THE GETTABLE HOLES

HOW TO ATTACK THE PAR 5S AND SET UP MORE BIRDIE LOOKS

- JON RAHM

THE TEE SHOT: LISTEN TO YOUR GUT

WHEN I’M ON THE TEE, I first take into account how I’m hitting it that day. If I’m hitting it well, I’ll pull out driver and play an aggressive tee shot. I realise that might not be the best advice for average golfers who are probably better off playing a shorter drive from the fairway. But if there’s no real risk in airing one out, go for it. The ninth hole at Torrey Pines South is one where I always hit my driver hard. The key is that even though I’m swinging aggressively, I never lose my balance. If you can’t keep your feet connected to the turf, you’re swinging too hard.

WHEN YOU STAND ON THE TEE of a par 5, you should see opportunity. I certainly do. So far in 2020, I’m top five in par-5 scoring average on the PGA Tour, averaging 4.48 strokes per hole. But the desire to birdie these “gettable” holes means nothing if you don’t have a plan. And that plan probably shouldn’t be just to hit your first two shots as far as you can and deal with the outcomes. Instead, let me share with you my approach to scoring on the par 5s, plus a little of my technique to get from the tee to the green. There might be opportunites for you to reach the green in two, but my first piece of advice is, don’t always try to max out your distance in the hopes of an eagle putt. That can get you in real trouble, and one of the worst feelings in golf is walking offa par-5 green with a double bogey or worse. Compartmentalising these holes by having a clear goal for each shot is the first step to dominating the par 5s. Let’s put you on the attack. —with KEELY LEVINS