How to Make Par When Out of Position

11 November 2022

It’s true that the more fairways you hit, the more you’re likely to make par or better. However, even some of the best players in the world don’t hit the fairway consistently. In fact, several of the PGA Tour’s top players find the fairway less often than you might think.

Only 5 players averaged over 70% of fairways hit last season, while the average for the PGA Tour is 59.78%. Assuming a course with four par 3 holes, means on average the pros only hit 8.4 out of 14 possible fairways. However all players (minus one) average 50% or more.

For amateurs, the statistics unsurprisingly don’t fare any better.

Data from Shot Scope reveals that 0 to 10 handicap players hit only 50% of fairways on average, with this number decreasing to 47% for 15 handicappers and 46% for 25 handicappers.

So how can amateur golfers make par when out of position and avoid racking up scores? Here we share a few tips borrowed from some of the world’s leading players.

Acknowledge the situation

By far the biggest culprit of the dreaded double bogey or worse is players not fully acknowledging their situation. Pay close attention to where you find yourself when out of position.

How is the lie? How the ball is sitting should determine how you play the next shot. Don’t attempt the 200-yard iron shot if your ball is sitting deep down in thick grass. You’ll also have less ball control playing from the rough, so consider how the ball will roll out on approach or upon hitting the green.

Are there any obstacles? You might have a clear line to the green but will those overhanging branches come into play? 

Where are the hazards? You might find hazards come into play that aren’t normally a concern. Don’t compound things by playing into one.