Every golfer has faced that round where nothing seems to go right—missed fairways, poor decisions, and frustration setting in. But what separates a good round from a great one often isn’t the swing; it’s the strategy. Great golf comes from thinking clearly, managing your emotions, and using your strengths wisely.
Here are four powerful mindset and strategy tips to help you play smarter and score better:
Think Two Shots Ahead
Instead of focusing only on your current shot, start planning two shots ahead—especially on par 4s and par 5s. Ask yourself, “Where do I want to play my next shot from?”
This mindset won’t guarantee perfect execution, but it can help you position the ball in smarter, more strategic areas. By thinking ahead, you’ll give yourself easier approach shots, avoid hazards, and stay out of awkward lies.
A great way to do this is by working backward from the green. Start with the current pin location, determine your ideal approach angle, and then plan each preceding shot to set that up. Golf, in many ways, is like a game of chess—success comes from thinking ahead, not just reacting. The right decisions can save you strokes without ever changing your swing.
Let It Go
Every golfer knows the feeling: a bad hole, a poor shot, and suddenly frustration starts creeping in. The ability to let go of mistakes quickly is one of the most valuable skills you can develop if you want to play your best golf. Maybe you made an unexpected bogey from the middle of the fairway. It happens. What matters is how you respond. Learn to shrug it off, refocus, and move forward.
Stay present—each shot counts for one, whether it’s for triple bogey or birdie—so give every shot your full attention. The more you can reset and stay in the moment, the more consistent and enjoyable your rounds will become.
Play to Your Strengths
Smart golf isn’t always about taking risks—it’s about playing to your strengths. Set up shots that suit your best skills. Just like in this photo above, Bryson leaning into his driving ability on #1 at the Ryder Cup.
If you’re more confident with longer pitch shots than short chips, plan your approach distances accordingly. Sometimes it’s better to lay up to a comfortable yardage rather than forcing a risky shot you’re not confident in. Likewise, if your driver is your superpower, use it to gain an advantage. But if you struggle with the big stick and your 3-wood keeps you in play, lean on that instead of fighting your driver all day. The best players know themselves—and they build their game plans around what they do best.
Manage Your Misses
A smart course strategy means understanding that even the best ball strikers miss greens. If you know your typical miss is to the right, choose targets that leave you with a manageable chip or pitch from that side. It’s easy to get drawn in by a tight right-hand pin and end up short-sided in a bunker or thick rough. By identifying the safer areas around each green—those that offer the best chance for an up-and-down—you’ll avoid costly doubles and keep your scores consistent.
I often encourage my clients to only attack flags from inside 100 yards. From longer distances, the smarter play is usually the middle of the green. It sounds simple, but it takes real discipline to stick to that plan.
I hope today’s tip helps. Focus on these small, strategic details and you’ll keep your scores steady. Remember—thinking like a golfer is one of the most valuable tools in your game.
– Coach Tim