Most golf instructors talk about the importance of golf strategy. Some have used the term "Course Management" but it all comes down to playing the course strategically based on your abilities. Jack Nicklaus was considered probably the best "course manager" of all time. He wasn't really seen as a particularly great ball striker but he knew how to handle the course. He played smart golf. It's about understanding your game inside and out, which includes your limitations, your strengths, when to gamble, when to back off... Course strategy will also help you to control your judgment and your emotions and in competition, those are the most important elements of golf.



Part of strategy is not only knowing what is on the course and where you want to be but it is also developing a routine that you can follow consistently shot after shot. Visualize what you want to do and approach each shot positively. A good routine can help to keep you in the moment and keep you on a even keel.

It is also important to know the right club to hit. And this is where knowing your distances and what type of shots you can hit from there are so important. Do you have the ability to put a lot of spin on the ball or is it going to land hot? And what about where you hit from on the tee - Is that going to matter? Where can you get the best angle between where you are on the tee and where you want to be? And what about avoiding trouble?

And don't forget about good old risk and reward. Think about your shots and consider what makes good sense. What are the percentages of hitting the fairway and giving your self a good angle to the pin? What could happen if you miss the shot? And, of course, learn to take your licks and only lose the one stroke. Don't add to the error by playing another shot that could lead now to a triple bogey.

You will notice that in the Situation Golf Guide it states to always make the same swing. And be aware of your tempo. Don't take a practice swing nice and smooth and then get up to the ball and swing like the hatchet man - Swing with ease and don't force it. Watch Ernie Els or Vijay Singh, they get plenty of distance with what seems to be so little effort. If you are concerned about getting there, then consider using more club.

Finally, I spoke briefly about the importance of emotions on the golf course. That cannot be overstated. Strong emotions in golf can definitely work against you. Golfers need to stay even tempered and take the same mental approach to every shot whether you are playing well or not.

Strategy Golf works and that is a fact. But you have get to know the course and then understand how it plays into your game. It all starts with good instruction. If you have a sound swing that you can depend upon then what is left is how to play the course and it is those that figure out that part of the game that excel.