“Golf is 20 percent talent and 80 percent management.” - Ben Hogan
By Ian Hardie
Yesterday, I played in a memorial tournament at the golf club
The aim of the day is to get old friends, fellow golf pros and acquaintances of the former club pro together to remember a true gentleman
He was extremely well liked and always had a positive word or tip for any golfer he talked to
The consummate professional golfer – a fine player, a fine teacher and a fine person
As it was an informal day – the format for the event was a team comprised of one professional and four amateurs
The game was called Ambrose – which is also known as a scramble
As the professional in the group, my strategy was to have the other players hit from the tee first
If there was a drive that finished in a good position for the next shot – I could be aggressive
Going for either the very long drive or attacking the flag aggressively
Shots that ordinarily – being mindful of trying to put together a score – I wouldn’t attempt
If the other player’s drives were not in a good position for the next shot – I was able to use my experience
And play the percentage shot, so that the team could move forward without disaster
It got me to thinking afterwards – how can this help your game?
The answer – I realised is that it can help golfers practice more effectively
More importantly than that
I had forgotten that I used to do it myself – when I went to a tournament at a course I hadn’t played before
Most golfers I see out on the course having a practice round are simply hitting one ball – exactly as you would in an organised day or competition
And with the way most courses are busy these days and full of other golfers – I accept that this may be the only thing available to you
But maybe it’s worth heading out either very early or very late in the day
And playing your own personal Ambrose
Here’s why
Watch a professional golfer have a practice round and it’s completely different to what most golfers do
They will play 3 or 4 balls from the tee, possibly each with a different club or at least a different shot shape
They might try different lines or even another fairway
They aren’t that concerned about where the balls end up – they are just trying to find the best shot to hit
Or the best way to play the hole
Then they will hit their next shot from the point on the fairway where they expect their good shot to finish
They don’t blindly hack one ball along just because that’s where they hit it
They build confidence for the future by hitting shots from the ideal places
Because of that when they go to play the real round
They have experience in playing from the best spots
And how much confidence do you think that gives them?
More to the point – what would you give to be able to develop that sort of confidence?
So head on out there when you can and play your own Ambrose
You will be surprised how much better you feel about your regular game after doing it
Play well
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