When it comes to lowering your handicap, Claude Harmon III, a renowned Top 100 Teacher and son of the legendary Butch Harmon, has a simple yet effective tip. In a recent episode of the “Your Golf Performance Podcast,” Harmon shared this valuable insight.
During a round with his young star, Claude Harmon III encouraged his student not to be shy and take advantage of the opportunity to learn from a current world No. 1 golfer, Brooks Koepka. As they reached the 3rd hole, the young player posed a question that reflected his curiosity and hunger for improvement, “How many flags do you shoot at?” Koepka’s response shed light on the difference between approaching major and non-major tournaments. In majors, aiming away from flags is often advantageous, whereas in non-majors, aiming at around three flags is considered optimal, subject to a good number and course conditions.
Harmon’s anecdote serves as a valuable lesson in course management and highlights the importance of not fixating on flags. His four-word advice, “Stop aiming at flags,” emphasizes the concept of percentage golf. While going for flags can be rewarding, it often increases the risk of penalties and jeopardizes a golfer’s overall performance. Aiming for the middle of the green, although less adventurous, reduces the likelihood of trouble. Additionally, successfully hitting the middle of the green ensures a player remains on the green, providing a significant advantage.
To reinforce this idea, Harmon suggests dropping golf balls onto the center of the greens on one’s home course and observing potential pin placements. Golf courses strategically position pins in acceptable locations, affirming the effectiveness of targeting the middle of greens. By adopting this approach, golfers can evaluate various scenarios and determine their ability to two-putt based on pin placements.
Par-3s present their own unique challenges. According to Mark Durland, another esteemed Top 100 Teacher, and Nick Dimengo, playing par-3s one-over for a tournament week can significantly impact a golfer’s chances of success. Durland explains that par-3s often feature tucked pins, making it crucial to avoid short-siding oneself or landing in water hazards. By consistently aiming for the middle of every green on par-3s and playing them one-over or even under par, players position themselves competitively throughout the tournament.
Harmon shares another enlightening story involving Brooks Koepka and his brother Chase. During a round, Elliott, Koepka’s caddie, was temporarily caddying for Chase and faced a challenging 240-yard par-3 with wind, water on the left, and bunkers on the right. Chase expressed his desire to hit a cut 3- or 4-iron, emphasizing the importance of hitting a good shot. Elliott wisely suggested playing it safe and hitting a 5-iron, aiming for the middle of the green. This decision exemplifies the notion that even when a player is at the top of the world rankings, conservative play can yield better results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How can aiming away from flags improve my game?
By avoiding the risk of missing greens and incurring penalties, aiming away from flags enhances course management and increases overall performance.
Why is targeting the middle of the green advantageous?
Aiming for the middle of the green reduces the likelihood of encountering trouble and ensures that a player remains on the green, offering a consistent advantage throughout the round.
What is the significance of playing par-3s one-over for a tournament week?
Par-3s often feature tucked pins, making it crucial to avoid short-siding or landing in water hazards. Playing par-3s one-over or even under par significantly improves a player’s chances of competing for the tournament’s top positions.
Why should I prioritize hitting the middle of the green?
By aiming for the middle of the green, golfers eliminate unnecessary risks associated with aggressive shot selection. This strategy ensures a higher probability of achieving a favorable result while avoiding potential pitfalls.
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