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Welcome to Play Smart, a regular GOLF.com game improvement column that will help you play smarter and better golf.
This week’s Open Championship takes place at one of the most iconic golf courses in the world, the Royal Liverpool.
Not only is the design as challenging as any links tournament, but it also adds to the typical unpredictable weather that often accompanies this tournament, and there’s no telling how players will manage their emotions after each shot.
From funky pot bunkers to tight OB lines along some holes, Royal Liverpool have the chew and spit potential of this year’s Championship course. So it will be interesting to see how things play out once the Open Championship starts tomorrow.
Since all golf course designs are unique in their own right, with each presenting many challenges, I asked a few of GOLF’s Top 100 Masters how an amateur golfer can best prepare for a round.
From understanding how to change your approach to course management techniques that will help guide your decision-making, take a look below at what some of golf’s brightest teaching minds have to say.
How should a golfer change his approach when playing a links course?
Mike Bender, Lead Instructor, Mike Bender Golf AcademyLinks golf courses have two main challenges; the wind and the pack. Because links courses rarely use irrigation, the fairways are sometimes as fast or faster than the greens. This makes the courses play much narrower than a regular course, as balls stop quickly after touchdowns.
“The wind adds another element of challenge, so players must gauge how far it is moving or affecting the ball. Knowing this forces the player to approach each shot differently, making sure the ball has a low flight.”
Ed Ibargin, General Manager and Director of the PGA of Golf at Duke University Golf Club: “You should definitely prepare before you go. Temperatures can vary from mildly warm to mostly cold. It’s likely to rain at some point while you’re golfing; anything from fog to heavy rain. If you don’t own a high-quality rain suit, buy one and bring one, because it will become your best friend!”
“Since most golf accessories will get wet, be prepared to dry your wet clothes, gloves, headgear, and grips overnight so they are ready to play the next day.”
Ibarguen also suggests loading golf balls for peace of mind in case you’re getting the best out of the course.
“Depending on your skill level, plan to take the normal number of balls you might take on a golf trip and then a dozen more. While most stores will carry your golf ball, it will likely be much more expensive than you are used to paying. Also, please give your caddy a break by not putting more balls in your bag than you expect to play during that round. Keep your extra balls in your travel bag in case you need more when you are playing 36 holes a day.”
Jamie Mulligan, CEO, Virginia Country Club: “Learn to ‘chip and chase.’” If a full swing goes around the clock, that swing starts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with quieter motions and lower speed.
“A great way to train is to learn to hit drivers off the tee without moving the tee. The idea is to make solid contact and let the ball chase. This is especially effective if the turf conditions are hard, steady and fast.”
Is there a standard recommendation for clubbing or clubbing?
benderWhich clubs have to top the tee on links courses is entirely circumstantial. One day a hole is downwind and requires an iron or hybrid off the tee to keep it in play, and the next it may be quite the opposite, requiring a driver low into the wind.
“My best advice is to be flexible with your tee management. If possible, practice moving the ball lower with the driver and hitting more of the boring driver—because you’ll need it on some holes.”
What are some course management tips that amateurs can use at Links Golf Course?
benderLinks golf courses place a much greater demand on course management. This is because of the short greens, where players have to be precise about where they hit their putts.
“The player has to know which way the fairway is down, or where the hills are short of the green, in order to know what the ball will do once it lands and starts rolling. It’s a lot like reading a downhill green, but in this case, you have to read the fairway to know where to land the ball.”
Ibarg: “If you are used to playing in windy conditions, there is not much you can do differently. If you are not used to playing in the wind, take your time to practice half and three-quarter shots.
Position the ball about 1.5 inches further from your normal position (the extra position of the backhand ball will put your hands and shaft more forward, ease your club into heading, and allow you to feel more comfortable with your weight in favor of the left side—assuming you’re centered to track the hip player).
You’ll notice that your lower swing speed and ‘trapped’ ball position will combine to reduce your trajectory. This lower trajectory will be very helpful in controlling your ball against the wind.
