Course Strategy Book Idea...

[PepsiDuck]

So I've been wondering, with all the books out there on the mental game, why isn't there a book dedicated to course strategy and how to actually play the game? I've read Mark Broadie's Every Shot Counts, but it really focuses only on which shots are most important for better overall scores and methods to practice those shots. Why hasn't anyone used the same ShotLink data to critically analyze how PGA Tour pros play each hole of each course at each tournament, ranging from tee shots, to approach shots, to short game shots and putts. I know it'd probably be A LOT of work, but such an analysis could be used to create a blueprint for how to attack common situations on a golf course based on how the pros attack it in tournament play.

 

For example, what conditions would be necessary for the average tour pro to attempt to drive a short par 4? How about strategy when there's trouble in play at driver distance? When do pros most often opt for less than driver off the tee? How do pros play approach shots to small greens versus large greens? What are the conditions that dictate choosing a lob shot to the hole versus a bump and run chip? The list goes on and on, but these are just some of the questions golfers of all skill levels may ask themselves on the golf course. Even if they don't ask themselves these questions, they are certainly important factors when deciding which shot to play. And I'm sure like with Every Shot Counts, data can be extrapolated to create a strategic plan for higher handicappers who may have a smaller arsenal of reliable shots. For myself, after some shots (even if perfectly struck), I sometimes think to myself, "wow, that was a terrible idea..."

 

Thoughts? And is there already a book like this that I'm not aware of...?

[stryper]

Butch Harmon's Playing Lessons

[Fort Worth Pro]

Playinglesson.com

 

The decade system. Puts the info into a simple to use system.

[PepsiDuck]

Thanks for the responses. It seems the Butch Harmon book can be had for pennies...if you can find it... Will have to look at the decade system too...

[cardoustie]

my only overriding issue is this ... should us am's use strategies that tour pro's use ??

 

I can think of short par 4's and going for greens in two on par 5's as outliers right off the top of my head

 

That being said, I do recall a Playing Lessons with Bruce Leitzke and came away amazed at how far away from pins he aimed

[Dan Drake]

my only overriding issue is this ... should us am's use strategies that tour pro's use ??

 

I can think of short par 4's and going for greens in two on par 5's as outliers right off the top of my head

 

That being said, I do recall a Playing Lessons with Bruce Leitzke and came away amazed at how far away from pins he aimed

 

I agree, but Duck is trying to get to scratch, so his strategies should be more in line with that level of golf that the normal AM.

 

That said, I've always wanted to write a book based on my Dad's golf game. He has gotten more good rounds out of his game by managing it right than anyone ever should have with a swing and short game that are as bad as his!

[PepsiDuck]

my only overriding issue is this ... should us am's use strategies that tour pro's use ??

 

I can think of short par 4's and going for greens in two on par 5's as outliers right off the top of my head

 

That being said, I do recall a Playing Lessons with Bruce Leitzke and came away amazed at how far away from pins he aimed

 

I figured the smart folks that analyze the math from ShotLink could extrapolate the data to craft strategies for higher handicaps. For example, if you hit your 7 iron 130 yards rather than 170, or your 3 wood 180 yards instead of 250, one can still determine the optimal shots to play on a 500 yard par 5 that still is in line with the pros' strategies...but I am merely speculating...

[iteachgolf]

Except that the strategies players use fit their strengths and weaknesses. There are guys that won't try to drive a single par4. And there are guys who will always go for it. The problem with your thinking is that all tour players use the same strategies or even similar strategies. I'd say there are WAY more differences in strategy among great players than average golfers.

[sherwin1987]

my only overriding issue is this ... should us am's use strategies that tour pro's use ??

 

I can think of short par 4's and going for greens in two on par 5's as outliers right off the top of my head

 

That being said, I do recall a Playing Lessons with Bruce Leitzke and came away amazed at how far away from pins he aimed

 

I figured the smart folks that analyze the math from ShotLink could extrapolate the data to craft strategies for higher handicaps. For example, if you hit your 7 iron 130 yards rather than 170, or your 3 wood 180 yards instead of 250, one can still determine the optimal shots to play on a 500 yard par 5 that still is in line with the pros' strategies...but I am merely speculating...

