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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 Next Frontier in Golf

Smart Clubs and High-Tech Simulators

Published

4 days ago

October 14, 2024

Robert Greenfield

Hello, golf enthusiasts and tech aficionados,

In today’s installment of “Tales from the Greens: Chronicles of Golf Through the Ages,” we dive into the exciting world of emerging golf technologies. From smart golf clubs that offer real-time swing analytics to next-generation simulators that bring the world’s top courses to your living room, the future of golf is here. Let’s explore these innovations that are transforming how we play and enjoy golf.

Smart Golf Clubs: Enhancing Performance with Data

The latest development in golf equipment is the smart club. These clubs are equipped with sensors and other technologies that provide feedback on every swing. Here’s how they’re changing the game:

Swing Analysis: Sensors track speed, angle, and precision, offering suggestions for improvement.
Real-Time Feedback: Connect your club to a smartphone app to get immediate insights during practice rounds, enabling on-the-spot adjustments.

Next-Gen Golf Simulators: A Gateway to Virtual Courses

Golf simulators have evolved significantly, with the latest models offering an immersive experience that rivals playing on a real course. Benefits include:

Virtual Play on Famous Courses: Play world-famous courses from your home, experiencing different terrains and conditions without travel. Check out places like Top Golf and Five Iron Golf.
Improved Accuracy: High-definition cameras and sensors capture your swing and ball trajectory with incredible precision, providing a realistic golfing experience.

AI and Machine Learning: Customized Coaching

Artificial intelligence (AI) in golf isn’t just a concept; it’s becoming a practical coaching tool. AI analyzes your performance over time to offer customized coaching tips, making it a personal trainer at your fingertips.

Social Integration: Connect and Compete

Modern golf technologies allow players to connect with friends and competitors online. Share your performance data, challenge others to virtual rounds, and even enter online tournaments.

These technological advancements are making golf more accessible and enjoyable for players at all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to fine-tune your game or a newcomer seeking a friendly introduction to the sport, there’s never been a better time to be a golfer.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore how innovation is driving the future of golf.

Warm regards, Robert Greenfield

Blog

The Fine Art of the Mulligan

When One Swing Just Isn’t Enough

Published

6 days ago

October 12, 2024

Ty Webb

Hey there, fellow golfers and masters of the do-over! Today, we’re diving into a topic that every golfer holds near and dear to their heart: the mulligan. Ah, yes—the unofficial “get out of jail free” card of golf. Let’s face it, sometimes one swing just isn’t enough, and when things go sideways faster than a shanked drive, you’ll find yourself reaching for the ultimate reset button: the mulligan.

So let’s explore the fine art of the mulligan, a concept so sacred and universally loved that it’s basically the only part of golf where breaking the rules feels like a warm hug.

The Origins of the Mulligan: An Age-Old Tradition
Now, no one really knows where the mulligan came from. Some say it was invented by a golfer named David Mulligan in the 1920s who decided that one bad swing shouldn’t ruin his day. Others say it dates back to the cavemen days when a poorly thrown rock could be followed up with, “Eh, I’m taking another one!” Either way, the mulligan is as timeless as golf itself. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down through generations, like a family recipe for disaster.
When to Take a Mulligan: The Goldilocks Rule
Knowing when to pull the mulligan card is an art. Too soon, and you look like you’ve got no faith in your swing. Too late, and you’re stuck playing from the depths of a bunker that’s more beach than golf course. The trick? The “Goldilocks Rule”: your first swing has to be just bad enough. Not horrendously bad (that’s when you blame the club), but not great either—something in the sweet spot of “Oops, let’s pretend that didn’t happen.” Just bad enough to justify the do-over, but not so bad that you need to ask for forgiveness from your playing partners.
The Silent Agreement: Mulligan Etiquette
Let’s be honest—mulligans are like magic tricks. They only work if everyone agrees to keep the secret. You can’t just shout “MULLIGAN!” like you’re starting a revolution. No, no. A good mulligan requires finesse. You glance at your buddies, give them the universal “we cool with this?” look, and if you’re lucky, they’ll nod or offer a half-smile. That’s all the permission you need. But if your friends start counting how many mulligans you’ve taken, it’s time to cool it. This isn’t the Mulligan Masters, after all.
Mulligan Multiplication: The Real Math of Golf
Ah, the fun of scoring golf with mulligans. If you’re like most people, a round of golf involves more math than a calculus exam. “Okay, I’ll count that first shot, but I’ll take a mulligan on the second. So it’s one off the tee, mulligan, drop two… wait, what hole is this?” It’s the kind of mental gymnastics that would make a math teacher cry. But remember: the official scorecard doesn’t need to know about your little mulligan miracle. That’s strictly between you, the course, and that friend who’s pretending they didn’t see you take another swing.
The “Breakfast Ball” Mulligan
If there’s one time when a mulligan is practically a requirement, it’s the “breakfast ball.” You’ve just rolled out of bed, barely had your coffee, and now you’re supposed to hit a perfect drive off the first tee? Not gonna happen. The breakfast ball is the sacred mulligan of early tee times. The first ball is really just a warm-up. The second one? That’s the one you meant to hit. The breakfast ball is the golf world’s way of saying, “Hey, no one should have to hit the fairway before 8 a.m. without a little grace.”
No Mulligans in Life, Except on the Course
The great thing about mulligans? They don’t exist in real life. Can you imagine taking a mulligan in a work meeting? “Oops, I’ll just redo that presentation. Mulligan!” Or in a conversation with your boss? “Yeah, I definitely didn’t mean to say that. Mulligan!” No way. But on the golf course? Mulligans are free, unlimited (depending on how much you like your friends), and glorious. They remind us that second chances are always an option, at least when you’re chasing a little white ball around a field.

