See Individual Best Ball in Action
Watch two tee shots, compare the lies, choose the smarter position, then make an adjustment on the green.
Illustrated coaching animation. Simplified hole layout, not a real course map.
The Objective
Develop course management and decision-making by comparing two shots, selecting the position that offers the best next opportunity and learning to improve after every attempt.
How to Play
- Play nine holes from age-appropriate tees.
- Hit two balls from the same position for each shot.
- Compare the results. Consider distance, lie, hazards, landing area and the angle into the next target.
- Choose the better position. The longest ball is not always the best: a fairway ball with a clear approach may beat a longer ball in the rough or bunker.
- Make an adjustment. Use what happened on the first attempt to improve the second—change the target line, alignment, club choice or swing intention.
- Continue from the selected ball with two attempts at every subsequent shot, including chips and putts, until a ball is holed.
- Record your score. Count one stroke for each pair of attempts, including the pair that holes out. Track the nine-hole total as a personal benchmark.
Why This Game Works
Course management: Learn to value a safe lie and a good approach angle over distance alone.
Shot improvement: Identify one specific change to try on the second attempt instead of repeating the same mistake.
Putting speed: On the green, notice whether the first putt finished short or long, then adjust pace and starting line on the second attempt. This is particularly useful for younger players learning distance control.
Coach's question: “Which ball would you choose, and why?” Let the player explain the choice before offering feedback. Ask, “What will you change on your second attempt?”
After the Round
Reflect on three decisions you made well, one adjustment that helped, and one area to practice next time. Compare your score and decisions with your own previous rounds—not other players.
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