Dogleg Golf: How to Play It, by Marion Ricordeau
A hole that turns at a right angle, to the left or to the right: that’s a dogleg. Marion Ricordeau, the world university champion, sketches it out and compares two strategies on a par-5 hole: sticking to the fairway or taking a shortcut.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Marion Ricordeau offers a simple definition of a dogleg: a hole that spins really fast, sometimes at a 90-degree angle, to the right or to the left. With this type of hole, Strategy is very important. On this par-5 hole, she hits her first shot, then a second one onto the fairway, and reaches the green in three.
You can also cut the dogleg by taking the shortest route to the green, through the rough, in an attempt to reach it in two shots. It’s possible, but she highlights this in red: more often than not, you end up stringing together a series of short shots and reaching the green in five. Her advice: Play the dogleg with humility, follow the architect's design and aim for a risk-free solution.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- At the tee or on the scorecard, note where the hole turns.
- Compare the route along the fairway with the shortcut through the rough.
- Choose the path that follows the outline of the hole—it's safe.
- Hit a series of shots down the fairway to reach the green in regulation.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Always cut across the dogleg, aiming to reach the green in two shots.
- Ending up in the rough and having to play a series of short recovery shots.
- Ignore the option provided by the course designer.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Before each dogleg, decide out loud whether to play the fairway or take a shortcut
- Record the score obtained based on the option selected
- Go to the driving range and practice the shot that places the ball right next to the hole
Your Questions
What is a dogleg in golf?
It's a hole that curves a lot—sometimes 90 degrees—to the right or to the left. Marion Ricordeau points out that strategy is important here.
Should you cut across a dogleg?
It's possible to play through the rough, but the risk is often not worth it: you frequently end up taking more shots and reaching the green later.
How do you play a dogleg par-5 hole?
Marion Ricordeau plays two shots on the fairway, following the layout of the hole, and then a third shot onto the green, aiming for a par without taking any risks.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Marion Ricordeau). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.