How Can I Avoid Making A Big Number Each Round?

Golfer:

I would have broken 90 many times by now if it weren’t for those double or triple bogeys I make every round. How can I avoid making a big number each round?

Dr. Cohn’s Answer:

This is a common problem for higher handicap players. A bad shot turns into a triple bogey and ruins their score for the round. Minimizing the damage is critical after a poor shot. First, don’t get so upset after a bad shot that it causes you to try to hit a perfect recovery shot. Some player’s anger makes them too aggressive on the next shot and they end up making matters worse. If you get into trouble and hit the ball into the woods, instead of trying to hit the perfect fade around and over the trees, chip out and play for bogey. Keep your emotions in check because anger or frustration can cause you to make poor decisions on the golf course. Negative emotions also cause you to hit shots very quickly without the proper thought process.

Second, keep the ball in play. For example, if you are on a tight par four with water on the right and out-of-bounds on the left, you don’t have to hit a driver just because everyone else hits a driver. You can play the hole like a par five. Hit an iron off the tee, lay up with another iron, and wedge the ball on for a chance to make par, at worst bogey. It’s a lot easier to play from the fairway than the bottom of the lake! Third, don’t carry the expectation that you will make a big number at some point during the round. That expectation may turn into reality with your help.

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