Pro Tip with Head Professional, Taylor Porter: Stop Aiming at the Flag
One of the fastest ways to lower your scores has nothing to do with changing your golf swing—it's changing where you aim.
Most golfers automatically fire at every flagstick, but the best players understand that golf is a game of percentages. Instead of asking, "Can I hit this shot?" ask yourself, "Where is the safest place to miss?"
If the pin is tucked behind a bunker or near the edge of the green, aim for the center of the putting surface. A 25-foot birdie putt is much better than trying to get up and down from the sand or thick rough.
Think of each green as having a "good miss" and a "bad miss." Your goal should be to eliminate the big number by taking the trouble out of play.
Here's a simple challenge for your next round:
Aim for the center of every green, regardless of pin position.
Track how many greens you hit.
Notice how many stress-free pars you make.
You'll likely find yourself hitting more greens, avoiding costly mistakes, and shooting lower scores—even without swinging any better.
Golf isn't always about hitting spectacular shots. More often, it's about making smart decisions.
Taylor's Tip: Before every approach shot, ask yourself: "Where can I hit this and still make par?" That one question can save you several strokes each round.
Ready to take your game to the next level? Schedule a lesson with one of our Professionals!
