The Course Management

While playing college golf in the United States, one of the most important lessons I learned is that course management, rather than who hits the ball the farthest or with the best shots, is the key to achieving low scores. This is something I've come to appreciate more and more with each tournament, and I've also noticed significant differences in how we play in Argentina and the United States in this area. Back home in Argentina, many courses are more straightforward, flatter, tighter, and with less penal rough. You can often get away with being aggressive. I grew up learning to shape shots around trees, control distances in the wind, and rely heavily on feel. It taught me how to grind out scores even when things weren't perfect, and it involved a lot of creativity. You learn to make the most of your round, even if you're not striking it perfectly.

But here in the U.S., especially in college tournaments, the courses are longer, the rough is thicker, and the greens are often firmer and faster. These courses reward smart decisions, knowing when to attack and when to play safe. I've discovered that sometimes it's better to make a 20-foot putt from the middle of the green rather than short-siding yourself to find a tucked pin. That type of discipline has taken my game to another level.

I've had to change how I plan each hole, for example. I frequently relied on feeling and instinct in Argentina. But now, I spend more time thinking about each shot, where to miss if I'm going to miss, which club gives me the best chance of hitting the green, and which side of the fairway to aim for. I've realized that when I'm under pressure, having a clear plan helps me stay focused and confident. Another big difference is how coaches in the U.S. emphasize stats and preparation. In college, we use apps and data to track our tendencies, what clubs we miss with, where we lose shots, and how we putt under pressure. That kind of information has helped me be more intentional in practice and master the course. One day, I hope to bring it back to Argentina to assist young players in their development by combining feel with a more strategic mindset. For me, course management is not just a skill, it’s a mindset. It’s about knowing your game, playing to your strengths, and staying mentally tough when the course pushes back. I’m still learning every day, but looking back, it’s incredible how much my game has evolved just by making smarter choices.

If you're reading this and you're a young golfer from Argentina (or anywhere, really), my advice is simple: don’t just work on your swing, work on your brain. Learn to navigate the course on your own. That’s where low scores are made.