How to Navigate Doglegs Like a Pro: Your Guide to Tight Fairways

If you've ever found yourself staring down a fairway, only to have it veer sharply to the left or right halfway down, you've encountered a dreaded "dogleg."

While these curving fairways might look like a golf course designer’s way of keeping you on your toes, they’re actually a strategic challenge that can be the difference between a smooth par and a frustrating double bogey. Understanding doglegs and adjusting your strategy accordingly can help you navigate these tricky holes like a pro, even if your handicap doesn’t scream "tour player."

In this post, we’ll break down what a dogleg is, why it’s important to adjust your strategy, and how to approach these holes with the confidence of a seasoned golfer. Whether you're just starting to play golf or have been around the block a few times, this guide will give you the tools to attack those doglegs with finesse.

First things first: let's define the term "dogleg." A dogleg is a type of hole where the fairway curves, much like the shape of a dog's leg. It’s usually a 90-degree bend, though some doglegs may be more gradual. These holes can either bend to the left (left dogleg) or to the right (right dogleg), and they often introduce hazards such as trees, water, or bunkers to make things even more interesting.

Doglegs add a layer of complexity to your game by forcing you to think about your shot selection and placement more carefully. A simple, straight shot down the fairway won’t always cut it—you’ll need to strategize and possibly choose different clubs to stay in play.

One of the most common strategies for tackling a dogleg is to try and cut the corner—take a more direct line toward the green by driving the ball over the trees or hazards that block the corner. Sounds tempting, right? Who doesn’t want to take the shortest path to the hole?

But here's the rub: cutting the corner can be risky. Even the best golfers have found themselves hitting a tree or veering out of bounds when attempting this high-risk, high-reward play.

Cutting the corner might save you a stroke if it works, but it can just as easily add strokes if you end up in the trees, in a penalty area, or out of bounds. For many golfers, this is a gamble that doesn’t always pay off.

Instead of trying to cut the corner every time, consider playing a more conservative shot by aiming to the wider part of the fairway. Take a less aggressive line, and make sure you’re setting up for an easier approach shot. Trust me, a good recovery from the center of the fairway beats a lost ball or awkward stance in the trees any day.

When you approach a dogleg, the first step is to take a good look at the layout. You need to know where the trouble areas are—whether it’s trees, bunkers, or water—and plan accordingly. There’s no need to try and bomb your drive over the hazard if you don’t need to.

Understanding the layout helps you make an informed decision about how aggressive you want to be with your shot. If the hole bends sharply to the right and there’s a tree in your way, a little lay-up could be the safer play, allowing you to stay in the fairway and set up a manageable second shot.

Look at where the hazards are located and take note of the widest part of the fairway. Aim for that safe spot, and let your next shot set you up for success. It’s a lot easier to approach the green with a clear path than to try and force a shot through a narrow opening.

When faced with a dogleg, club selection is crucial. Some golfers make the mistake of always reaching for their driver when they see a wide open fairway. But doglegs often call for more finesse. You may need a 3-wood or hybrid to ensure you land safely and accurately on the fairway, giving you a better angle for your next shot.

By selecting the right club, you’ll ensure that you’re playing within your capabilities and not biting off more than you can chew. A driver is great for distance, but sometimes a more controlled shot is what you need to set up for the second shot.

Once you’ve made your tee shot, it’s time to think about the second shot—especially on doglegs. If you’ve positioned yourself well with a lay-up shot, your second shot is where you can really shine. But even if you’ve made an aggressive play and are facing a more difficult approach, staying calm and strategic is key.

Your second shot is where you can recover or capitalize on your good placement. Taking the time to assess your distance and club choice will ensure that you don’t add unnecessary strokes.

Assess your distance to the green, check the wind conditions, and pick the right club for your approach shot. A well-planned second shot can give you an easier birdie or par opportunity. Don’t let a tricky dogleg throw you off your game—stay confident and stick to your plan.

Wind can play a significant role in how your ball reacts on a dogleg. If you’re facing a strong headwind, your ball might not travel as far as you think, meaning your approach shot could be more difficult than expected. Alternatively, a tailwind might give you an extra 10–15 yards, which could change your club selection.

Understanding how weather conditions impact your shots will help you make smarter decisions. Wind, temperature, and humidity all affect how far your ball flies and how it reacts on the ground.

Always take a moment to assess the weather conditions. If there’s wind, adjust your club selection accordingly. In headwinds, consider clubbing up, and in tailwinds, you might need to club down.

Course management is a key element of navigating tight doglegs. Rather than thinking "I can‘t make that shot," think "What’s the safest, most efficient way to play this hole?" Sometimes, playing it safe with a shorter, more controlled shot is the smarter choice, and it’ll lead to a lower score.

Course management prevents you from taking unnecessary risks and helps you stay within your skill level. It’s about playing smarter, not harder.

Don’t let the desire for a low score cloud your judgment. Play the hole in stages. If the dogleg is too tight for a direct line, take a lay-up shot to leave yourself with an easier approach.

Doglegs don’t have to be the nemesis of your round. With the right strategy and a smart approach, these tricky fairways can become an opportunity to gain control of your score.

The next time you face a dogleg, remember; it's not about hitting the longest shot, it’s about playing the smartest one. Get in the fairway, set yourself up for success, and watch those scores start to drop.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time.

To better golf,

Matt Stephens

Founder & Inventor, GoGolf365