How to Hit More Fairways: 9 Tips to Find the Short Grass

While it might be easy to think that fairways and lower scores are directly correlated, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson would highly disagree.

The reason why they score so well is their amazing work around the greens and pure talent. So, you must focus on getting the shot right in the short grass. It’s really hard to score well when it comes to thick rough, but here are a few tips to kickstart your journey with more straight shots and higher scores:

Wait! Wait! Wait!  

Before we go ahead, you must take note of the following statistics:

According to the PGA Tour in 2019, the average tour player hit around 62% of fairways.

Now, a breakdown of what an amateur’s average score amounts to as per a survey:

• 23 handicap = 21% (roughly 3/14)
• 15 handicap= 395 (roughly 5/14)
• 7 handicap= 61% (roughly 9/14)
• Scratch player= 70% (roughly 10/14)

1. Track Your Stats

As you can see from the statistics above, anything above 60% is a great number to aim for. Make sure to note if you find the fairway with a driver, a fairway wood, a hybrid, or a long iron.

This will give you a starting point. Just like anything you want to improve, the more you measure it, the more you can manage it.

You can make a note on your Google doc, a note on your phone, or a golf app to monitor your progress.

2. Evaluate The Hole

You need to take a look at your course strategy. Before grabbing the big stick, make sure you create a tee box strategy.

Ask yourself what’s the best spot to miss and the best spot to aim. Always weigh the risk vs. the reward before you grab the driver and tee off. If hitting the driver on a short putt 4 only brings in more trouble, avoid doing it. 

Your goal is to end up in more fairways so you have easier approach shots and give yourself more birdie putts. 

3. Pick Two Targets

Once you’ve chosen the correct weapon of choice for the tee shot, confirm where you want it to end up. The key here is to choose two targets.

Here’s why:

Let’s say that you want to smash your tee ball down the left side of the fairway. Instead of targeting just the left side of the fairway, get specific.

For example, find a power line, dry spot, tree, or something else in the distance as an aim point. This is where your focus should be once you’re standing over the ball.

Find an intermediary target like a long-distance spot to track the line back to your ball. Also, try to find a spot of grass or broken one to two feet ahead of your ball to aim your clubhead.

4. Use Visualization

Use visualization to imagine the perfect tee ball before you swing the club. Imagine the ball taking off at the intended destination and think about the ball landing where you wanted it to.

Set yourself for success by getting clear about where the ball to end up.

5. Practice With Fairway Woods

You need to have a reliable swing to find the short grass. To find this, make sure you are spending your time on the practice tee correctly.

This helps to determine whether you have a productive practice or an unproductive practice.

Make sure you avoid the following sessions to maintain productive practices:

• Large bucket
• Not taking breaks
• Not using alignment sticks
• Only hitting drivers as hard as possible
• Hitting a large bucket of balls without any aim point
• Getting frustrated without having a specific goal 

Spend your practices with a specific purpose by:

Hitting the Right Clubs

Avoid wasting your practice sessions hitting 7 irons per day. Instead, focus on hitting fairway woods.

Pick a Spot

Create a fairway by finding two posts or trees in the distance.

Use Alignment Sticks

Alignment sticks will make sure you are correctly set up at the address.

Use your Pre-Shot Routine

Dedicate at least 10-15 balls to go through your entire pre-shot routine.

6. Find your Go-To Shot

It’s pretty easy to find that scratch golfers have a go-to shot. Whether it’s a five-yard cut, a high draw, or a relatively straight ball. They might even have a specific club like a 3-wood or driving iron.

If you’re struggling to find fairways, find your go-to shot first. This way you can confidently pick a target and depend on your cut or draw of the tee.  

7. Master Your Tempo

Your tempo plays a huge role when it comes to your overall ball striking. If you are constantly in the rough and want to find more fairways, check your tempo.

Most amateur golfers tend to take it back too quickly or rush the transition. This makes it super easy to spray it off the tee, especially with the driver or if you’re playing in the wind.

Rather you should focus on a smooth takeaway and maximum acceleration at impact. This will lead to a straighter and a farther shot.

8. Use a Launch Monitor

A launch monitor helps you better understand your swing. Don’t use it when you are a beginner, though if you are constantly practicing golfing, it can help you improve your game as you get more advanced.

The main motive is to know your overall game better. As you learn more about your game, you’ll gain more confidence in your swing and the go-to shot.

9. Ride the Wind

Evaluating the wind will the accuracy of your swings. When you’re on the tee box creating your strategy, make sure to double-check which direction the wind is blowing.

For example, if the wind is blowing in an unclear direction, don’t try to play a big draw unless you are an expert. 

This helps you aim accordingly while avoiding big misses that may cost you important strikes.

Conclusion

Hitting your golf ball in the middle is not just about improving your swing. A lot of it has to do with the right course strategy, intentional practice, and finding your go-to shot.

With the tips mentioned above, you will be able to hit it straighter and find the game a lot simpler. You don’t always have to swing the driver or even 3-wood if you don’t want to.

Make sure you keep tracking your stats while becoming more and more advanced in the game. You got this!