The challenge when playing any round is sticking to my game plan. Over the years, many respondents on The Grateful Golfer use the ‘come what may’ approach to their round. I like a football team, generally have the shots for the first three holes laid out in my mind. Of course, this plan is flexible because I have to execute those shots, but I generally have a plan and try to stick to it.
Making a plan does take some forethought. For example on my current course, the starting holes are a par 5, par 3, and a par 4. Depending on the wind, temperature, and dew level, the holes play differently each time I step up to the first tee. It is because of this, I have tried to have a game plan to ensure that I start strong and finish the first three holes at par or under par.
Of course this plan has to change when I am not executing my shots from the get go. I am experienced enough to know when my swing will take a bit longer to groove for the day, so using other clubs instead of the norm is a must. A perfect example is last Men’s Night.
Generally, the starting hole (par 5) is a driver, 3w and short iron into the green. After my first drive I realized that I was many swings away from being warmed up properly. So, I clubbed down and swung easier until I felt comfortable making a full turn. It worked very well and I was able to hit the ball consistently for the last six holes. The change was counter to my original plan, yet it all worked out as needed because we won B Flight with a 3 under par (4 man scramble in the cold).
Making a plan is a must for my game. I find it important to set up my round (physically and mentally) for success and planning is how I do it. I enjoy the mental exercise of visually playing each shot before teeing up because it frames my actions moving forward. Making a plan just works.
Do you make a plan before playing?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Jim, great advice. I am usually armed with a plan when playing a familiar course. At my home course, we open with three par-4s measuring 424, 428, 453. Before I play, like you, I measure the conditions and while I’m on the range, use the last half dozen balls to play these holes with the clubs I think I’ll need. As you can see from the yardage, they are a challenging start. Part of my game plan is also to not let a rough start affect my thinking. The fourth hole is a 190 yard par-3 (no piece of cake either). Often I am 3-over after the first four holes, as was the case yesterday. But I was not down on myself because of my plan, and played the remaining 14 holes at 1-under.
The plan is an essential part of your tool kit.
Thanks for the great reminder!
Brian
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Thanks Brian. Great finishing 14 holes yesterday! The first 4 are tough for sure. What is the name of your home course?
Cheers Jim
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Jim, my course is Blue Mash. We should go play if you are ever in the DC area! https://www.bluemash.com/
Thanks,
Brian
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Thanks. That might be a possibility in the future.
Cheers Jim
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I don’t really plan my game out. I plan on a shot by shot basis based on how I’m playing that day, the conditions, and the shot I’m facing at the time. But I will look over a course before playing it the first time to see what might bring trouble. Before google earth made that possible I can remember hitting shots I thought were perfect only to gind myself in trouble when I got to the ball. It’s nice to know in advance if there’s a ditch hiding beyond a ridge or whether the curve in a fairway makes it better to hit a longer or shorter shot. Things like that we can get advanced warning on now when we had to learn the hard way before.
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Sounds like a sound approach to your game, Kevin. I do like google Earth as well; just have to watch for the date of the picture. Sometimes changes were made that were not captured on the image.
Cheers Jim
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