After reducing her Handicap score from 34 to 9 in a year, Jess Ratcliffe recorded her training on her YouTube and Instagram channels. If you are losing points due to undue mistakes, try the 5 strategic tips from professional golfer Jess Ratcliffe to improve the score.
80% rule – Choose confident hit, minimize risk
The 80 percent rule is to choose hits and goals that you feel confident will succeed with an 80% or higher probability, instead of risky ones.
If the driver's bat hit risks putting the ball into the bunker, instead of taking risks, apply the 80% rule, choosing the bat or target you know will definitely not be in trouble. Although the next hit may be further away, it offers a more confident swing, rather than anxiety.
Similarly, when hitting the green with the flag lying just ahead, but surrounded by bunkers, aim for the largest part of the green. This gives you the best chance to use the putt, instead of the sand wedge in the next shot.
Strategic calculation for the next hit - Double Bogey reduction
When playing, I often lose points because of double bogey in 3 holes, due to mistakes in stray or greed.
A stray shot can be from the driver's bat that takes the ball into the woods or the approach is off course. Then, the greedy hit appeared when I tried to save the score, but ended up causing more trouble.
From there, I applied the strategy to the next hit. When I'm in a difficult situation, I ask myself, "Where do I want the next hit?" and plan from there.
Secure the ball to Green – Optimized Putt
Sometimes I'm too greedy, trying to get the ball close to the flag, forgetting that the primary goal is to get the ball up to the green. For example, I used to hit the perfect wedge from 90 yards away, but without careful calculation, the ball rolled out of the green and fell into thick grass behind.
Next time, instead of taking a risk, I'll be sure to put the ball on the green to get a chance to use the putt, avoid unnecessary situations.
Avoid Bunker and Other Dangerous Obstacles
This rule is especially useful with hits to the green or from the tee. Before hitting, I always calculate the distance to obstacles like bunkers and choose the baton enough to overcome.
Even if the shot wasn't perfect, I had a better chance of getting the ball up to green or into a safer position.
Select the bat that matches the current ball condition
Instead of trying to move the ball further from an unfavorable position with a 3-wood bat, I chose the bat that fits the current ball condition, even though the distance was shorter. It is important to move the ball to a better position for the next hit, rather than trying to reach a distance and create more trouble.
The next time you encounter a similar situation, ask yourself: Is this the best choice for a hit?
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