| According to USGA statistics if you shoot in the 70's | | | | and you should have good distance control on the |
| you are probably within the top 10-15% of all | | | | greens. |
| golfers. This is a goal that most golfers seek. | | | | |
| However, many golfers don't know what it takes to | | | | These ball striking requirements are important |
| shoot in the 70's. | | | | because the statistics in golf don't lie. To shoot in |
| | | | | the 70's a golfer will typically: |
| There are two major components to shooting in the | | | | Hit 7 or more fairways |
| 70's. First, you have to have reasonable ball striking | | | | Hit 5 or more greens in regulation |
| ability. Second, you must have good course | | | | Have around 30 putts |
| management. | | | | |
| | | | | Course Management |
| Ball Striking | | | | This is an aspect of golf instruction that is often |
| You don't have to be a great ball striker. You don't | | | | overlooked. However, to shoot in the 70's good |
| have to hit the ball a mile. But you do have to be | | | | course management is critical. There are a few |
| reasonably consistent. To shoot in the 70's you | | | | simple rules to follow for good course management. |
| must have what the pros refer to as a" go to" | | | | First, play the hole in your mind from the green |
| shot. This is a shot that you can count on under | | | | backwards to the tee. If you want to hit the |
| pressure to move in a certain direction. Tiger | | | | middle of this green, where do you want to be off |
| Woods plays what he calls a "stinger". It’s a | | | | the tee. Then what club and what type of shot do |
| low driving shot that usually has a little draw to it. | | | | you need to hit off the tee to give you that shot. |
| You might have a "go to" cut shot. It doesn't | | | | |
| matter what the shot is as long as you can produce | | | | Here are a few tips for good course management; |
| it on command 85%-90% of the time. | | | | Don't play your driver off of every tee |
| | | | | Tee up on the side of trouble and hit away from it |
| To shoot in the 70's you also must have reasonable | | | | Play to the side of the green that would give you an |
| feel and touch around the greens. Again, you should | | | | easy chip if you miss the green |
| have some basic chip shot that is your "go to" shot | | | | Don't short side yourself! |
| under pressure. For some golfers, this is a flop shot | | | | Avoid penalty strokes at all costs |
| with a lob wedge. For other golfers it’s a low | | | | Only play shots you have practiced |
| running shot made with a 7 or 8 iron. You want | | | | |
| your chipping game to take pressure off of your | | | | Make sure you have your "go to" shots and follow |
| putting. However, you do need to be very | | | | some good course management principles and you |
| proficient with the putter to shoot in the 70's | | | | will consistently shoot in the 70's. |
| consistently. Three footers need to be routine | | | | |