Golf & Tourism Magazine July - September 2014 | Page 12

yards covered, there are only 40 yards left;
that distance can be covered with a number of
different clubs including the putter. This puts
you on the green in three strokes and leaves
you with three puts to achieve your goal of
six strokes. If you only putt twice, you get a
five, which makes it one under your goal. If
you play this way consistently your game can
only improve.

“To set your game plan shot
by shot and hole by hole you have to
create a plan that fits your abilities.
Work the percentages. Do not try to hit
“the shot of the day” every time.”

Did you know that “Par” on a course varies depending on the course condition and
weather? So why can’t you set your own “Par”
to fit your game? “Par” is a rating made to
standardize the game and is rated for the average, proficient or better yet professional
golfer, and how much the player should shoot
on a given hole. “Par” is like a suggested retail price. No one pays retail. Some pay more
and some pay less. The better you can negotiate, the better the price you get.
Establish a game plan, a strategy. Know what
club you plan to hit on every tee. The driver is
not always the best choice. Know where and
where not to hit the shot. Know where you
can also miss the shot and still recover. Learn
which pin positions you can attack. Learn to
recognize the “sucker” pin placements. Know
that it is better to shoot for the middle of the
green regardless of the pin placement. Learn
that there is a premium in putting the ball on
the fairway off the tee regardless of distance.
Always give yourself the chance to hit the ball
to a place where you can find it and be able
to hit it again. Eliminate the penalty shots by
making good decisions on the course. Lastly,
set your expectations in accordance with your
abilities. Remember that you don’t do this for
a living and you are supposed to do this for
fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously and you
will enjoy this wonderful game every time you
play. Work on your course management skills
and your game will improve.

Andres Subira is a Master Golf Coach with the United
States Golf Teacher’s Federation. Currently, he is the
Director of Instruction, Master Club Fitter and Club
Maker at Rio Bayamon Golf Course.
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2014