Basics: The ,,Big 5'' of golf strategy
- Michael Wolf Golfprofessional
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
1. Play Your Pattern – Not Your Ideal
“Play your game, not the perfect game.”
Know your typical ball flight (e.g. slice, draw)
Plan every shot with your miss in mind
Avoid “hero shots” you rarely execute
Example:Fade players aim more to the left instead of thinking “today I’ll just hit it straight.”
2. Avoid the Big Mistake
(Avoid Double Bogey)
“Golf is lost through mistakes, not won by perfect shots.”
Minimize risk instead of chasing highlights
Take hazards (water, out of bounds, bunkers) out of play
Secure a bogey instead of risking a double
This is often the biggest difference between a 25 and a 10 handicap.
3. Play Away from the Flag
(Target Management)
“Aim for safety, not perfection.”
Analyze pin position (front, back, side)
Aim for the largest safe area of the green
Especially important with difficult pins
Example:Pin back right = aim middle left of the green.
4. Think the Hole Backwards
(Course Management)
“Plan from the hole back to the tee.”
Where do you want your next shot from?
Position yourself for the easiest next shot
Every shot is part of a chain of decisions
Example: Better to have your favorite 120 m distance than an uncomfortable 80 m shot.
5. Play the Shot the Situation Allows
“The situation dictates the shot – not your ego.”
Honestly assess lie, wind, and terrain
Adapt instead of forcing your original plan
Sometimes “getting back into play” is the best decision
Example: In the rough, don’t attack the green → play it safe back into position.
Closing Thought
“Good golf is not luck – it’s the sum of good decisions.”
The Big 5 of tactics help you play more consistently, reduce mistakes, and improve your handicap in a sustainable way.
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