PRO'S CORNER
> C L I C K H E R E F O R C O M P L E T E D E TA I L S O N G O L F I N S T R U C T I O N AT I N D I A N W E L L S O R C A L L T O M B U R L E Y AT & 7 6 0 ' 8 3 4 % 3 8 2 3
BOOK
A
TEE
TIME
T
oo many golfers I come in con-
tact with say the same thing
when I ask them how their
game went. They say, "Great, except
for about three holes."
I find that a lot of golfers can hold
their round together for a while, but
not for 18 holes.
Typically, the "blow up" holes come
from penalty strokes or when the
golfer is faced with a bad lie, such as in
a bunker or behind a tree.
But if you can avoid big numbers on
the golf course, you should see your
scores improve. A great way to manage
your blow-up holes is to always try to
manage the golf course.
Learning where to hit it and where
you can afford a miss can often lead to
par saves or at worst a bogey. As a
golfer, there is nothing wrong with
bogeys from time to time as we all
make those, we just want to avoid the
6's, 7's and 8's that add up in a hurry.
As an example, setting yourself up
properly on the left or right side of the
tee box to allow for the most room for
your tee shot is something that should
be done on every hole.
It is also wise to play your approach
shots in to the green away from any
hazards or bunkers.
If the sand trap is on the right side of
the flag stick, there is nothing wrong
with aiming slightly left to take the
"big miss" out of play. Too often we go
for the big play looking for a birdie
and end up with a six or worse.
Learning how a golf hole should be
played is necessary to avoiding big
numbers and giving ourselves the best
chance for a nice round. Anything we
can do as golfers to make it easier to
keep the ball in play is a must.
Tom Burley is PGA Head Golf Professional
at Indian Wells Golf Resort. He can be reached
at (760) 834-3823, or CLICK HERE to email.
nuMBErs gAME
How course management can lower your scores By TOM BurlEy
GIVE THE GIFT OF
GOLF INSTRUCTION!
I
ndian Wells Golf Resort is
offering a special instruc-
tion package for the holidays
that includes a lesson on the
practice tee and an on-
course management lesson
with a PGA professional. For
$299 you can give the "Better
Golf Special," which includes:
v A one-hour private lesson
with a PGA professional on
the practice tee.
v A $20 lunch voucher re-
deemable at the cafe.
v Nine holes of twilight golf
with the first four holes ac-
companied by a PGA pro.
v Rental clubs provided at
no cost.
v Same day "all day" practice
privileges.
clIcK hErE to purchase.
LESSON
SPECIAL
Course management is key
to posting a good round.
