How to Play Golf On a New Course

The first time that you play golf on a new course can be a bit challenging. Your first impression is made at the club house, or golf pro shop. If everything is selling for more than you like it usually means the course is going to well cared for. I always feel the items in a golf pro shop are too high. Wouldn’t it be nice if they had a select few items to sell to visitors at a discount so that they would go home and advertise where they had played at.

When you begin your round of golf there are some things to remember that will help you play better. First thing to remember is it is a golf course, so treat it like your home course. Second thing, A yard is a yard is a yard. If a marker on the course indicates the distance, trust it. They didn’t put it there to confuse visitors.

Hopefully you had a chance to putt on their practice green to try and get a feel for the speed and type of grass you will be putting on. All greens are not the same. One of the hardest parts of playing a new course is adjusting to the greens. I have played in a travel league and play 12 courses over the summer. I still have a problem with the greens.

Playing a new course without the knowledge of the locals makes finding the right landing area tough. Before teeing off you might want to ask if there are any areas to be aware of. Adjust your game to the contour of the course. Don’t set up for your normal fade when you have trees lining the side you fade to. Don’t over draw for the same reason.

Be aware of where the hazards are and don’t try to make that miracle shot over them. You will score a lot lower playing it safe. Decide which is better before you select your club, long means trouble go short and vice versa.

My biggest problem with a new course is distance. If I were a great golfer I could place the ball just where it needs to be, since I am not I have to plan for the worst and hope for the best.

One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is try to play with someone who knows the course and listen to what they tell you. Enjoy your round.