Course Management: Playing Smarter for Lower Scores

Getting a lower score in golf isnʼt always about hitting your drives straighter and longer. Like with anything, having a plan of attack can help make your day more fun and, more importantly, keep those frustrating double bogeys off your scorecard.

A golf course is wide open, and there are infinite ways to get to the hole—some easier and some much harder. Course management is about avoiding the painful routes based on understanding your own strengths and weaknesses. If you tend to slice or push the ball right on most of your shots, adjust your aim to give yourself the most wiggle room. If your iron play is inconsistent, maybe laying up short of trouble is a better play than trying to be a hero.

You donʼt have to play perfect golf. You just need to play smart, be aware of your capabilities, and avoid disaster. Letʼs break down the best course management strategies from the top YouTube golf instructors and how they can help you shave strokes off your game.

The Best Course Management Strategies

Using insights from the video transcripts, here are four core categories of course

management that will help you break 100 (and eventually break 90).

1. Off-the-Tee Strategy

A bad drive doesn't just cost you one stroke—it often leads to two or three wasted shots scrambling back into position. Smart golfers play to their strengths off the tee and avoid unnecessary risks.

Key Tips:

• Play the Right Club - You donʼt always need a driver. If your driver is inconsistent, consider using a 3-wood or hybrid to keep the ball in play.

• Pick a Safe Target - If you tend to miss right, aim slightly left to give yourself room. Donʼt automatically aim straight down the fairway.

• Avoid Hazards at All Costs - If bunkers or water are in play, itʼs worth sacrificing distance to avoid them.

2. Approach Shot Selection

Your strategy on approach shots can make or break your score. Many beginners focus too much on reaching the green in regulation, when playing for the best next shot is often smarter.

Key Tips:

• Donʼt Chase the Pin - Aim for the fat part of the green, not the flagstick. A shot to the middle of the green gives you a putt. A shot at the flag that comes up short puts you in trouble.

• Lay Up When Necessary - If a hazard is in front of the green and youʼre not confident in the carry, lay up to a safe distance.

• Know Your Distances - Guessing leads to short shots. Learn your true club distances instead of assuming you can always hit a 7-iron 160 yards.

3. The Short Game Approach

Most golfers lose the majority of their strokes inside 50 yards. The best players

play for an easy next shot rather than trying to hit miracle saves.

Key Tips:

• Putt Whenever Possible - If you can putt from off the green, do it. Chipping and pitching add unnecessary risk.

• Use the Easiest Shot Available - A simple bump-and-run is more reliable than a high lob shot.

• Play for a Two-Putt - Lag putting is key. Always aim to leave yourself a tap-in second putt rather than aggressively going for one-putts.

  
  

4. Mental Approach & Decision Making

Course management is just as much a mental game as it is about shot execution.

The best golfers make calm, smart decisions rather than reacting emotionally.

Key Tips:

• Have a "Next Shot" Mindset - If you hit a bad shot, donʼt chase a risky recovery. Get back into position and minimize the damage.

• Think Two Shots Ahead - Instead of just trying to advance the ball, ask yourself, “Where do I want to be for my next shot?ˮ

• Avoid “Hero Shotsˮ - If youʼre in the trees, just punch out to the fairway instead of trying to thread a miracle shot through a tight gap.

Final Thoughts: Play Smarter, Not Harder

Golf is just as much a mental game as it is about your physical skills. Taking the time to think through a hole not only helps you relax and swing with confidence, but also allows you to appreciate the beauty of the course and the strategy behind its design. Each hole presents a puzzle—some routes are straightforward, while others demand creativity and risk. The key? Find the right balance between challenge and control.

As a beginner, inconsistency is just part of the journey. Instead of trying to force the longest shots, focus on hitting the clubs you feel most comfortable with. For me, chipping has always been my weakest link, so Iʼll putt from off the green whenever I can to avoid mishits and keep my score low. It might not be flashy, but saving strokes is what really matters.

At the end of the day, course management is about playing to your strengths, making smart choices, and enjoying the game. Whether youʼre going for a bold approach or a safe layup, a well-thought-out strategy will help you shoot lower scores, have more fun, and build confidence every round.