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Psychology & Mental HealthPuttingCourse Management All clubs Expert / Intermediate ⏱ 22 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Céline Boutier's Course Management, from Tee to Green

How does a major champion play a hole? For GolfPass, Céline Boutier breaks down her decisions shot by shot: the tee shot, the approach shot, a tricky chip behind the green, a par-3 against the wind, and then reading a putt for birdie.

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Céline Boutier
Céline Boutier · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

7 minSame problemTiger Woods' Course Management: Starting from the GreenTiger Woods · Intermediate4 minSame problemJustin Rose's Focus on PuttingJustin Rose · Intermediate / Expert2 minFrom the same proCéline Boutier's Long Putts: Reading Slope and SpeedCéline Boutier · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Starting on a wide par-4 hole, she chose a specific target in the middle of the fairway, at the edge of a bunker, and hits her little fade. On the approach shot, she counts in meters and focuses on the carry: The front of the green, in line with the flag, is her minimum carry distance, and she lands the ball between the front of the green and the flag. She considers herself rather cautious: she aims for the the bulk of the green and lets the ball roll toward the flag. On a par-3 hole playing into the wind, with the flag in front, she prefers to be long and hit a half-swing with a 9-iron instead of a pitching wedge.

Behind the green, on a patch of ground covered with a mix of seashells and grass, she chooses the low chip On the 52°, she recommends hitting the ball with the back foot for a clean strike, rather than a lob shot, which she advises against for players with high handicaps. When putting, she bed with two or three angles: behind the ball, on the other side of the hole as she finishes the putt, then to the side. In her mind, no technical thoughts: her best golf comes when she responds to the target. On bad days, she starts over from scratch and sets a goal for the next three holes.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. To start, choose a specific landmark along the fairway.
  2. On your approach shot, line up the front of the green with the flagstick: that's your minimum carry distance.
  3. Land the ball between the front of the green and the flag, and aim for the center of the green.
  4. When playing into the wind, aim for a longer distance and use a longer club while swinging more gently.
  5. Around the green, if you're unsure of your lie, play it safe: place the ball on your back foot and use a chip motion.
  6. When putting, read the line behind the ball, across from the hole, and then to the side.
  7. Choose a specific target, take one last look at the hole, and play.

Key Takeaways

Even on a wide fairway, you choose a specific target.
On the approach, you should focus on the lift, not the final distance.
Aiming for the center of the green helps you avoid difficult chip shots.
When sailing into the wind with a flag in front, it's better to be long.
On a tricky lie, a low chip shot is safer than a lob shot.
Assess the green from several angles, then adjust your shot based on the target.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Play the tee shot without aiming for a specific target because the fairway is wide.
  • Think about the final distance rather than the throw.
  • Aim for the flag when it is protected by a bunker or water.
  • Choose the lob on a lie that doesn't allow for a clean contact.
  • Think technically on the course instead of reacting to the target.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. On the course: Announce the carry before each approach
  2. Low chip at 52°, ball on the back foot
  3. Reading each putt from three angles
  4. Target score over three holes after a rough stretch

Your Questions

What range does Céline Boutier aim for on an approach?

The front of the green, in line with the flag, is her minimum landing spot. She aims to land the ball between that point and the flag, closer to the front so it can roll.

When does she choose the chip shot over the lob?

When the lie doesn't allow for a clean contact. For her, the lob remains the most difficult shot, best reserved for good lies and players who are comfortable with the short game.

How does she read a putt?

From two or three angles: behind the ball, on the other side of the hole to see where the putt ends up, and then from the side. She asks her caddie for advice about once every three putts.

What does she do after a bad shot?

She puts what happened behind her, starts over, and sets a goal for the next three holes, taking advantage of the upcoming par-5s.

Learn More

All “Psychology & Mental Health” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Putting” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Course Management” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Tiger Woods' Course Management: Starting from the GreenTiger designs each hole starting from the green, refuses to allow himself any mental errors, and advises amateurs to aim for zero three-putts first. Scottie Scheffler's Putting Pre-Shot Routine (with Nelly Korda)Scheffler and Korda compare their green reading, their practice strokes and their target: the entry point into the hole rather than an intermediate spot. Rickie Fowler's Green Reading, Step by StepRickie Fowler reads the putt from the low side, starting from the point where the ball enters the hole, checks his setup in the mirror, and strikes the ball with a centered contact. Céline BoutierAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Céline Boutier). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros