Yardage books and gameplans rarely, if ever, cater for recreational golfers. So, here’s a very simple strategy to reduce frustration and increase the happy moments out on the golf course.

As you look at each green on approach, split it into 4 quadrants.

In the example above, a miss front left leaves you short-sided at best. In the river, worst case. A front right miss and you’re short-sided again, possibly in the bunker. The back left is not as bad as the previous two quadrants, but pull it or get an unlucky bounce and the river is in play.

Aiming for the back right quadrant means a miss to the right leaves you a relatively simple chip or pitch shot with lots of green to work with.

This is a simple way to plan your approach shot now. You can aim for the center of the back right quadrant knowing that:

a) A square strike that isn’t quite pure will still clear the bunker and leave you with a birdie putt.
b) A pull or draw will still leave up back left.
c) A slide or fade will leave you an easy chip or pitch shot.
d) A perfect shot leaves you a straight-forward two putts and you move on.  

None of these options is a double bogey. Most give you a better-than-even chance of a par.

Golf is the search for perfection, but a game of misses. Make sure your misses leave you simple shots that give you a chance of a ‘save’.

Three reasons to have a playing lesson. Firstly, it includes game management. How to avoid frustration, and experience more good moments. Secondly, we get to observe your technique under pressure in all sorts of conditions, playing all sorts of shots. We get to give so much more advice. Finally, it is a lot of fun connecting out on the golf course. If you want the best way to learn, leave your details below.