The Holy Grail of Scoring: Hitting More Greens
Greens in Regulation (GIR) is the most important stat in golf. If you are putting for birdie, you are not scrambling for par. The secret to hitting more greens isn't a perfect swing; it is better decision-making.
1. The "Center of the Green" Strategy
The biggest mistake amateurs make is "flag hunting." They aim directly at the pin, regardless of where it is. But your shots don't travel in a straight line; they land in a scatter pattern.
- The Pro Approach: PGA Tour players aim away from the flag more often than they aim at it. They aim for the "fat" part of the green.
- The Benefit: If you aim at the center and hit your shot perfectly, you have a 20-foot putt. If you miss your shot slightly left or right, you are still on the green. If you aim at a tucked flag and miss, you are in a bunker.
2. Club Up (The "Back Number")
Data shows that 80-90% of amateur misses fall short of the green. This is usually because players select a club based on their maximum distance, not their average distance.
The Fix: When you check your yardage, look at the number to the Back of the green. Choose the club that will get you there. Most danger (bunkers, water, false fronts) is at the front of the green. Missing long is rarely as punishing as missing short.
3. The "Traffic Light" System
To keep it simple, categorize every pin position before you hit:
- Green Light: The pin is in the center of the green or the hazard is far away. Go ahead and aim at the flag.
- Yellow Light: The pin is slightly tucked on one side. Aim between the flag and the center of the green.
- Red Light: The pin is tucked behind a bunker or near water. Ignore the flag completely. Aim for the center of the green.
4. Respect the Lie
If you are in the rough, you cannot control the spin. The ball will often "fly" (go further) or come out dead (go shorter). Do not try to be a hero from the rough. Aim for the front-center of the green, accept a two-putt par, and move on.
Additional Reading
For more on how to manage your approach game, we recommend these resources:
- Arccos Golf: The Spooky Stats: Real data showing just how often amateurs miss short and why you need to club up.
- Butch Harmon: How to Hit More Greens: Timeless advice from the world's most famous instructor on club selection and aim.
- ‘Cautiously Aggressive’: Why you should aim for the middle of the green: An explanation of why aiming at the center of the green is mathematically superior to hunting flags.