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Playing Par 5s: How to Own Them

Published

3 years ago

July 16, 2021

Here’s the deal, golf lessons can be great. If you take them from a reputable club pro, you may learn a lot about swing mechanics, the plane of your swing, tempo, swing speed and even impact position. However, lessons don’t tell you how to look at a golf hole and assess the risk vs. reward. Simply put, lessons do not get into hole strategy.

So, when you are standing on the tee box on hole 16, a 487-yard par 5 with a 245-yard forced carry AND you are playing the round of your life…what do you do? Your golf buddies are saying things like “You didn’t come this far to lay up“ or “Don’t over think it, just rip driver”. They may be right, but without a plan you are basically throwing darts blind. Nothing hurts more than carding a snowman on a birdie hole and nothing will jack up your score as well as your mental game faster than indecision.

We all hate the dreaded “Big Number” and that’s why we are here for you. So, the next time you are in that spot, remember these 5 tips:

Five keys to owning par 5s:

– Don’t just automatically grab driver – Choose the right club off the tee
– Look at your lie – Assess what shot best suits your approach
– Take an extra club on your approach – 70% of approach shots come up short
– Know where to miss – Do not always go flag hunting
– Have a number in mind to lay up to in case you can’t go after it in two

Many weekend golfers hate par 5s because they are long and can seem daunting. The task: you are basically trying to get a 1 ½ inch ball into a 4-inch hole from 5 football fields away! But they also provide great opportunity if played properly. They are a golden goose for birdies and can turn an 81 into a 79 like that.

1. Select the Right Club on a Par 5

I know you heard me before, but this is a huge mistake I see all the time. You don’t always have to hit driver off the tee. You can hit a fairway wood or a hybrid. Shoot If I know I can not get home in two, I hit my 3 iron all day off the box and more times than not am sitting pretty for my approach while my buddies are ball hunting in the woods. Let’s be honest, it’s probably going to take three shots to reach the green any way unless you can bomb it 300+. So, use the club that gives you the best chance of finding the fairway.

2. Look at Your Lie and Assess The Shot

This is the golden ticket to scoring on Par 5’s. Little known fact: The second shot is often the key to beating par 5s. You need to play a smart shot that puts you in the best position to card a 4. Start by looking at your lie; is it in the fairway or first cut, is it a flier lie or sitting down a little bit, is it side hill above or below your feet? All of these will 100% determine what club you can and should hit. Hitting a 3-wood off a downhill side hill lie in the intermediate rough is hard to do. I suggest you take your medicine and lay up to a good number, so you hit the GIR and have a look at bird.

3. Take an Extra Club

This one is huge. Most approach shots come up short. The average handicap for men is about a 15. The average swing speed is 93 mph and produces a 220 yard drive. Ask around, everyone thinks they hit the ball farther than they actually do. Here are some trackman averages for reference. Take an extra wrench and thank me later. You will hit more greens, score better and find yourself shooting lower scores.

4. Know Where to Miss

Now you hit your drive, you looked at your lie, you have the right club for your approach, time to go flag hunting, right? WRONG. You want to look at the green complex and pin placement. You want to see where the greenside bunkers are. Does the green slope down and away or is there a false front? Start taking note of the danger areas and take them out of play. These determinations will help you pick out a landing area for this shot. For the love of the game, do yourself a favor and stay away from trouble at all costs. Play smart and aim center green. Nobody hit it dead straight every time, well maybe the guys on tour, but even they miss a handful of times per round. This strategy of knowing where not to be, allows you to better understand where to be! It gives you the greatest chance of hitting the green even on a slight miss.

5. Know Your Ideal Lay Up Number

There is no shame in laying up on a par 5. More times than not, smart money says it’s the right move. That’s especially true if the flag is protected by water or a massive pot bunker. Sometimes golfers try to pull off a miracle shot on their second from 237 out in the rough under a tree. They end up in the drink and dropping hitting 4 and will likely post a double bogie when its all said and done. Had they just taken the 5 iron out and laid back to 120 in they would have stuck a 9 iron to 15 feet and a look at 4!

Now I am no PGA tour pro golfer. I am a 5.5 handicap and like the Alice in Wonderland quote “I give myself very good advice, but very seldom follow it” I will tell you, however, that on occasion I stumble onto a pearl and feel the need to pass it on. Use this simple five-step approach above when playing par 5s. It’s a practical golf lesson that can help you own par 5s no matter their length or difficulty. That, in turn, will cut strokes from your scores, lower your handicap and have you collecting the $$$ at the end of the round.

BONUS SCORING DRILL:

Here is Today’s Tip… Your Wedges.

