The Temptation of the Hero Shot
Every golfer knows the feeling. You are slightly blocked by trees or staring down a water hazard, but the green looks reachable. Instead of laying up, you go for it. Most of the time, it does not work.
Hero shots are exciting, but they are also responsible for countless double bogeys and ruined rounds.
Course Management Beats Swing Changes
Many golfers chase improvement through swing tweaks, when the biggest gains are available through better decisions. Choosing safer targets, aiming away from trouble, and accepting longer putts often leads to lower scores without changing technique.
Professional golfers miss fairways and greens too. The difference is where they miss.
Playing the Long Game
Safer golf is not boring golf. It is controlled golf. Over 18 holes, conservative decisions compound into better results. You may hit fewer spectacular shots, but you will also avoid disasters.
For most amateurs, fewer penalties and fewer recovery shots equal better scoring.