“Finally, if you have access to a GC Quad or Trackman, find out the different measures this setup and swing will produce and use that information to your advantage during your runs. If this recommendation still flies your ball too high, practice choking an inch with the same setup to produce less flight and less carry distance.”
mulligan“Playing with the wind is essential – so remember the wind is your friend. If it’s blowing on you, hit under it. If the wind’s going left-to-right or right-to-left, go with it. If you’re with the wind, just let it take the ball farther. Knowing the direction of the wind is crucial, and it’s probably one of the best things tour players do and most amateurs go unnoticed.”
Would you suggest to amateurs that they steer clear of the green instead of using a wedge to avoid fouls or the effects of weather?
bender“I always recommend using your putter on the green anytime you can. The biggest challenge with putting off the green is not speed, but judgment on the slopes. That’s because you usually have to get on top of it and get closer to the hole. Hone your sense better with some mini-golf-type putts, because you’ll definitely have some putts.”
Ibarg: “When going off the green, take about two 20-30 minute sessions to practice the position before the round. Although the grass and conditions will be different compared to your home course, the practice will pay off in the approach shots saved in Europe.
Another option is to use your own hybrid from the green, which Ibarguen says takes some practice strokes as well.
“Simply choke several inches to bring it closer to the length and feel of your putter. Use your regular grip, and play the ball in the middle of your stance. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to adjust to this shot, and it will come in handy on your outing trip.”
mulligan: “Around the green, get the ball on the ground faster than you normally would. I like the idea of a run-and-run, because it’s used more on the traditional courses we play in America. A lot of times we call this hitting it with the loft.”
What swing adjustments should a player make on a links golf course?
benderIt’s very difficult to change your swing while playing certain types of courses, but what you need to do is change your setup to allow the shot to come in handy.
“Golf links require you to land the ball mostly low, so put the ball back into position with your weight on your front foot. When you play the ball again, you need to open your stance to take into account that the ball is farther from the back. This open stance will help the ball start in line and not too far to the right (for right-handed golfers).
“My other suggestion is to limit your follow-through, as a full finish tends to make the ball fly higher.”
IbargTo finish thinking about the situation, Ibargin says it’s important to have a broader base when pitching a golf course. This is due to more storm than normal weather conditions.
“While you’re in your practice session, spend some time on the green from a wider-than-normal position in case you’re running into higher wind conditions. A wider base length in your foot will help you stabilize your stroke and help you not be ‘lost’ in balance during your stroke by the wind.”
mulligan: “When you put your body down, the calmer your body is, the more solid connection you’re going to work on.
“Normally, the greens aren’t as fast as you’re used to. But if you’re going downhill and landing in the grain, you have to pay more attention to the ground. Quiet means head-to-toe: the quieter the eyes, the more rhythmic your stroke works with strong contact.”
Is driving with a driver or hitting a low stroke the best way to achieve success from the tee?
Ibarg: While most players almost always default to using a driver on their home course, when playing links golf it’s not always the best option – especially in windy conditions or when there are tight lies along the fairways.
This is why Ibargin recommends practicing low trajectory shots; Whether it’s with your driver or with a slashing low shot (something Tiger Woods has used to succeed in his previous Open Championship victories).
As everyone will tell you, wind is a key factor in getting good results on links courses. So spend some time trying to lower the overall path for the driver.
The word “stinger” has become common in today’s golf slang, but if you don’t have a stinger, it’s simply a low-flying, penetrating golf shot with less spin (spin adds trajectory). Due to the reduced flight of the penetrating ball, it will produce a more controlled ground distance.
“The Stinger can be played right-to-left and left-to-right, where it will be a combination of clubhead trajectory, slope of approach angle and position of the club face on impact. Unless you’re a very skilled ball-kicker, it’s good to know which flight of the ball the ball’s natural swing will naturally produce.”
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