If a risk does not come hand-in-hand with a reward, then there is absolutely no reason to take it.