Golf Tips

Travel tips

During the summer many of you will travel and play different courses for the first time. That can be such a treat, especially if they are top notch resorts or golf destinations. However, playing an unfamiliar course can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your game on the road:

1- Prior to the round, allow yourself enough time to warm up properly on the range so you are feeling comfortable and not rushed. Take time on the putting green so you can get a feel for the green speed and try to chip and pitch a bit out of the rough to gauge how the ball will come out as well.

2- Don’t obsess about your score. Enjoy the course and the fun of hitting good shots (hopefully!) and taking in scenery. Trying too hard to play your best could very well take what should be a fun day and turn it into a very frustrating one.

3- Adopt a conservative strategy off the tee. When in doubt, hit 3- wood or an iron off the tee and aim for the middle of the green with your approach shots. Understand that unfamiliar courses can result in defensive swings off the tee so keep the ball in play and in front of you. Also trust the yardages and not your eyes for full shots. Many times your distance perception will be off with unfamiliar surroundings so trust the number you have.

4- If you have the choice, take a caddy and walk. Walking is such a treat for those of us who have to play in carts all the time. If you are overseas this is almost always an option. A caddy will know all the little things you won’t about a course. Listen to the caddy and have them pick specific targets in the distance they know are in line with the fairway or where you need to be. Let them read putts as well if you are not sure, as they will likely know subtleties of break etc.. on the greens.

5- Most importantly have fun. If you are taking a once in a lifetime trip simply enjoy the experience. You will in all likelihood play better as well.