OB SPORTS GOLF & LEISURE
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SUMMER 2018
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obsports.com
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YOUR GAME
Washington, is one of the true links courses managed
by OB Sports, along with Tetherow in Oregon and the
redesigned Baylands Golf Links in Northern California.
With the Open approaching, golfers may be inspired
to test their skills on courses reminiscent of Carnoustie,
so we asked Gamble Sands Head Golf Professional
Matt Baum for a few tips on playing links golf…
] Think differently
Links courses are typically designed with the
weather intended to add to the challenge and in-
trigue – on some holes the wind is a penalty;
on others it's your best friend. Because of that,
many shots will require creative thinking.
"Proper club selection is the most impor-
tant tip I could give to any golfer playing
links golf," Baum said. "It's a combination of
the golfer's imagination mixed with their abil-
ity to execute the required golf shot. From 100
yards and in you can easily play a wedge, an
iron, a hybrid or rescue club – even a putter!"
] Carry different weapons
Because wind plays such a significant factor in links
golf, you may not need the three or four wedges you
normally use to hit those majestic high approach shots
that you love. Replace one or two with rescue clubs or
metal woods – which will allow you to hit more cre-
ative shots, keeping the ball lower and taking advan-
tage of the opportunity to run the ball up to the green.
"Because of the deep sand base that forms the entire
golf course and tightly mown turf, hitting wedges de-
signed to land on greens and check up is not the most
recommended approach," Baum said.
] Take what's given to you
"What makes Gamble Sands so unique and player-
friendly for all abilities is the accessibility to get to
each green in regulation," Baum said. "Using the
slopes and contours of the golf course is the best way
to leave yourself with a better chance to score."
The par-3 fourth hole, for example, plays 142 yards
from the green tees downhill with a putting surface
that wraps around to the right and is guarded by a
bunker on the left and a large waste area on the right.
"Remarkably, putter is the smart play on this hole
regardless of pin position and is the safest way to hit
the green – not to mention the most fun," Baum said.
] Think twice
Baum's highest score at Gamble Sands came as a re-
sult of firing at every pin. That day, he learned that
you can't force things on a course like that – and
you're better off playing each hole as it's designed.
"On approach shots and chip shots, the first type of
shot or shot shape you imagine in your head is not
necessarily the best one," Baum said.
VIDEO
EXTRA!
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