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Keep the ball below the hole: All course architects have designed their greens to be receptive to a good shot. Therefore, there are not many greens that slope from front to back, unless it allows for a run-up shot (no trouble in front of the green). In most cases, the green will slope from back to front meaning putts from short of the hole will be much easier than putts from behind the hole Leave enough time to get warmed up: I would say 30-45 minutes is about right. Do some light stretching, hit a few balls and get the speed of the greens from long range. I like to hit some 30 footers and some 4 footers. I wish I had a dollar for every player I see on the putting green rolling 10 footers. How many of those are you going to have on the course? Even the pros only make about 30 percent of the 10 footers they attempt. But above all, do not start dissecting your swing on the range prior to your round. If you are slicing on the range, aim more left on the course. There is an old saying that you need to dance with your date, which in golf parlance means you are stuck that day with your swing. You will be far better off trusting that slice than trying to learn the power draw 10 minutes before tee off Don't hit driver on every hole: This will especially help if you are playing the course for the first time. Get the ball in play, even if it means taking an extra stroke getting to the green. A 3-wood or 5-wood will travel nearly as far as a driver, and it has more backspin, which means less sidespin. That means fewer trips to the trees, the water hazards, and your right pants pocket for a provisional ball. There is one more thing worth mentioning. Find the time to introduce yourself to the Head Professional prior to your round. If he/she is not available, try to find the First Assistant. Not only would we love to meet you and hear your story, we are committed to insuring you enjoy your day. If you have a question, just ask. We might be able to give you that piece of advice that will insure a return visit to our facility, and you just might make a new friend in the process. Believe me; you will need all the friends you can get to secure your next tee times at Pebble Beach. Bill Sendell is the head pro at Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Robert Trent Jones, Sr., designed Spyglass Hill, as a part of the master plan for the Pebble Beach ocean front, and the course ranks number five on "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list by Golf Digest.
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