 

I think the biggest factor that you didn't mention would be shot dispersion. I believe there was an example in Brody's book where he demonstrated that the high handicapper should aim at a different point on the fairway than a pro due to the fact that the high handicapper sprays the ball more and should correct his aimpoint so that the most amount of tee balls end up in play.

[oikos1]

Raymond Floyd put together a pretty good book...

[spud3]

Tons of good strategy info out there already.

 

I loved Tom Watson's "Strategic Golf." Very straightforward discussions of some common strategic situations and how Watson approaches them.

 

Also, you can get a lot out of a good architecture/design book, like Tom Doak's "Anatomy of a Golf Course," Jack's "Nicklaus By Design" or RTJ Jr's "Golf By Design"

 

Some architects post course notes (check out Doak's entry about Old Mac on Bandon's Blog section), or make contributions to GolfClubAtlas.com

[Reds]

Lowest Score Wins is a good book. I know the author isnt too well liked around here but it is a good book and has alot of information on strategy.

[Hawkeye77]

Tommy Armour - A Round Of Golf

[starsail85]

Both Tom Watson and Ray floyd had great books on this

[Hawkeye77]

Heard Scott Fawcett interviewed last week, who is apparently working on how to market his "Decade" system of course management. There is a free video out there (watch the one about 34 minutes long, looks like it's about driving on the range, but it's not). It was just a short interview and a couple of things sounded interesting. If it turns out to be as described and from what he was explaining, nothing really revolutionary, mostly about figuring out for real what your shot "pattern" is and shifting that away from trouble/knowing where you have room to go, etc. Like a lot of course management stuff, it makes sense when you hear it and he seemed to be hitting on the same remedy/conclusion again and again in the interview I heard, so I wasn't getting something that felt "aha!". Still, he's claiming some part in some amateur victories (didn't mention in the interview one of the kids is coached by Spieth's instructor) and perhaps rightly so. Not much available on the website to dive into at this point. I plan on looking at it more as more things start to show up (free things!).

 

Broadie's work really was pretty light on the recipes for course management, more about trying to show what happens within his samples (good for pros, not so good for ams) than really setting out much in terms of real strategies.

 

Totally agree, it's so individual whether by course/swing/personality/playing under "pressure"/playing that day and on and on.

 

I'm probably totally oversimplifying, but I'll bet if most of us put our egos aside and really mapped out a strategy for our courses, it wouldn't be that hard. Heck, we even know or should know what to do with our misses (Fawcett sounds like he has some very interesting stats for pros on chipping out of trees vs. going for it, as one example). Still, execution is the problem for me, plan or no plan - because I'm not a plus or scratch golfer that is always a lot of the rub. My misses aren't all that predictable with some clubs.

[PepsiDuck]

Except that the strategies players use fit their strengths and weaknesses. There are guys that won't try to drive a single par4. And there are guys who will always go for it. The problem with your thinking is that all tour players use the same strategies or even similar strategies. I'd say there are WAY more differences in strategy among great players than average golfers.

 

Hmmm, very good point that I hadn't considered. Could an author craft an "optimal" strategy based on what is observed from a majority of tour pros that would be relevant/applicable for players of various skill levels? For example, the long hitter's strategy, the short but accurate hitter's strategy, high handicapper, et. al. I guess a book like that would not be very practical to write.

 

And thanks everyone for the responses on existing books. I will have to look into them.

[PepsiDuck]

Heard Scott Fawcett interviewed last week, who is apparently working on how to market his "Decade" system of course management. There is a free video out there (watch the one about 34 minutes long, looks like it's about driving on the range, but it's not). It was just a short interview and a couple of things sounded interesting. If it turns out to be as described and from what he was explaining, nothing really revolutionary, mostly about figuring out for real what your shot "pattern" is and shifting that away from trouble/knowing where you have room to go, etc. Like a lot of course management stuff, it makes sense when you hear it, and doesn't seem all that revolutionary, and he seemed to be hitting on the same remedy/conclusion again and again in the interview I heard, so I wasn't getting something that felt "aha!". Still, he's claiming some part in some amateur victories (didn't mention in the interview one of the kids is coached by Spieth's instructor) and perhaps rightly so. Not much available on the website to dive into at this point.

 

Yea, I looked at the site and it really didn't do much for me...

[spud3]

One of the things I liked about Watson's book is that it isn't written from the strategic perspective of a pro, per se, but gives you a framework for thinking your way through a hole, usually from green to tee. It's presented so that you make decisions based on your game, not Bubba's or Jack's or Tiger's.