Very few weekend warriors practice hitting wedges at less than full distances. Ironically, however, we face these shots all the time on the course. I know I do. The closer your approach shots the better your chance of draining putts. It’s funny, I always told myself that I was not a great putter. I started doing this drill below and low and behold my distance to the pin was tighter and I started making more putts. Turns out, I was not a bad putter at all, I just was hitting my approach shots to 40 feet. Here’s how I fixed it:

Pick three awkward distances — say 25, 50 and 75 yards… then hit five balls at each target. Now, don’t just grab the 60 for all these shots, actually select the club you would use in a round. Give yourself a point for each ball that lands within what you consider an acceptable distance — I use a 15-foot circle. Max score for this drill is 15 points. Whatever you score, try to beat that number the next day, with the perfect score of 15.

I guarantee if you do this a couple of days in a row, or even for just 15 minutes before your round, you will be stunned at the results on the course. Once you score 15, tighten up that proximity the next time. Pretty soon you will be sending those pitch shots inside a 5-foot circle and have you golf buddies jealous as your ex at your wedding.

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The Pioneers Who Shaped the Game

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Robert Greenfield

In our journey through the rich history of golf in the series “Tales from the Greens: Chronicles of Golf Through the Ages,” today’s installment celebrates the pioneers who have shaped this noble sport. These trailblazers have not only mastered the game but also influenced its development, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations. Let’s honor some of these influential figures and their indelible impact on golf.

Old Tom Morris: The Grandfather of the Green

Old Tom Morris, born in 1821 in St. Andrews, Scotland, is a figure synonymous with the early days of professional golf. Morris was a four-time winner of The Open Championship during its nascent stage. More than just a player, he was instrumental in designing courses, crafting equipment, and nurturing young talent, including his son, Young Tom Morris, who was also a golfing champion. His contributions to course design, especially at St. Andrews, helped mold the very arenas in which the game evolved.

Bobby Jones: The Gentleman Golfer

An amateur who competed against the world’s best professional golfers, Bobby Jones left an indelible mark on the world of golf. He co-founded Augusta National and The Masters Tournament, creating a stage for golfing greatness. His sportsmanship and commitment to the amateur spirit of golf earned him a revered place in golf history.

Arnold Palmer: The King of the Fairways

Arnold Palmer, known affectionately as “The King,” brought golf to the masses. His charismatic personality and aggressive style of play won him a legion of fans known as “Arnie’s Army.” Palmer’s approachable persona and business acumen helped turn golf into a sport accessible to all, and he played a key role in the commercial growth of golf during the television age.

Annika Sörenstam: Redefining Women’s Golf

Annika Sörenstam, a dominant force in women’s golf, pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in the women’s game. With 10 major championships and 72 LPGA Tour wins, her precision and consistency set new standards. Sörenstam also played a pivotal role in raising the profile of women’s golf globally.

Tiger Woods: A Modern-Day Legend

Tiger Woods’ impact on golf is profound, transcending the sport itself. His unparalleled career includes 15 major championships and numerous records. Woods brought athleticism to the forefront of golf, influenced countless with his competitive nature, and broadened the sport’s appeal across diverse audiences.

These pioneers have not only shaped the way the game is played but have also influenced how it is perceived around the world. Their stories are not just of personal achievement but also of advancing the sport to new heights.

As we celebrate the legends who have shaped golf, it’s essential to also recognize emerging talents who are poised to leave their mark on the sport. Among the promising new stars, Collin Morikawa stands out as a future legend in the making.

Join me next time as we explore how golf’s major tournaments have evolved into the global events they are today.

Thank you for tuning in to our exploration of golf’s greatest pioneers.

Warm regards, Robert Greenfield

Blog

From Knickers to Performance Wear, The Evolution of Golf Fashion

From argyle socks and knickers to performance fabrics and UV-blocking shirts, golf fashion has transformed alongside the game, blending style, comfort, and innovation.

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Ty Webb

Ah, golf fashion—proof that what we wear on the course evolves as much as our handicaps (or lack thereof). Once upon a time, golfers roamed the links in knickers and argyle socks, looking like extras from a 1920s costume party. Fast-forward to today, and we’ve got performance fabrics that wick sweat, block UV rays, and might even lower your score (okay, maybe not, but let me dream). Let’s take a lighthearted stroll down memory lane and explore how golf fashion has gone from “Oh, how quaint” to “Wow, is that breathable moisture-control technology?”

The Golden Age of Knickers and Argyle

Back in the day, golfers dressed like they were starring in a black-and-white film. Knickers—those baggy pants that stopped just below the knee—were all the rage, paired with argyle socks and flat caps. These outfits weren’t just about making a statement; they were about showing the world that golf was a gentleman’s game. Sure, they might’ve been heavy and hot, but at least you looked like a gentleman while sweating through a round.

Plaid, Polyester, and the Rise of Loudness

Enter the mid-20th century, where golfers decided subtlety was overrated. Plaid pants in every color of the rainbow dominated the fairways, paired with brightly colored polo shirts and polyester blends that barely breathed. Golfers of this era dressed like peacocks, and honestly? It was magnificent. Fashion was fun, bold, and a little bit absurd—just like some of our swings.

