SMART GOLF
By Chris Kasheta, Head Golf Professional at The International

July is “Smart Golf” month. Not a distinction decreed by golf’s ruling bodies, but by yours truly. For anyone who has played this game, “Smart Golf” may seem an oxymoron. Chasing a little ball over acres and acres of land, attempting to have it settle into a four-and-a-quarter-inch hole is a bit, how should we say, crazy, but we can apply traits we have learned in life to our golf game.

“Smart Golf” can simply mean hitting a 6-iron from the tee of a par 4 because the fairway narrows or to avoid a hazard. That 6-iron, landing in the fairway, can save a shot or two. Laying up short of trouble is often more valuable than trying to fly over it.

There is also a lot to be said for trusting your instincts. You know the feeling you get in your daily life when you are about to do something unnerving, like passing a car in traffic or purchasing that next high-tech piece of equipment? Trusting your instincts is usually the way to go. You rely on your feelings to dictate your actions. The same rules of intuition can be applied to golf.

Unless you hit 1,000 balls per day, you should fall back on a shot and club you trust. How many times have you thought to yourself, “I knew I was going to do that!” How did you know? Learning to listen to yourself will save you strokes. When you are playing well, take advantage of your confidence. You know you will hit a good shot, so trust yourself and be aggressive. On those days when you question everything you are about to do, be cautious. Play safe. Use less club and expect to be a little short. Most golf courses can be played from the front of the green, very few from beyond.

Next time out, determine your level of confidence and let that help dictate your actions. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the results.