how i can better my golf game from course to course

Question
Hey Michael, I am a senior for my high school golf team i have been playing golf now for five years but i have been around the sport my whole life. I am your average golfer i live in NC i play as much as i can my home course is zebulon country club i tend to shoot in the low to mid 70's my lowest ever is a 68 their. when i travel to other courses it seems like i don't play as well what can i do to help that part of my game? can you give me tips on ways i can get scholarships to colleges an what it takes to try an go pro.

Answer
James,

Most everyone plays better at their home course than other courses because you're familiar with the course. You probably know the yardage to the green from anywhere on the course. That's true with all of us.

Course management and preparation are two ways you can play better when you're away from the home course. Make sure you have a game plan for the round and importantly have a plan for every shot. Risk rewards is important in this game and I would play more conservatively until you feel more comfortable at the away courses. Course management takes quite a bit of concentration on each and every shot. Maybe hit a 3 wood on a shorter par 4. Instead of going right at a tucked pin guarded by water, play to the safe part of the green. When chipping always try to stay below the hole. These are just a few examples but they are effective. If you are going to play a course for the first time, check out the layout on the Internet to become somewhat familiar with the trouble. Many times being familiar is being comfortable.

Since you're a senior it's time to start recruiting yourself now. Build a resume with your golf accomplishments and be sure to include your GPA, ACT or SAT scores as well as extra curricular activities other than golf, that you've been involved in. It may also help to include video of your swing in the packet. Send it out to the colleges you'd like to attend as to those that fit your playing ability. Follow this up with phone calls to the respective coaches and see if they have any scholarships left and of course if they're interested. If all these doors close, then think about walking on somewhere. It happens all of the time and if you play well they may offer you a scholarship after the first year.

Remember choose a college because of the education you'll receive and not just for golf. As far as turning Pro, let's get you through a couple of years of college and then follow up with that question at that time. Agreed?

Good luck to you.

Michael Hoffman