Lindas Ultimate Golf Course Management Guide!
Alright, fellow golf enthusiasts, let’s talk golf course management. Because let’s be honest, it’s not just about hitting the ball a mile (although that’s definitely a bonus). It’s about strategy, smarts, and knowing when to play it safe (or when to go for glory, even if it means landing in a water hazard).
Now, I’m no expert. In fact, I’m probably the last person you should take advice from when it comes to golf course management. (Just ask my playing partners who’ve witnessed my many questionable decisions on the course.) But hey, I’ve learned a thing or two over the years (mostly through trial and error), and I’m happy to share my wisdom (or lack thereof) with you.
So grab your favorite beverage (mine’s a chilled Pinot Grigio, because priorities), settle in, and let’s dive into the fascinating world of golf course management!
Golf Course Management 101: Know Your Enemy (aka the Golf Course)

The first step to conquering any golf course is to know your enemy. And by enemy, I mean the course itself. (Not the grumpy old guy in the foursome behind you who keeps yelling “Fore!” every time you hit a bad shot.)
Before you even tee off, take some time to familiarize yourself with the course. Read the scorecard, check out the yardage book, and maybe even take a peek at the course layout online. (Don’t worry, it’s not cheating. It’s called “being prepared.”)
Pay attention to things like:
- The shape of the holes: Are they straight? Doglegged? Do they have any hidden hazards? (Like that time I hit my drive straight into a hidden bunker on the 18th at Torrey Pines. Good times.)
- The location of the hazards: Where are the water hazards? The bunkers? The out-of-bounds markers? (Knowing where not to hit the ball is just as important as knowing where to hit it.)
- The green complexes: Are the greens elevated? Sloped? Protected by bunkers? (This will help you decide where to aim your approach shots.)
The more you know about the course, the better equipped you’ll be to make smart decisions on the fly.
Play to Your Strengths (and Avoid Your Weaknesses)
Okay, this one might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many golfers forget this basic principle of golf course management.
If you’re a long hitter, use that to your advantage. Go for the green in two on par 5s, even if it means hitting over a water hazard. (Just make sure you have a good chance of clearing it. Otherwise, you might end up swimming with the fishes.)
If you’re a short hitter, don’t try to keep up with the big boys. Play it smart and lay up to a comfortable distance. (There’s no shame in hitting a 3-wood off the tee, even if your playing partners are all hitting driver.)
And if you have a particular weakness (like, say, a tendency to slice the ball into the next county), then do your best to avoid situations where that weakness will come into play. (For example, if there’s a water hazard on the right side of the fairway, maybe aim a little left, even if it means hitting a less-than-perfect shot.)
The key is to be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. (Unless you’re trying to be Phil Mickelson. Then, by all means, go for it.)
Think Ahead (or at Least Try To)
One of the biggest mistakes I see golfers make is not thinking ahead. They get so caught up in the current shot that they forget about the next one.
For example, let’s say you’re on a par 4 and you’ve hit your drive into the rough. Your first instinct might be to try to hit a hero shot and get to the green in two. But if the pin is tucked behind a bunker, maybe it’s smarter to lay up to a comfortable distance and try to get up and down for par.
Or let’s say you’re on a par 5 and you have a chance to go for the green in two. But if there’s a water hazard in front of the green, maybe it’s wiser to lay up and leave yourself a short pitch shot.
The point is, don’t just focus on the shot in front of you. Think about the next shot, and the shot after that. (And maybe even the shot after that, if you’re feeling really ambitious.)
Use Your Imagination (or at Least Your Yardage Book)
Another important aspect of golf course management is visualization. Before you hit each shot, take a moment to visualize the shot you want to hit. See the ball flying through the air, landing softly on the green, and rolling into the hole. (Okay, maybe that last part is a bit optimistic. But hey, it’s good to have goals.)
If you’re having trouble visualizing, use your yardage book to help you. Look at the shape of the hole, the location of the hazards, and the green complex. Then, imagine yourself hitting the perfect shot.
(Continuing…)
I know, I know, this whole visualization thing sounds a bit woo-woo. But trust me, it works. (Or at least it works for me, after a couple glasses of wine.) The more you can see the shot in your mind, the more likely you are to hit it.
Don’t Be a Hero (Unless You’re Absolutely Sure You Can Pull It Off)
Okay, this is a big one. And it’s something that I struggle with all the time.
When you’re on the golf course, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and try to hit hero shots. You know, those shots that you see the pros hit on TV. The ones that make you go “Wow!” (Or, in my case, “Holy crap, how did they do that?”)
But here’s the thing: the pros are pros for a reason. They practice for hours every day. They have perfect swings. And they have nerves of steel.
Most of us, on the other hand, are not pros. We have jobs, families, and social lives. We practice when we can (which, let’s be honest, isn’t very often). And our swings are… well, let’s just say they’re not exactly textbook.
So, my advice is this: don’t try to be a hero. Play it smart. Choose the shot that gives you the best chance of success, even if it’s not the most glamorous shot.
(Unless you’re absolutely sure you can pull it off. Then, by all means, go for it. Just make sure you have a good spotter in case you end up in the woods.)
Take Your Medicine (and Don’t Throw Your Clubs)
Okay, this is another one that I struggle with. (I have a bit of a temper, if you haven’t noticed.)
Sometimes, no matter how well you plan your shots, things just don’t go your way. You hit a bad shot. You end up in a hazard. You miss a short putt. It happens to the best of us. (Well, maybe not the best of us, but you know what I mean.)
When this happens, it’s important to take your medicine. Accept the bad shot, take your penalty stroke, and move on. Don’t dwell on it. Don’t get angry. And definitely don’t throw your clubs. (Unless you’re playing with a really cheap set that you don’t mind replacing.)
Remember: golf is a game of mistakes. The best golfers in the world make mistakes. The key is to learn from your mistakes and move on.
Listen to Your Caddy (or Your Inner Voice)
If you’re lucky enough to have a caddy, listen to them. They know the course better than you do. They can help you read the greens. And they can offer valuable advice on club selection and shot strategy.
If you don’t have a caddy, don’t worry. You can still get good advice from your inner voice. (Just make sure you’ve had enough wine to loosen up your inhibitions.)
Seriously, though, trust your gut. If you have a feeling that you should lay up instead of going for the green, then lay up. If you think you should hit a 3-wood instead of a driver, then hit a 3-wood.
Your inner voice knows what’s best for you. (Unless you’ve had way too much wine. Then, all bets are off.)
Have Fun (or at Least Pretend To)
Okay, this is the most important tip of all. Remember to have fun. (Or at least pretend to have fun. Your playing partners will appreciate it.)
Golf can be a frustrating game. But it’s also a beautiful game. So relax, enjoy the scenery, and try not to take yourself too seriously. (Unless you’re playing for money. Then, by all means, take it as seriously as you want.)
And if all else fails, just remember: there’s always wine at the 19th hole.
Cheers!
P.S. If you’re looking for more golf course management tips, I highly recommend checking out Golf Digest. They have some great articles and videos that can help you improve your game. (Just don’t tell them I sent you. They might not appreciate my “slightly tipsy” approach to golf.)
P.P.S. If you have any questions about golf course management (or anything else golf-related), feel free to leave a comment below. I’m always happy to chat golf (especially after a glass or two of wine).