The quickest way to save shots on the golf course

I play a lot of golf with higher-handicappers and there are times when I despair.

Poor decision making is right up there as one of the main causes for ruinous scores. Time and again I see them going for the hero shot, the once-in-a-lifetime carry over water, the attempted deliberate slice or hook, the knockdown shot, etc. 

And they come to grief because, largely speaking, they do not possess the skillset to pull off these shots.

And that’s before we even get to the most common faults of all - the endless three putts and the fluffed chips.

Ask yourself this: if you could guarantee taking an average of 30 putts per round, what would it do to your score? 

Most of the people I play alongside take upwards of 36 putts during an 18-hole round, and very often several more than that. Just imagine being able to slash six shots at a stroke.

And then there are the awful strokes I see when people are pitching or chipping from close range. How often when faced with a pitch over a greenside bunker do you end up in that bunker? How often do you get up and down from the edge of a green?

I regularly see high handicappers reaching for a putter when they know that they should be pitching or chipping the ball over the fringe and onto the putting surface.

So why do we see so many three putts? Why do we see so many awful pitches? Why do so many golfers find it well nigh impossible to get out of a bunker at the first attempt?

And while I am at it, will somebody please explain to me why on earth so many club golfers consistently hit the ball out of bounds and/or find water hazards? 

Most golfers turn up for their rounds, have half a dozen putts on the practice ground and then head for the first tee. They do not warm up properly. They do not make the time to practice and perfect the art of chipping. 

They do not learn how to get out of bunkers properly - there is a technique to this but they do not possess it. A quick lesson would sort this out. The same goes for chipping - if you struggle with this part of the game, why would you not have a chipping lesson?

If you putt poorly, are you using the correct putter? Do you properly practice this part of the game?

Our friendly golf pro Aaron Holtom, of Morley Hayes, East Midlands Golf Academy, agrees with me and has some handy hints for the quickest way to save shots.

Four Ways to Quickly Save Shots on The Golf Course

He believes there are four areas we should all be focusing on:

"1. Eliminate Three-Putts

"Your average putts per round is a quick indicator of wasted shots. Practice at home by putting over tea towels for a consistent start, or play a 'leapfrog' game to improve distance control. Cutting out three-putts is the fastest route to saving strokes.

"2. No Double Chips

"Routinely needing two chips or pitches from within 50 yards destroys a round. Start from 10 or 20 yards if you’re a beginner, but make it your goal to always get the ball on the green with your first attempt. This requires sound technique, not power, and is achievable with focused practice.

"3. Avoid Out of Bounds

"OB costs you two shots - the biggest penalty on the course. If trouble lurks on one side (especially OB), play strategically away from it. If you can’t trust your driver, hit a reliable hybrid or fairway wood to keep the ball in play. This isn’t the time to 'go for broke.'

"4. Use The 7-Out-of-10 Rule

"Before attempting a risky shot, ask: 'If I tried this 10 times, how many would turn out well?' If the honest answer is fewer than seven, choose the safer option. Most high handicappers don’t play poorly for 18 holes - they have a few big numbers from attempting low-percentage 'hero shots' when a simple chip-out and a bogey were available."

Aaron is absolutely correct when he says that most high handicappers do not play badly for 18 holes. But they do make poor decisions - and keep making the same mistakes. I am convinced that if you follow his advice you will see your handicap tumbling down. And what better time of year than the winter to put into practice the advice that Aaron has given?

You can book lessons with Aaron in the Derby area.