So there you have it, folks—a deep dive into the glorious art of the mulligan. Whether you’re dropping one after a wayward tee shot or throwing one in for fun with the boys, remember: the mulligan is more than just a do-over. It’s an institution. It’s a gift from the golfing gods. And most importantly, it’s the greatest loophole in a game that’s usually all about following the rules. Until next time, may your first swing be great—but if it’s not, may your mulligans be plentiful. Mulligan on, my friends!

Blog

Best Drills to Improve Your Golf Game

Published

2 weeks ago

October 4, 2024

Ms. Lexi The Golf Guru

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just getting started, one thing remains true: practice makes perfect. In a game where precision and control reign supreme, regular practice is essential to lower your scores and boost your confidence on the course. Yet, it’s not just about time spent; it’s about the quality of the drills and techniques you incorporate into your practice routine.

Think about the pros you see on TV—what separates them from casual players isn’t just talent, but their dedication to mastering the fundamentals. The benefits of structured, focused practice are immense: it sharpens your mental game, improves your muscle memory, and builds consistency over time. By focusing on key areas like putting, ball striking, and your swing mechanics, you can unlock your full potential on the course.

Golf is unique because every aspect of the game requires a different set of skills. A powerful, accurate driver won’t mean much if you can’t sink the putt when you’re on the green. That’s why we’ve compiled a set of the best drills to help golfers of any level improve. Whether you need to correct a slice, add more distance to your shots, or improve your touch around the green, these drills will guide you to becoming a more well-rounded player.

Alignment Stick Drill
- Place an alignment stick on the ground to check the path of your swing. This helps ensure your club follows the correct line, improving accuracy. Focus on keeping your clubface square to the target as you swing along the stick.
Lag Putting Drill
- For better control on the greens, practice long putts. Place markers at different distances and work on lagging the ball to within a 3-foot radius of each marker. This will help build confidence in your putting touch.
Swing Plane Drill
- Attach a towel or club across your chest and rotate your shoulders to simulate a proper swing plane. This drill helps in maintaining proper body rotation and avoiding over-the-top swings, which often lead to slicing or pulling the ball.
Impact Bag Drill
- Using an impact bag helps you focus on the moment your club strikes the ball. Practice hitting the bag to work on delivering maximum force at impact, improving ball striking and overall distance.
Gate Drill
- To improve your putting stroke, place two tees just wider than the width of your putter head and practice hitting putts between them without touching the tees. This drill encourages a straight, smooth stroke, which is critical for sinking putts consistently.
Weight Transfer Drill
- Take swings focusing on shifting your weight from your back foot to your front foot. This drill helps you generate more power and control by encouraging a full body rotation, which is essential for distance and accuracy.
Club-Behind-Back Rotation Drill
- Hold a club behind your back with both hands and rotate your shoulders back and forth. This exercise helps improve flexibility and shoulder rotation, which are key to achieving a fuller backswing and follow-through.
Pitching Ladder Drill
- Set up targets at varying distances and practice pitching the ball to land as close to each target as possible. This drill enhances your control and touch with wedges, crucial for lowering scores around the green.
Chip-to-Towel Drill
- Place a towel on the green at a specific distance and practice chipping balls so they land on the towel. This drill sharpens your feel for distance control, an essential skill for precision around the green.

By incorporating these drills into your regular practice routine, you’ll develop better accuracy, distance control, and consistency, all of which will help lower your scores and improve your overall golf game.