Smart On-Course Decision Making: Lower Your Scores with Better Strategy

fortisgolf on February 4, 2025

Golf isn’t just about a perfect swing—it’s also a game of strategy. Knowing how and when to take risks, lay up, or play it safe can save you countless strokes. Here are some tips to improve your on-course decision making and manage each hole like a pro.

1. Study the Hole Layout

Before you tee off, take a moment to assess the hole. Notice key hazards (bunkers, water, out-of-bounds) and any doglegs or elevation changes. Many courses offer yardage books or maps; use them to plan your shot and positioning in advance.

2. Know Your Yardages

Accurate yardages help you choose the right club. If you have a rangefinder or GPS, use it to determine carry distances over hazards and to the front, center, and back of greens. Avoid the guesswork—commit to a club based on real data.

3. Evaluate Risk vs. Reward

Sometimes aiming for the green from 220 yards over water isn’t the best choice—especially if a short layup leaves you with a manageable pitch. Weigh the potential reward of a heroic shot against the risk of a penalty or lost ball. Consistent, lower-risk choices often produce better long-term results.

4. Play to Your Strengths

If your best club is a 7-iron or you excel at wedge play, design your approach to favor those strengths. For instance, if you’re confident hitting wedges from 100 yards, lay up to that distance rather than trying a risky 180-yard shot off a tricky lie.

5. Control Your Emotions

A single bad shot can tempt you to “make up for it” with an overly aggressive play. Resist the urge. Stick to your game plan, stay calm, and remember that golf rewards steady, well-executed shots.

6. Factor in Weather and Lies

Wind direction, rain, and temperature can all affect ball flight. Similarly, a downhill lie or thick rough can reduce control. Adjust your club selection, aim point, and shot shape to account for these conditions. Accepting reality beats forcing a shot that your lie doesn’t allow.

7. Plan for Misses

No one hits perfect shots every time. Decide in advance where the “safe miss” is. If trouble is left, aim a bit more to the right. Giving yourself margin for error often reduces big blow-ups and penalties.

On-course decision making is a skill that develops with practice. By considering yardages, strengths, and risk vs. reward, you’ll approach each shot with a plan. In the end, thoughtful strategy complements good technique, helping you shave strokes off your game.

Master Your Pre-Shot Routine for Better Performance

fortisgolf on February 4, 2025

A consistent and effective pre-shot routine is one of the most powerful ways to lower your scores and increase confidence on the course. By taking the same steps before each shot, you train your mind and body to perform under pressure. Here’s how to develop a routine that sets you up for success every time.

1. Visualize Your Target

Stand behind the ball and imagine the flight path you want. Picture how the ball will travel and where it will land. Visualization creates a mental blueprint that helps your body execute the shot more naturally.

2. Commit to a Club and Shot Shape

Indecision is a major swing killer. Select your club with confidence—don’t second-guess once you’ve made your choice. If you plan to hit a slight fade or draw, commit fully to that shape. This eliminates uncertainty and helps maintain a smooth swing tempo.

3. Align and Set Up Consistently

Approach the ball and place your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to your target line (or slightly open/closed if your shot shape requires it). Use an alignment stick on the range to groove this into muscle memory. Over time, your body will automatically find the correct setup position.

4. One or Two Practice Swings

Take one or two smooth practice swings to feel the motion you want. Avoid rapid, nervous swings. Instead, swing with the same pace and rhythm you intend to use for the real shot. This helps reinforce the flow you visualized.

5. Focus on One Key Thought

Overloading your mind with multiple swing thoughts can cause tension. Pick a single mental cue—such as “smooth takeaway” or “quiet lower body”—and let that guide your swing. This focus helps block out distractions and negative chatter.

6. Execute Without Hesitation

Once you’ve lined up, done your practice swing, and formed a single swing thought, step up to the ball and pull the trigger. Avoid prolonged standing over the ball; hesitation often leads to tension and errant shots.

7. Accept the Outcome

After you hit the shot, maintain your composure and watch the ball. Regardless of the result, stick to your routine for every shot. When you trust your process, your confidence grows—whether the shot is perfect or not.

By consistently applying these steps, you’ll build a reliable pre-shot routine that eases anxiety and sharpens your focus. Over time, this ritual becomes second nature, allowing you to swing more freely and enjoy better on-course performance.

Staying Focused Under Pressure: A Golfer’s Guide

fortisgolf on February 2, 2025

Golf isn’t just about the perfect swing. It’s a mental challenge as well. Feeling nervous on the first tee or during a crucial putt is common—even for professionals. The key is to channel that energy productively.

1. Pre-Shot Routine

A consistent pre-shot routine can quiet your mind and build confidence. Whether it’s a simple waggle or a deep breath, find a routine that clears your thoughts and prepares you for the shot.

2. Visualization

Before swinging, picture the ball’s flight path and landing spot. This mental rehearsal primes your body to execute the shot and fosters a positive outlook, reducing tension.

3. Breathing Exercises

In tense situations, take slow, deep breaths. Focus on exhaling fully. This lowers your heart rate and calms your nerves, helping you maintain a steady tempo.

4. Acceptance of Outcomes

Not every shot will be perfect, and that’s okay. Dwelling on bad shots creates a negative feedback loop. Instead, accept the result, learn from it, and move on. Confidence grows when you give yourself permission to fail and recover quickly.

5. Post-Round Reflection

After each round, jot down what worked mentally and what didn’t. Over time, you’ll discover patterns and develop coping strategies for pressure-filled moments.

Remember, a strong mental game can make the difference between a frustrating round and a triumphant one. Practice these techniques to stay calm and focused.