How to Eliminate Big Numbers on the Golf Course: My Personal Approach to Setting Realistic Expectations

Hi everyone, Sandra Gal here! I’m excited to share one of my favorite course management strategies—one that I’ve relied on throughout my time on the LPGA Tour and still use every time I compete. This approach has allowed me to navigate tough holes, reduce stress, and eliminate those big numbers that can derail a round. I believe it will do the same for you, no matter your skill level.

Jump to Weekly Golf Challenge #1: Improve Your Course Strategy…

1. Understanding the Concept: Birdie, Par, or Bogey Holes

When I’m playing a practice round, I don’t just accept that a hole is a par-4 or a par-5 as given. Instead, I redefine each hole based on my current abilities, comfort level, and the circumstances of the course. For some holes, I’ll consider them “birdie holes,” meaning I’m confident and ready to play more aggressively. Others will be “par holes,” where making a steady par is a solid result. And some might even be “bogey holes,” especially if you’re a higher handicap player—there’s absolutely no shame in that.

Birdie Holes: These are holes where I know I can give myself a realistic shot at going under par. Maybe it’s a short par-4 that suits my eye, allowing me to hit driver and leave myself with a comfortable wedge into the green. On these holes, I’ll take an aggressive line and go at the pin. If I miss, I’ve still got an easy par in sight.

Par Holes: If a hole feels a bit tougher for me—maybe it’s long, narrow, or has hazards placed in tricky spots—I’ll label it as a “par hole.” Here, I’m aiming to play conservatively and smart. Instead of forcing a driver into a tight landing area, I might hit 3-wood, find the fairway, and accept a longer approach shot. Two putts later, a par feels like a win.

Bogey Holes: For those of you who are still working your way toward lower handicaps, think about designating some holes as “bogey holes.” Maybe it’s a monster par-4 where hitting the green in two is a stretch. If you treat a bogey as your personal “par,” you can play it stress-free. Chip, pitch, and putt your way around without risking a blow-up score. The beauty here is that you eliminate pressure, often preventing double and triple bogeys.

2. Why Redefining Holes Helps

By assigning each hole an achievable target score, you set realistic expectations for yourself before you even tee it up. This mental shift removes a lot of tension. Instead of feeling that you must make par everywhere, you’re free to focus on playing your best shot in that moment—whether it’s a safe layup off the tee or a more daring approach with a wedge.

Competing on the LPGA Tour, this technique has always been invaluable. Not every hole suits my eye or my shot shape. By giving myself permission to accept a par or even a bogey on tougher holes, I avoid forcing shots that aren’t right for me. In turn, I’m able to dodge those big numbers that come from pushing too hard.

3. The Benefits You’ll See

1. Consistent Scoring:
Instead of having a few great holes and a few disastrous ones, you’ll find more stability. Your card will level out, and those big numbers that inflate your score will become less common.

2. Improved Confidence:
When you categorize a hole as a birdie, par, or bogey hole, you know exactly what you’re aiming for. This clarity breeds confidence because you’re no longer hoping for something unrealistic—you’re playing within your skill set.

3. Less Stress on the Course:
Golf is hard enough. There’s no need to add emotional stress by chasing perfect scores on every hole. By embracing this approach, you allow yourself to relax, focus on your process, and enjoy the round more.

4. How to Get Started

Step 1: Plan in Advance
Before your round (or during a practice round), grab your yardage book or a scorecard. Make notes next to each hole. Which ones give you a real shot at birdie? Which are tricky but manageable for a par? And which might be more realistic to consider as a bogey hole right now? Be honest with yourself.

Step 2: Commit to the Strategy
Once you’ve assigned each hole a goal, trust your plan. Don’t stand on the tee of a known “bogey hole” and try to pull off the miracle shot. Relax, choose a club that keeps you in play, and stick to the strategy you set.

Step 3: Track Your Progress
As you start using this method, pay attention to how your scores evolve. Notice if you’re making fewer doubles or triples. Note how you feel mentally—less pressured, calmer, more in control.

5. Expect Improvements Over Time

As your game develops, what you consider a “bogey hole” today might become a comfortable “par hole” in the future, or even a “birdie hole” down the road. That’s the beauty of this system—it grows with you. Your game will change, and so will your expectations. Each step forward in skill gives you the freedom to be more aggressive where you can.

Your One-Week “Course Strategy” Challenge

For the next week, I’d love for you to give this approach a try. During at least one round, define in advance how you’ll approach each hole on the course:

1. Identify a Few “Comfort Holes” to Attack:
These might be holes where you’ve historically done well, or where the shape of the hole fits your natural shot. Plan to take a more confident line off the tee, and allow yourself to be a bit more aggressive approaching the green.

2. Pick a Few “Careful Holes” to Survive:
For the toughest holes that often trip you up, dial it back. Aim for the widest part of the fairway, even if it means a longer approach. Take your medicine and trust that a safe, steady approach will help you avoid big scores.

3. Stick to the Plan & Take Notes:
After the round, review how it went. Did you avoid more double bogeys or blow-up holes? Did you feel more in control?

This exercise isn’t about forcing birdies or giving up on certain holes—it’s about making decisions that align with your game as it is now. Over time, you’ll see improvements not just on your scorecard, but in your overall mindset and enjoyment of the game.

I’ve seen firsthand how this mindset shift can transform a round. It’s not just about lowering your score; it’s about playing smarter, feeling more in control, and enjoying the journey. So give it a try the next time you head to the course. Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear about the improvements you make and the peace of mind you gain.

Want to Discuss Your Results and Grow Even Further?

If you want to discuss your results with me personally and see how other golfers are tackling this challenge, I invite you to join our Training Community. There, we talk in detail about course management, technique, and even do swing analyses. It’s a supportive space designed to help you refine every aspect of your game.

[Click here to join our Training Community now!]

Good luck with the challenge, have fun, and I look forward to hearing about your progress!

Sandra