Tips for playing a new, young golf course

[ryno_wineo]

Tomorrow morning I'm playing a golf course that opened 4 months ago, Sterling Grove outside Phoenix, AZ.

 

I've heard/read that the greens are VERY firm/unreceptive and the course can be windy (young trees that don't block wind). Any recommendations on how to play a course like this?

[DaveP043]

I've played a few really new courses, and most have had really firm greens like you describe.  If you can, try to land approach shots near the front edge, or short of the green if that's an option.  And of course when its windy, swing easier, take extra club going into the wind, hit lower shots if you can do it consistently, and keep patient.

[golfinnut]

You will have to play it like a British Open ... a lot of bump & runs.  Landing short of the green if they are rock hard & allowing for roll.  Pray that there aren't forced carries over trouble to reach the green .... like bunkers, water hazards, etc.  If so, you will have to play away from them & hit to whatever part of green you can reach & stay on.  Play for the wind (downwind, good luck) but use the wind to your advantage.  Into the wind, you may be able to still hold the green with a regular shot that will hold it up in the wind.  Oh ... have a good short game because you will be missing a lot of greens.     

Let us know how you do. 

[TBT]

Bump and Run is your friend on courses like this, plan to land approach shots near the front of the green and let them run onto the putting surface, chip with less loft to avoid big bounces, club up and remember the old saying.

”when it’s breezy, swing easy”

putting less spin on shots helps minimize the effects of the wind

[Rich Hurey]

Make sure you have a knowledgeable caddie! Rich Hurey