 

And I can't think of one of the strategy/course management books I've read that are written from the perspective of what a pro would do. They might mention it, but only to illustrate that we (the readers) are probably not pros, and shouldn't necessarily play a hole like we were. I would think a book written like that wouldn't sell very well...

 

I also can't emphasize enough the benefits of a good working knowledge of architecture principles. If you can determine what a designer was thinking in the layout of a hole, then the strategy for playing it usually falls out of that. You can then determine your tactical options based on a realistic understanding of your own skills. I spent a good bit of last winter reading a lot of books by RTJ, Doak and even some of Alastair Mackenzie's writings, and the result was a real improvement in my course management skills.

[ozarkshooter]

Books are great, but I would think a playing lesson with a PGA pro would be best. They know the best way to approach each hole and they know your strength and weaknesses (as pointed out by Dan).

[iteachgolf]

Heard Scott Fawcett interviewed last week, who is apparently working on how to market his "Decade" system of course management. There is a free video out there (watch the one about 34 minutes long, looks like it's about driving on the range, but it's not). It was just a short interview and a couple of things sounded interesting. If it turns out to be as described and from what he was explaining, nothing really revolutionary, mostly about figuring out for real what your shot "pattern" is and shifting that away from trouble/knowing where you have room to go, etc. Like a lot of course management stuff, it makes sense when you hear it, and doesn't seem all that revolutionary, and he seemed to be hitting on the same remedy/conclusion again and again in the interview I heard, so I wasn't getting something that felt "aha!". Still, he's claiming some part in some amateur victories (didn't mention in the interview one of the kids is coached by Spieth's instructor) and perhaps rightly so. Not much available on the website to dive into at this point.

 

Yea, I looked at the site and it really didn't do much for me...

 

It's literally exactly what you wanted. He's not gonna give away all the info for free. I've seen the info and it's good. You need to actually go through the program and understand the system but it's exactly what you asked for. Goes into where to aim in relation to flag from any distance based on the situation.

[PepsiDuck]

It's literally exactly what you wanted. He's not gonna give away all the info for free. I've seen the info and it's good. You need to actually go through the program and understand the system but it's exactly what you asked for. Goes into where to aim in relation to flag from any distance based on the situation.

 

I was speaking specifically about the website itself, not the program.

[Hawkeye77]

Heard Scott Fawcett interviewed last week, who is apparently working on how to market his "Decade" system of course management. There is a free video out there (watch the one about 34 minutes long, looks like it's about driving on the range, but it's not). It was just a short interview and a couple of things sounded interesting. If it turns out to be as described and from what he was explaining, nothing really revolutionary, mostly about figuring out for real what your shot "pattern" is and shifting that away from trouble/knowing where you have room to go, etc. Like a lot of course management stuff, it makes sense when you hear it, and doesn't seem all that revolutionary, and he seemed to be hitting on the same remedy/conclusion again and again in the interview I heard, so I wasn't getting something that felt "aha!". Still, he's claiming some part in some amateur victories (didn't mention in the interview one of the kids is coached by Spieth's instructor) and perhaps rightly so. Not much available on the website to dive into at this point.

 

Yea, I looked at the site and it really didn't do much for me...

 

It's literally exactly what you wanted. He's not gonna give away all the info for free. I've seen the info and it's good. You need to actually go through the program and understand the system but it's exactly what you asked for. Goes into where to aim in relation to flag from any distance based on the situation.

 

Pepsi, you cut a little off my post and that's okay. But, I wasn't trying to be negative about the site, I'm going to look into it more just to see how it compares to the first impression. Just indicating you can't get too much off there yet because he's figuring out how to market it/make it available. He's been doing seminars for college teams (at least until he says the NCAA shut him down because he was infringing on the definition of "coach" or something like that, so now a different way to to that for the colleges). If I can find the video I referenced, I'll post the link.

[iteachgolf]

It's literally exactly what you wanted. He's not gonna give away all the info for free. I've seen the info and it's good. You need to actually go through the program and understand the system but it's exactly what you asked for. Goes into where to aim in relation to flag from any distance based on the situation.

 

I was speaking specifically about the website itself, not the program.