The Caddyshack Era: Fun Meets Freedom

Ah, the 1980s—an era when golf fashion got a little looser, a little more fun, and a lot more relatable. Movies like Caddyshack brought golf to a new audience, and suddenly, you didn’t need to look like you’d stepped out of a haberdashery to play a round. Shorts made their debut (thank you, sunshine), and colorful visors became as essential as putters. The best part? You could actually move in these clothes.

Modern Day: The Age of Performance

Today, golf fashion is all about performance. Fabrics that stretch, breathe, and repel rain have revolutionized what we wear on the course. Hats with cooling tech, shirts that block UV rays, and pants that move with your swing are now the standard. Plus, brands like Nike and Adidas have made sure we look good while wearing it all. Let’s just say if the golfers of the 1920s saw us now, they’d probably faint—though, to be fair, it might be from the lack of argyle.

The Future of Golf Fashion

What’s next for golf fashion? Smart clothes that analyze your swing? Shoes that adjust automatically to terrain? Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: golf fashion will keep evolving, just like the game itself. Until then, wear what makes you feel good—whether it’s high-tech performance gear or a retro plaid throwback.

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The Benefits of Custom Club Fitting: Is It Worth the Investment?

Discover how custom club fitting can transform your golf game by enhancing accuracy, distance, and confidence with equipment tailored to your unique swing.

Published

3 days ago

November 18, 2024

The BLOG MAN

In the ever-evolving world of golf, players are constantly searching for ways to improve their game. While swing mechanics and practice are critical, many golfers overlook one key factor: the importance of using clubs that fit their unique swing. Enter custom club fitting—a service that tailors golf equipment to match your individual needs. But is it truly worth the investment? Let’s break it down.

What Is Custom Club Fitting?

Custom club fitting is a process where golf clubs are modified or built to suit your swing characteristics, physical attributes, and playing style. Unlike off-the-shelf clubs, custom-fitted clubs ensure the perfect match for your swing speed, ball flight tendencies, and body measurements. This results in better consistency, improved accuracy, and more enjoyable rounds.

Key Benefits of Custom Club Fitting

Enhanced Consistency
Custom clubs ensure your swing mechanics and equipment work in harmony. Properly fitted clubs help reduce mishits and make your shots more predictable. For example, adjusting the lie angle can prevent pulls or pushes, making it easier to hit straight shots.
Increased Distance
Optimizing shaft flex, loft, and weight distribution can unlock extra yardage on your drives. A correctly fitted driver, according to Callaway, can boost distance by improving launch angle and spin rate—ideal for maximizing power.
Improved Accuracy
Titleist research shows that custom-fitted irons tailored to the player’s height and swing path can significantly enhance accuracy. With the right specifications, you’re more likely to hit greens in regulation and lower your scores.
Comfort and Confidence
Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical. Clubs that feel comfortable in your hands and suit your swing give you confidence on the course. TaylorMade emphasizes that properly sized grips alone can make a difference in how secure and natural the club feels.
A Better Long-Term Investment
While custom clubs may come with a higher price tag upfront, they save money in the long run by preventing the need to constantly replace ill-fitting equipment.

The Fitting Process

Custom fitting is more than just trying out a few clubs at the range. It’s a comprehensive process involving advanced tools and professional expertise:

Assessment of Your Swing
Using technology like TrackMan or GCQuad, a fitter will analyze your swing speed, launch angle, spin rate, and other metrics.
Adjusting Club Specifications
Based on the data, the fitter will adjust or recommend specific shaft lengths, flex types, lofts, lie angles, and grip sizes to optimize your performance.
Trial and Feedback
You’ll test various configurations, providing feedback on how each club feels and performs. This step ensures you leave with clubs that truly suit you.

Where to Get Fitted

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of custom club fitting, here are some excellent options to explore:

Manufacturer Studios
Brands like Ping, Callaway, Titleist, and TaylorMade offer fitting services at their specialized centers, ensuring precision and access to the latest technology.
Golf Retailers
PGA Tour Superstore, Golf Galaxy, and Dick’s Sporting Goods provide professional fitting services, often with certified experts.
Local Fitters
Independent club fitters, such as Club Champion and True Spec Golf, specialize in custom fittings with a wide variety of brands and configurations.
Golf Courses
Many courses partner with manufacturers or employ their own club fitters to offer on-site services.

Is It Worth the Investment?

For golfers committed to improving their game, custom club fitting is undoubtedly worth it. By investing in equipment tailored to your specific needs, you’ll not only play better but also enjoy the game more. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, custom-fitted clubs provide a competitive edge that off-the-shelf clubs simply can’t match.

Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to unlock your full potential on the course, book a custom club fitting today. With the right clubs in your bag, there’s no limit to how far your game can go!