I have completed several course management lessons recently and their is a common theme. Players, when questioned about how they see a particular hole, simply relate to the par on the hole. Little, or no, reference is made the the stroke index, weather conditions or even the players ability.
So, when faced with a 430 yd, par 4, into a 15 mph wind, the 18h/c player, walking off with a 6, berates him/herself for dropping 2 shots!
There are many tough, long, par 4’s on island. Rowany the 7th, 12th; Ramsey the 7th, 14th; Peel, 11th, 13th, 18th, Castletown 5th, 11th, 18th and many others. Equally, long par 3’s are often too long for the average player yet the usual play is driver off the tee with a bit of extra effort to get the ball out there. We all know what happens next. Even with a Sunday best drive the chances of getting up are remote.
On the best of days the average club golfer can’t make the 430yd hole in regulation. In that case the hole is a par 5 and that will be reflected not only in the handicap but also in the stroke index.
Now, what happens if you make an honest assessment of your ability and play the hole to your own par?
Well, the first thing is, that unless you are confident in playing your driver and that you don’t bring trouble into play by using it, the driver stays in the bag. You take the most comfortable club you can, maybe a hybrid or mid iron, select a target that you are confident in reaching (avoiding any trouble) and swing with flow to that target.
The shot still requires your full attention and focus. There are no short cuts simply because you have ignored the driver but there is an underlying acceptance that you are capable of hitting your desired shot.
If you take this approach on every hole your mental state will definitely improve but it requires you to let go of ego. If the hole, because of conditions etc, is playing, for a good golfer, as a par 5 and not a par 4 then why wouldn’t it be a par 6 for the less able golfer?
If it is going to take 4 shots to hit a par 5 because of a strong wind then it’s playing a par 6. If a competent player has to take 4 shots to hit that green then it might take the less able 5 shots. It’s playing a par 7.
Forget the card and play the challenge in front of you without ego and with a little bit of acceptance of your ability. It will help you getting into your comfort zone.