A huge mistake I see many Golfers making is trying to score a ‘Par' on a given Hole. REMINDER: Par is what a PRO is expected to score on a hole. Instead implement a strategy of “Personal Par” (Course Par + Handicap) i.e. use your Handicap and Stroke Index to adjust each holes (and the overall Par). e.g. for an 18 Handicap:
Scratch Card (0 Handicap)
18 Handicap Card
This approach will help determine your tactics for a given Hole (think of a Par 4 your play regularly suddenly turning into a Par 5) and reduces the temptation for you to go for those high risk, “Wonder Shots” that often results in a “card wrecking” Score.
Using this approach, extrapolate your “NET Greens in Regulation” (NGIR) to give you a true gauge on where your game is e.g:
Par 3 > Net Par 4 > NGIR = 2
Par 4 > Net Par 5 > NGIR = 3
Par 5 > Net Par 6 > NGIR = 4
FYI: Hitting 11+ (60%) Net Greens in Regulation is a very good performance. The below chart is a useful reference (can be used for Gross and Net Scores).
Side Note: Correlate with how many Fairways you hit, this allows you to see if it’s your tee shots or approach shots that’s the issue.
TIP: Mix up your strategy: Alternate playing holes where you chose an aggressive line and gutsy choice of shot, with a safe and strategic line of play and choice of shots.
Keep evaluating and adjusting your Personal Par and associated Tactics as you improve.
Thanks for reading,
Oliver C. Morton
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