6 Pre-Shot Decisions That Cost Amateurs 10 Strokes Per Round
Golf Sidekick (Matt Wang) outlines six essential pre-shot adjustments designed to save amateur golfers up to 10 strokes per round. By focusing on club commitment, avoiding high-risk 'hero shots,' and playing to the 'fat side' of the green, players can eliminate the double-bogeys that ruin scorecards. The lesson emphasizes 'knowing your station' and playing high-probability shots over ego-driven ones.
Tee up on the same side as the hazard to create the widest possible angle away from the trouble.
Always hit the 'committed club'—a full, confident swing with more club is better than a 'scared' swing with less club.
Identify your 'free throw distance' (your most comfortable wedge yardage) and play for that number on layups.
Stop aiming at pins; instead, find the 'fat side' of the green and use a distance range (front to back) to ensure you stay on the surface.
Treat Par 5s as three-shot holes to avoid the stress and high-variance misses of trying to reach the green in two.
Go deeper
Wild swings — Causes, drills and coaches for this miss