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My story originally appears on PGA.com on 3/14/22
After bogeying two of her last three holes, Nanna Koerstz Madsen came blazing back with an eagle 3 on the second playoff hole to capture the 2022 Honda LPGA Thailand. “It’s amazing. It’s a dream come true,” said Koerstz Madsen.
Koerstz Madsen went into the day with a one stroke lead, and that lead eventually stretched to four strokes through 15 holes. With some stumbles down the stretch, including a second shot into the grandstands on 18, Koerstz Madsen found herself tied for first at 26 under-par after regulation. Lin and Koerstz Madsen traded birdies on the first playoff hole, and after a towering second into the par five, 18th , Koerstz Madsen drained her ten-foot eagle putt for the win.
Every round is unique, and every round has its own flow. The difference between a great score, good score, or poor score is how you manage the flow of that round. Several factors come into play and are required for you to own the flow of your round, and most of those have to do with shots on and around the green.
Let’s take a look at a few lessons you can learn from Nanna’s final round that will help you own the flow of your next round.
Short Game
When we miss a green, the obvious goal is to try to get up and down. The secondary goal is to limit the potential for a big number. The following are areas you should focus your attention when you miss the green with your approach…
- Decide what type of shot you are going to hit and commit to it. Whether you decide to go low or throw something in high, it’s critical to make a committed decision. Leaving doubt in your mind will lead to bad results.
- Pick a landing spot. Regardless of the type of shot you decide to hit, it is wise to hyper focus your attention by finding an exact spot to land your shot.
Putting
No other part of your game, in a cumulative sense, can affect your score more than the number of strokes you take on the green. Two areas of focus here to manage…
- Commit to your line and go with it. No second guessing. Much like with your shots around the green, make sure to pick a spot on your line to hyperfocus on. In order to find the right line, make sure to look at your putt from all sides.
- It’s not just about line…don’t forget about your pace. Make a few good, rhythmic, practice strokes, that mirror the stroke you will need for your putt.
Every round you play will have peaks and valleys. After her final round bogeys on 16 and 18, Koerstz Madsen said this… “I’m not going to lie; I was a little nervous there.” Those feelings are natural and felt by almost all golfers, regardless of playing for a tour championship, a club championship, or a skins game with your buddies. The trick is to be able to control those emotions and ultimately, control the flow of your round.
Have any questions about this topic?