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Intermediate

Golf Tips: Six Keys to Hit More Greens

By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Published on

On what has become seemingly her farewell tour, Lexi Thompson is right in the thick of contention at a Major Championship.
She took an early lead on Thursday at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship when she fired a four-under 68, and is two back of the 6-under lead after a second-round 72.
Throughout her career, Lexi has been best known for her power and less known for her approach game. So far at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washingtong, it's been a different story.
On the nearly 6,800-yard layout, Lexie hit almost 80 percent of her greens while only needing 28 putts on the day in Round 1. That all important greens in regulation stat, combined with impeccable putting, is the winning combination.
Improving your ability to hit more greens in regulation can significantly lower your golf scores. Here's a game plan to help you achieve that:
1. Focus on Accuracy off the Tee: Keeping the ball in play off the tee is crucial for setting up easier approach shots. Rather than always reaching for the driver, consider using a club that ensures accuracy and allows you to find the fairway more consistently.
2. Understand Your Distances: Understanding how far you hit each club is vital to hitting more greens. Invest time on the range in fine-tuning your distances, and get comfortable hitting your irons and wedges consistently.
To do this, I suggest a weekly session to get your yardage with each club via a radar device. This self-awareness of what you hit each club will empower you to make more informed decisions on the course.
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3. Focus on Course Management: Before hitting a shot, take a moment to assess the situation. Consider the best place to miss if you don't hit the green and whether you should be aggressive or conservative based on pin position and hazards.
4. Stay Calm Under Pressure: Hitting more greens is not just about physical skills, it's about maintaining composure on the course, especially when you have a good round going. Keeping your nerves in check can help you execute your shots more effectively, instilling a sense of confidence and resilience in your game.
5. Work on Your Mental Game: Visualizing successful shots and staying positive will help you hit more greens. Develop a pre-shot routine that helps you focus and stay in the right frame of mind.
6. Track Your Statistics: Tracking your greens in regulation statistics can help you identify areas for improvement and give you a clearer picture of your progress over time. Beyond the number of greens hit, look for patterns on where your misses are: short, short right, long left, etc.
Lexi Thompson at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship.
Lexi Thompson at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship.
Remember, the path to hitting more greens in regulation is a journey that requires patience and practice. By incorporating these tips into your game plan and dedicating focused practice time to this aspect of your game, you're setting yourself up for improved success on the course . . . just like Lexi has showed at Sahalee.
Keep at it, and good luck!

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Brendon R. Elliott, PGA

Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

After 16 remarkable years of nurturing young talent and fostering a love for golf through The Little Linksters Golf Academy, Brendon Elliott is excited to announce the transition of leadership to esteemed Coach Ricky Collado in 2025. As the baton is passed, Coach Ricky will take charge of all operations and become the primary point of contact for any Linksters-related inquiries. As Brendon steps into a new chapter, the focus will shift to launching and growing BE A GOLFER, a new academy dedicated to competitive teenage golfers. This initiative will continue both in-person and remote coaching, harnessing years of expertise to nurture the next generation of golfing talent. Further expanding horizons, Brendon will also dedicate time to One More Roll Golf Media. This venture aims to collaborate with various golf media outlets and businesses, delivering high-quality written, video, and voice content. Despite these new ventures, Brendon will remain closely connected with Little Linksters. A commitment to collaboration with Coach Ricky will continue, particularly with projects like the PGA Junior League, ensuring a lasting impact and smooth transition. “I am thrilled about the future of Little Linksters under Coach Ricky Collado’s leadership. This transition marks a change and an exciting new direction for me and the academy. I look forward to contributing my efforts towards developing competitive young golfers and advancing in the golf media landscape.” ~ Brendon R. Elliott, PGA More About Coach Brendon... Brendon Elliott is a distinguished PGA Professional who has received over 25 prestigious industry awards recognizing his contributions and influence in youth golf, most notably, the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. With numerous appearances on the Golf Channel and local news outlets in Florida, Brendon has established himself as a respected educator and influencer in the golf industry. Renowned for his expertise in all aspects of golf, he is a sought-after speaker at golfing events and panels. In the past three years, Brendon has expanded into media, writing for esteemed outlets such as PGA.com, PGA Magazine, Golf.com, GolfWRX.com, RG.org, and many others. Elliott is also part of the “Quiet Please Golf Podcast” crew and hosts a livestream show on the Golf Live App called “Monday Evening Tee Time.” Brendon’s dedication to advancing the sport has made a significant impact on the golf community.

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