You don’t get to the level that Billy Horschel has in the game of golf without being a stickler for the fine details and the American has given a glimpse into how he breaks down a golf course to ensure he scores well.
Horschel is one of the most successful players of the last few years and despite not winning a major just yet, is firmly in contention for a place in the 2025 Ryder Cup with Team USA.
Of course, Horschel is also a big advocate for the DP World Tour as well as the PGA and he often comes over to the Europe and beyond to compete.
Indeed, the 37-year-old is among the big names taking part in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai this week.
And while he might not be in contention to win, Horschel has at least given a unique insight into how he looks at the hardest holes on a course.
Billy Horschel shares his advice for playing golf’s toughest holes
Speaking about how he keeps a score going around a tough course like the Jumeirah Earth course in Dubai, Horschel was asked how he uses stats to help.
And going into a bit more depth, Horschel explained how he analyses the toughest holes to ensure he comes away unscathed.
“I try and make par on them. You understand that being on the green has very good value. You are looking four, nine, 12 and 17. They are the really tough holes out here,” Horschel said.
“It’s pretty obvious but you are trying to make sure you are not being overly aggressive and understanding the value of pars. If you are play those holes even par throughout the week, you are probably gaining two, three or four shots on the field.
“Just being a bit smarter, that doesn’t mean if you are in position on nine or 12 and have a mid-iron or short iron into the green, now you can be more aggressive but if you’re out of position or have a tougher shot then understanding that putting it on the middle of the green is a very quality golf shot.”
Amateurs can heed Horschel’s advice
For anyone who plays golf, getting as close to the pin as possible seems to be the tactic during a round of golf.
That is all well and good and can lead to some fine rounds. However, for most amateurs, the comments from Horschel here are really something that can be taken on board.
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Sometimes, playing the percentages is the way forward and as Horschel says here, if you can walk away with par on the toughest holes, then you take it and run.
Obviously, it’s not worked out too well for Horschel this week so far. But over the course of a season, it’s clear why this works.
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