BOOK
A tee
tiMe
W
ith Classic Club's
Inaugural Residents
Championship just
around the corner,
now is the time to
get prepared. We asked PGA Teaching
Professional Dave Curtis for a few basic
tips to get your game tournament-
ready. Here's what we learned:
get familiar
It is always a good idea to play the
course a few times before a tournament
to make sure you're familiar with all the
holes, know the speed of the greens, and
what clubs to hit off the tees as well as
on approach shots. Keep in mind, PGA
Tour players usually play a couple of
practice rounds before a four-day event.
think strategically
For the Residents Championship,
which will be a best-ball format,
applying a little strategy could be the
factor that leads you to holding the first-
place trophy at the end of the event. This
happens by talking to your partner
during the practice round about what
shots you feel comfortable hitting. Take
the par-5 ninth hole for example – if you
feel extremely confident in laying up to
100 yards and hitting a normal full
swing with a wedge, do that. It might
take the pressure off of your partner for
their second shot.
u u u
Know your strengths
As the practice rounds continue,
make sure you know where to hit the
ball if it is a difficult shot. Try to leave
yourself an easy next shot so that you
can play to a personal strength. Don't
leave yourself 60 yards from the hole if
you don't like that yardage.
u u u
simulate tournament conditions
Have a little fun on the par 3s and
make a small wager to see who can hit it
closer to hole. This will apply some
pressure on both players and make for a
little friendly competition.
u u u
practice, practice, practice
Make time to practice a few days a
week at least two weeks prior the
tournament. Work on more of the short
game shots to get your feel for chips and
pitches. When you are on the range, hit
different clubs each shot as if you are
simulating play on the course.
u u u
putt for dough
Always spend time practicing your
putting. Work on controlling the speed
of the putts. Practice 15 feet and in to
really improve your stroke. Work your
way around the hole and experience
different breaks at different lengths.
u u u
seek professional help
If you are struggling with any part of
your game, getting a lesson weeks
before the tournament is highly
recommended. However, it's typically
not the best idea to get a lesson the day
before a big tournament.
plAn Of ACtiOn
Here's how to get your game ready for tournament play
C L I C K H E R E TO L E A R N M O R E A B O U T C L A S S I C C LU B'S P R O F E S S I O N A L G O L F I N S T R U C T I O N
YOur gAMe
