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3 Tips For Lower Scores From the KPMG Women's PGA Championship
By Luke Olson, PGA
Published on
If you're catching the action this week from the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, there are many lessons you can learn from watching the best in the world battle it out. Here are a few key takeaways, with drills for you to try.
Let Your Irons Be Your Weapon
Consistency and great approach shots create ample birdie opportunities.
Coaching Tip
- Pick a specific landing zone on every approach
- Visualize the shot shape into the green
- Accept 15–25 feet as a quality birdie opportunity
Quick Drill
Next time you’re out playing, avoid chasing aggressive lines into the green. Instead, commit to your shot shape and aim for the largest portion of the putting green. You’ll give yourself more birdie opportunities while, more importantly, reducing the risk of a big number.
Be Great at Scrambling
Getting up-and-down to save par on all five chances is an important part of the game that mitigates damage and preserves great rounds.
Coaching Tip
- Assess the lie first to determine what type of shot is possible
- Pick a landing spot on the green and visualize how the ball will release
- Accept a longer putt when necessary instead of forcing a low-percentage hero shot
Quick Drill
Next time you are on the practice green, pick different landing spots and hit multiple chips and pitches with different clubs while cycling through different lies and trajectories. Prioritize solid contact and distance control.
Feel pressure favoring your lead side, make a committed swing and focus on controlling where the ball lands.
Attack the Par 5s
You don’t necessarily need to overpower the par 5s to score well. But setting up yourself with a smart layup to a comfortable approach into the green can create great opportunities.
Tour players love par 5s. So should you.
Coaching Tip
- Determine if you can be aggressive or not
- Find a club you are confident hitting off the tee to find the fairway
- Layup to specific yardage to a club you trust for your approach
Quick Drill
Next time you play, evaluate each of the par 5s before choosing your strategy. If the hole sets up well and you have the ability to reach the green in two, be confident and take advantage of the opportunity. If not, commit to a three-shot strategy and focus on leaving yourself a comfortable approach.
