Vol. 4: Don’t Be The Hero!
Most of the time when players hear the word “fundamentals” they automatically think of fixed positions. Now, I won’t deny there are better ways to address the golf ball compared to others, but I’ve also seen players with nightmare setups who found a way to hit the ball better than the player who had a “fundamentally” perfect setup. With that being said, enjoy this weeks Moving Day Newsletter.
What You’ll Learn Today
✅ 3 scoring fundamentals required to shoot lower scores
✅ The standard head-to-head match play game I play against my friends
✅ A new variation of a foursome game I learned this week
✅ Why tee times are spaced on specific and “random” times
We’ve all been there… You hit the ball pretty good, you even putt well and don’t have more than one 3 putt per round.
But, your score still doesn’t reflect how well you played. If you missed last weeks newsletter, check it out here and learn the GIR to Score stat.
Today, I’m going to give what I believe to be the fundamentals of scoring.
Fundamental #1: You don’t need to be the hero
Let me share a little story that's close to my heart. You see, I grew up in a family of handy folks and hard workers, where wood projects, car repairs, and even building a house together were everyday adventures. With two older brothers setting the bar high, I had a fiery determination to keep up and prove my strength and prowess.
Whenever we were moving tools in the wood shop, I'd tell myself, "I can move that wood jointer on my own, no sweat!" Flexing my muscles like a young Hercules, I was eager to impress. But my wise dad would chuckle and say, "Son, don't be the hero." In other words, don't overdo it and hurt yourself.
Those words have stayed with me like a trusty caddie, guiding me through life's tricky shots. When I'm faced with a challenging moment on the golf course, I can hear those same words echoed in my head, "Son, don't be the hero." And you know what? They've saved me a lot of shots over the years.
When confronted with a risky shot that feels a little out of my comfort zone, I take a moment and ask myself, "Can I hit this shot 7 out of 10 times? Or am I trying to be a hero and hit a shot that's out beyond my skill level?" Seeking honesty in the midst of my usual bravado, I find clarity. Sure, "Fortune favors the bold," but reality has a way of reminding us when to be bold and when to be smart.
So, with a deep breath, I set aside the heroics and focus on my strengths and the strategies the golf course offers. It's a moment of humility and self-awareness, knowing when to go for it and when to take the safe route.
And you know what? It works! As I make my shot, a newfound sense of confidence washes over me. No longer am I seeking to impress with audacious feats; I aim for smart, calculated moves.
So, my friends, the next time you face a daunting shot, take a page from my book. Be bold when it counts, but don't hesitate to be humble. The golf course is our ally, not our foe. Let's choose the shots that suit us best and let our confidence and style shine through. And remember, sometimes the real hero is the one who knows when to step back and let the final score, not the current shot, speak for itself.
Fundamental #2: Play with confidence
Following the rules from Fundamental #1 will lead to increased confidence on the course. Why? Because you'll be selecting shots that match your abilities and skills. Confidence stems from success, so opt for shots where you have a track record of success rather than attempting ones you're unsure about. Play to your strengths and watch your confidence soar!
The best book I’ve read about confidence is Bob Rotella’s - Golf Is a Game of Confidence.
Fundamental #3: Aim away from trouble
Understanding where you absolutely can’t hit the ball is crucial. If there is a penalty area to the left, aim to the right. When I say right, I mean RIGHT! Don’t give yourself a chance to add penalty shots to your score.
I saw an interview (couldn’t find it on YouTube) of Jack Nicklaus and the commentator asked him “Jack, do you like to aim at trouble and work the ball away from the trouble?” Jack replied “Why would I ever aim at trouble?”.
You don’t always have to be in the fairway to score, but you do have to keep the ball in play.
5-5-5 Nassua
The 5-5-5 Nassau is a classic match or stroke play game that adds excitement and friendly competition to your round, whether played 1v1 or 2v2. I would also add that this is the base game for most other foursome formats.
How it works:
There are three points up for grabs. One point for winning the front nine, one for the back nine, and one for the overall 18 holes.
The standard wager is $5 per point (hence 5-5-5), but you can adjust the amount to your liking or play just for bragging rights. Trust me, many matches have come down to the wire, with the final putt on the 18th hole determining the winner!
The New Variation of “Final Three”
I recently came across a fun golf game called Final Three, which has two variations.
Original Version: In this version, players buy in for a pre-determined amount, like $10. The total pot is determined by the number of players who buy in. The player with the lowest score on the final three holes takes home the entire pot.
Newer Variation: In the newer version, there's no set buy-in amount. Instead, players agree to pay the person who shoots the lowest score, but only if that score is at least 3 under par on the final three holes. The winner must have the single lowest score in the field to claim the money. If there is no single winner, no one pays anything.
Payout amounts depend on the qualifying score. For example, if the qualifying score is -3, each player who agreed to play would pay $5 to the winner. If the qualifying score is -4, each player would pay $10, and for a qualifying score of -5, each player would pay $20.
Let's say six players agreed to play, and one player shot -4 on the final three holes, being the only one to do so. They would win $50, receiving $10 from each of the other five players. You can customize the qualifying score and payout amounts as per your preference. Always make sure you play responsibly and for the competition!
I always like to play under as much pressure as I can. Sometimes, a game like this can add a little pressure and help you learn to close out a round of golf.
Questions from my Wife Who Doesn’t Golf
👩 Wife: Why are tee times such weird times? Like, why are they 9:36 AM, 9:45 AM, etc., instead of 9:30 AM, 9:40 AM, and so on…
🏌️♂️ Me: Ah, great question! Tee time intervals are carefully calculated to ensure smooth flow on the course. They're based on how long it takes a group to tee off on the 1st tee, reach their golf balls, take their next shots, and move out of range for the next group. Each course has its own layout and preferences, which is why you might see those seemingly quirky tee times. It's all about keeping the game enjoyable for everyone on the course!
