You’ve done the planning, and the day has finally arrived. You’re on your trip and at the course. So, how can you ensure that you make the most of the round?
First suggestion: Be smart when picking your tees, especially if you are playing multiple rounds or even multiple rounds on the same course.
Examine the scorecard and make the choices that give you the best chance for your success. If you’re a high handicapper, don’t automatically play the tips, or even one tee box up from the tips just because this is your golf trip and, dammit, you’re going to take on the challenge. Golf is challenging enough. If the course you’ve earned your handicap index on is 6,200 yards, choose the tees that are closest to that. Choosing tees that add 300 or more yards to your round could mean you’re hitting more uncomfortable shots and that’s going to impact your score and – most importantly – your enjoyment.
Trust me, it’s no fun to get a golf trip off to a frustrating start because you blow up because you chose to play a strange course from a length you’re not used to tackling. Who are we to say you shouldn’t challenge yourself by playing a tee box, or even 2, back? We’re just saying get your trip legs first. Playing from familiar distances gives you the chance to start with a good round and build the confidence to take on a bigger challenge as you progress through your trip.