The Hierarchy of What to Avoid: The Simplest Way to Think Smarter on the Golf Course
If you’ve ever wondered why your “good swing” still leads to bad holes, the answer probably isn’t your mechanics — it’s your decision order.
Golf punishes the wrong priorities. Most players think about what they want to do: hit it straight, hit it close, make birdie. But the best players in the world think first about what they can’t afford to do.
At Optimum Golf, we use a simple framework that shapes every decision, from the first tee to the final putt: The Hierarchy of What to Avoid.
The Core Concept
There’s one unbreakable rule in this system: the hierarchy never changes — it just applies differently depending on the shot. Instead of trying to be perfect, great players think in layers of consequence. Each shot simply avoids the highest-level mistake first.
The Hierarchy
Out of Bounds - The worst outcome in golf. It costs a stroke and distance. Nothing is worth flirting with OB. Always choose a target that eliminates it.
Penalty Hazards - Water or lost-ball zones are nearly as costly. These are second on the list — don’t challenge them unless the math is undeniable.
Native Areas / Thick Rough (Off the Tee) or Short-Sided Misses (Into the Green) - You might find the ball, but the odds of saving par plummet. Prioritize width and angle over distance.
Heavy Trees / Blocked Angles (Off the Tee) or Deep Bunkers / Difficult Sand (Into the Green) - Both eliminate options. You’re at the mercy of recovery. Manage these by choosing lines that leave you room to play.
Uneven Lies / Awkward Slopes (Off the Tee) or Big Elevation Changes / False Fronts (Into the Green) - Subtle but sneaky. These create control issues for your next shot. Recognize them before you swing.
Why It Works
When you rank danger by consequence, your strategy gets clearer — not more conservative. It’s not about playing scared. It’s about using awareness to make aggression smarter. Avoid the top first — then manage the rest by margin. That’s modern course management. Next time you step on the tee, don’t just think where you want to go. Think, “What’s the worst thing I could do here — and how do I make that impossible?”
Need help with your course management? Book an assessment with me now.