 

Did you watch the YouTube video? Or submit your info to his site? It's designed to get you to seek out the information. Rather than simply giving it to you. Bottom of every page has a form to contact him for more info.

[Hawkeye77]

Here's the link, you need watch the full 34 minutes. And Dan is right, you can also send along your info.

 

[PepsiDuck]

It's literally exactly what you wanted. He's not gonna give away all the info for free. I've seen the info and it's good. You need to actually go through the program and understand the system but it's exactly what you asked for. Goes into where to aim in relation to flag from any distance based on the situation.

 

I was speaking specifically about the website itself, not the program.

 

Did you watch the YouTube video? Or submit your info to his site? It's designed to get you to seek out the information. Rather than simply giving it to you. Bottom of every page has a form to contact him for more info.

 

I just submitted my info. Looking through the empty links for the schedule and payment, I initially thought this was a lesson series or seminar on location rather than a resource that one can learn from home.

[PepsiDuck]

Here's the link, you need watch the full 34 minutes. And Dan is right, you can also send along your info.

 

 

Ok, thanks. Will take a lookie.

[Fort Worth Pro]

Heard Scott Fawcett interviewed last week, who is apparently working on how to market his "Decade" system of course management. There is a free video out there (watch the one about 34 minutes long, looks like it's about driving on the range, but it's not). It was just a short interview and a couple of things sounded interesting. If it turns out to be as described and from what he was explaining, nothing really revolutionary, mostly about figuring out for real what your shot "pattern" is and shifting that away from trouble/knowing where you have room to go, etc. Like a lot of course management stuff, it makes sense when you hear it, and doesn't seem all that revolutionary, and he seemed to be hitting on the same remedy/conclusion again and again in the interview I heard, so I wasn't getting something that felt "aha!". Still, he's claiming some part in some amateur victories (didn't mention in the interview one of the kids is coached by Spieth's instructor) and perhaps rightly so. Not much available on the website to dive into at this point.

 

Yea, I looked at the site and it really didn't do much for me...

 

That site is exactly what you asked for. Someone who took the shounk data and analyzed dispersions to come up with how to gameplan a golf course based on strokes gained. He doesn't give away everything on the site but would be worth looking into a way to get a hold of him and see what options you have for getting his system because like I said...it is exactly what you asked for. Btw...Bryson dechambeau started using this last spring and went on to win the NCAA and us am and credited it for his ncaa win. There was a hole where everyone was blasting driver and he laid up every day. Almost all of the top d-1 college programs are using this now as well.

[PepsiDuck]

Heard Scott Fawcett interviewed last week, who is apparently working on how to market his "Decade" system of course management. There is a free video out there (watch the one about 34 minutes long, looks like it's about driving on the range, but it's not). It was just a short interview and a couple of things sounded interesting. If it turns out to be as described and from what he was explaining, nothing really revolutionary, mostly about figuring out for real what your shot "pattern" is and shifting that away from trouble/knowing where you have room to go, etc. Like a lot of course management stuff, it makes sense when you hear it, and doesn't seem all that revolutionary, and he seemed to be hitting on the same remedy/conclusion again and again in the interview I heard, so I wasn't getting something that felt "aha!". Still, he's claiming some part in some amateur victories (didn't mention in the interview one of the kids is coached by Spieth's instructor) and perhaps rightly so. Not much available on the website to dive into at this point.

 

Yea, I looked at the site and it really didn't do much for me...

 

That site is exactly what you asked for. Someone who took the shounk data and analyzed dispersions to come up with how to gameplan a golf course based on strokes gained. He doesn't give away everything on the site but would be worth looking into a way to get a hold of him and see what options you have for getting his system because like I said...it is exactly what you asked for. Btw...Bryson dechambeau started using this last spring and went on to win the NCAA and us am and credited it for his ncaa win. There was a hole where everyone was blasting driver and he laid up every day. Almost all of the top d-1 college programs are using this now as well.

 

Several folks have made me well aware of this fact. I admit to just being lazy when going through the website and not putting in the effort to learn more about the system. I was looking for instant gratification from a book...preferably an e-book with an instant download.

[Fort Worth Pro]

My apologies. I saw they had beaten me to it after I hit send.

[Sean2]

Not being sarcastic, but I found common sense to work well. I know what my strengths and weaknesses are. I simply bear those in mind when I play. Some call that "course management". :-)