A thinking cap isn't part of standard golf equipment, but you would be wise to wear one on the course. Employing the proper strategy is one of the best ways to shave off strokes. Knowing when to air out a shot or layup are good ways to lower your score. Weather conditions also come into play, specifically the wind. And do not forget the hazards. Staying clear of water and sand makes your round more successful.
Tee Time
Using the tee box to your advantage is good strategy for scoring. Teeing off in the middle of the box is smart when the green is straight ahead. A simple strategy can give you the edge when negotiating doglegs. On a dogleg right, teeing off from the left side of the box cuts down the angle. On a dogleg left, teeing off from the right side provides the same advantage.
Club Choice
Knowing when -- and when not -- to hit a certain club comes with experience. To use baseball as an example, a starting pitcher has a good fastball one day, but the curveball is not working. The pitcher stays away from the curve. Golf works the same way. You are not going to have the feel for every club during a round. Hitting the clubs that are working and leaving the ineffective clubs in the bag involves knowledge and strategy.
Hazardous Material
There is a bunker 200 yards down and off the right side of the tee. Or, there is water 200 yards down and off to the left of the fairway. Big hitters that average 250 yards on the drive can swing away, knowing they can clear the obstacles. When you are not as strong off the tee, aiming away from the hazards is the best strategy. In the short game, knowing when to layup or hit for more distance to avoid a bunker or water near the green keeps you out of trouble.
Climate Control
Wind always seems to come into play on the golf course. On one hole, the wind is blowing straight in; on another, it is at your back. Crosswinds are also a factor, so it is important to gauge the weather before every shot. Ripping up blades of grass and tossing them in the air is a tried-and-true method for judging wind. When you are closer to the green, the flag on the pin clues you in to wind speed and direction. Strategic golfers realize more club is needed to cut through wind blowing in, and less club is needed when the wind is at your back.
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