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Austin Greaser is one of the best amateur golfers on the planet, yet he never aims at a flag when he’s practicing.

Let us explain. 

As he told Lou Stagner  on the range at the US Amateur, Greaser very rarely, if ever, aims straight at the flagstick when he plays an approach shot on the course.

At his level, most pins are tucked away, meaning a more conservative strategy is the best play. Since that’s a ploy he takes out on the course, it makes sense to apply it on the range, too.

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As he explains, there’s no point training your brain, or your eyes, to fire at a flag all the time, when it’s not something you want to be doing under tournament conditions.

You might be wondering: ‘if my driving range only has flags, what should I aim at?’

According to Greaser, it could be anything, the same way you might aim at various things on the course. A house in the distance, a tree branch, or a yardage marker are all options. But, if it’s a flag, you’re going to train yourself to needlessly aim at them on the course.

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There’s two key messages you can take from this tip. Firstly, one of the best amateur players in the world isn’t aiming at many flags on the golf course. You should probably employ a similar strategy.

Secondly, he takes this approach onto the driving range, because it helps him keep his game in check on under tournament conditions. 

Next time you’re on the range, think about where you’re aiming, and train yourself to play sensible when it counts.


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Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor

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