Achieving low golf scores is the aim of any golfer. If we were not interested, why would we keep score. Even when we are not writing a tally down, we are keeping track of our shots in our head. It is a natural thing for golfers and the main goal of playing golf……for most of us. 😉 The key to most successful rounds is keeping the ball in play. For beginners, hitting their ball anywhere on the grass is a success story. As they improve and develop a greater feel for the golf, keeping the ball on the fairway is the benchmark. For players like myself, keeping the ball on the optimum side of the fairway is considered a good shot. Basically, it is all relative, but the core goal is to keep the ball in play. The real question is how to achieve this goal more often than not?

There are many ways to keep the ball in play. You can focus on club selection or swing plane or a number of other areas that will help you set up the next shot. Personally, I find that having a pre-shot routine that builds my golf swing by placing the club face first is the key to my game. It is simple and easy to replicate no matter where you are on the playing area. Rick Shiels explains it best for me. I am sure I have posted this video before, but it is worth another look:

Building my golf shot from the clubface up is perfect for my game. Many times I have watched players place their feet first and then adjust the rest. This method results in more balls being out of play or at least a far cry from their intent. Of course building your stance is critical, but it is not the only thing that will help you keep the ball in play. Another method is proper club selection.

For the beginners, here is a great video explaining what and when to use all the clubs in your bag:

For the more experienced players you probably have a methodology for club selection. However, I do believe it is a good idea to review this topic. For me, the topic of club selection deals with course management versus course strategy.

For each hole, especially for courses I know already, I start with a strategy. I have an idea on where I want to hit the ball, how far and in what direction. It all seems simple, but it is a valuable tool to conquering a golf hole. This strategy is usually straight forward and provides a framework on which club to use when. After that, course management kicks in. Course management deals with the ever-changing course conditions that affect my next golf shot. Whether it be wind, lie, hazard location, etc., I will need to adjust my club selection and shot selection to account for the variations in shot conditions. Here is a great video to explain:

Regardless of how you accomplish the feat of keeping our ball in play, it is a foundational maximum that all players must understand. If we are not in play after each shot (yes, I realize that it is not always possible) then we will see a much higher number on the scorecard. And for me, that is something I try to avoid.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!