The Safe Side First Course-management blueprint
PLAY SMARTER GOLF WITHOUT CHANGING YOUR SWING
Many golfers stand over a shot thinking about one thing:
“How do I hit the perfect shot?”
That approach can lead to unnecessary risk, difficult recovery shots and bigger numbers on the scorecard.
Instead, I suggest a different approach: The Safe Side First Course-Management Blueprint.
Before choosing your club or target, ask one simple question:
“Where is the safe side?”
That question can change the way your play the entire golf course.
Find the Safe Side First
Before selecting a club, look at the trouble surrounding your target.
Where is the bunker? Where is the water? Is there out-of-bounds on one side? Which side gives you the easiest next shot if you miss?
Then identify the area that gives you the greatest margin for error.
That’s your Safe Side.
Instead of automatically aiming at the flag or trying to hit the longest possible drive, you’re choosing a target that keeps your next shot manageable.
Tee Shots: Don’t Automatically Reach for Driver
Imagine a hole with trouble down the right side and plenty of room to the left
The aggressive golfer may aim down the middle and try to hit a perfect drive.
The smart golfer identifies the safe side first.
If left is safe, favor the left side. And if driver brings the trouble into play, consider a fairway wood or hybrid.
You’re not playing defensively.
You’re giving yourself a better chance to the play the next shot from a good position.
Approach Shots: The Flag Isn’t Always Your Target.
One of the easiest ways to lower scores it to stop automatically aiming at every flag.
Suppose the flag is tucked on the right side of the green with a bunker just a few yards away.
The left-center of the green has plenty of room.
The safe=side decision is simple:
Aim left-center.
A perfect shot might finish 20 feet from the hole. A slight miss could still leave you putting.
Compare that with aiming directly at the flag, where a small mistake may leave you in the bunker.
Change the Question
The Safe Side First Blueprint isn’t about playing scared golf.
It’s about changing your thinking.
Instead of asking:
“How do I hit the perfect shot?”
Ask:
“Where can I hit this shot that gives me the best chance for a good score?”
That small change can reduce penalty shots, difficult bunker shots, short-sided chips and unnecessary double bogeys.
Try it During Your Next Round.
Before every full shot:
Identify the trouble
Find the safe side
Choose your target
Select the club that best fits that target
Commit to the shot
Remember:
Safe side first. Target second. Club third.
You don’t always need a better golf swing to shoot lower scores.
Sometimes you simply need to make better decisions with the swing you already have.
Play the smart side. keep the ball in play. Give yourself an easier next shot.
That’s the Safe Side First Course-Management Blueprint.
Jim Powers, PGA Life Member
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