Minimizing wayward drives — tee shots that result in a penalty stroke or force a punch-out — is one of the biggest separators between golfers with low handicaps and high handicaps. The really good news? Keeping the ball in play doesn’t require a swing change. Oftentimes, it can be a simple matter of aiming smarter.
When a hazard is in play off the tee, like on the famed 18th hole at Pebble Beach (pictured), your primary goal should be avoiding a penalty stroke. Do that consistently and lower scores will follow. Here’s how.
1. Know your dispersion pattern. Every club has a range of possible outcomes from left to right — aka dispersion pattern. Understanding yours is critical when choosing a target.
2. Aim away from trouble. Pick a target that keeps your entire dispersion pattern out of trouble areas — even the extreme ends. If your worst miss stays in play, you’ll take the big number out of play.
Advertisement
3. Accept the rough. Avoiding a hazard may mean bringing the rough into play, but that’s okay. It’s far easier to make par from the rough than it is from water or trees.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login