Course Management · Tip
Six Ways to Hit More Greens
Part of our course management programs for picking targets. Build a program with it
More greens means more easy pars. Start with the tee shot. A fairway sets up an easier approach. Know how far each club goes. Measure your distances regularly. Before each shot, look at the situation and pick the best place to miss. Stay calm under pressure. Build a steady routine and picture the shot before you hit it. Then keep track of how many greens you hit. Your numbers will show where to work.
Step by step
- Find the fairway first.
- Measure your club distances.
- Decide the best miss.
- Use a routine and picture the shot.
- Track greens hit.
Why it works
Hitting the green depends on a clear target, a known distance and a repeatable swing. A fairway lie gives cleaner contact, so spin and distance are more predictable. Knowing your real carry numbers removes guessing, and choosing a safe miss keeps a poor shot from turning into a bogey. A routine keeps your decisions the same under pressure.
Common mistakes
- You use your best-ever distance for each club instead of your typical distance.Hit a set of shots on a launch monitor and use the average carry, not the longest.
- You aim at the flag every time, even when trouble is next to it.Pick the side of the green with the most room and aim at the middle or away from the hazard.
- You skip the routine when you feel rushed or nervous.Use the same steps every shot: look at the target, picture the shot, make one practice swing, then hit.
How you'll know it's working
- Your approach shots finish within a few yards of the carry number you expected for that club.
- Your tracked greens-in-regulation count rises over several rounds, or your misses land in the spots you chose.
- You can name your target and your miss side before every shot without hesitating.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Measure only your wedges and short irons first, and track greens hit on a short stretch of holes, such as the first nine.
Harder: Add on-course pressure by committing to a specific target and miss side on every approach, and record how many shots finish where you planned.
Common questions
How do I find my club distances?
Hit several shots with each club on a launch monitor and note the average carry distance. Ignore the best and worst shots so the number reflects what you can repeat.
Should I aim at the flag when trying to hit more greens?
Not always. Aim at the flag only when there is room around it, and otherwise aim at the larger part of the green so your miss still leaves an easy next shot.
