The Frustration Of Golf Course Hazards

The toughest part of the golf course (at least for me) is avoiding the hazards. They can be placed in areas that can complicate your attempt to chip on the putting green. Of course that is part of the strategy and the frustration of golf course hazards.

Sand traps come in a variety of sizes and depth. Usually placed near the putting green and along the fairway. Now an experienced golfer can aim their club to miss the sand trap or chip to go over the sand. My skill level has not reached the point where I can chip over the trap.

The next scenario that presents a huge problem for me is landing into the sand trap. There are certain rules you should follow. Walk onto the sand, have your club face nearly flat, place your feet firmly in the sand and when you swing the club scoop the ball up. The idea is to not have the club face touch the sand.

If done properly the ball will rise out of the sand and land comfortably on the putting green. Remember if done correctly! My solution is, after one attempt and it rolls back into the sand, pick up the ball and place it on the fringe of the green. Lastly, do not forget to rake the sand.

There are other forms of hazards that can be challenging, such as water and trees. The water hazards can be a pond or creek crossing the fairway, trees lining the fairway, even other golfers in your fairway. Obstacles are designed to keep the game interesting and challenging.

When you are a beginner, knowing the distance you can hit, using the right club or actually hitting the ball in the right direction is still a work in progress. It is amazing how the mind works.

You take aim, get in your stance, site on the flag, ignore the water, swing the club and watch the ball land in the water. Ball "number 1" is now gone. I usually attempt another drive, because I like losing balls, and then I get over the hazard.

I may sound skeptical about golf, but that just comes from my lack of experience playing the game. I am still having fun when the ball splashes in the pond or the ball slams into a tree never to be found. The point is don't be hard on yourself and throw clubs around, each hole is a new game, embrace it and par the hole.

This discussion focused on the frustration of golf course hazards. There will be future articles discussing other creative hazards I have found in my travels visiting new courses.

Until then remember: golfing is to have fun, laughter and a few beers!

God Bless You and your game.