Trying to become a first time golfer? Try this idea for 6-3

Welcome to Shaving Strokes, the GOLF.com series where we share the progress, lessons learned and takeaways from novice golfers like you — including the speed bumps and challenges they've faced along the way.

As a handicapper, I can't even fathom the amount of work I'll need to put in to become a beginner golfer.

The tee shot will need to be more consistent, the putt will need to lead to control of the green, and finally I will have to cure that 3-putt problem that I often run into.

That said, getting scratched is every novice golfer's dream – just ask GOLF's Zephyr Melton, who is trying to make it happen himself.

Getting over that hump and going from a single-digit handicap to a scratch golfer means shaving small strokes off your scorecard all around. It means that every single shot really does matter, and that a few bogies during each round can be the difference between making it to the start and not.

While most people reading this probably have a long way to go before they even think about crossing that threshold, for those who are very close to reaching it, we're pouring one out to you today.

I tapped Top 100 Golf Teacher Joey Wuertemberger to give me some tips on what a player can do to finally get over the hump and hit that outstanding tee shot – so check out his tips below.

Trying to become a first time golfer? Try this strategy

“The better you get at golf, the harder it is to shave off those last few strokes and be a great golfer,” Wuertemberger tells me.

But instead of grinding out the driving range to fix swing problems or trying to get more distance off the tee, Wuertemberger says his tip involves dialing in your mindset and game plan before each round.

“The best players spend hundreds of hours practicing and receiving instruction to improve their golf skills. But what often sets them apart from single-digit players is that they also strategize before the round on how to make better decisions during the game,” added Wuertemberger.

Most novice golfers are familiar with the term “course management” — which simply goes through the process of making the smartest decision for your game. But instead of only doing this on the course before teeing off, Wuertemberger says many beginning golfers plan ahead before they even tee off.

“For the best golfers, course management begins before their round, allowing them to create a game plan for the day. “They learn the lesson plan and scorecard, and manage their expectations based on uncontrollable factors like the weather,” he said.

“Finally, my recommended strategy is to ask yourself this — 'what's the easiest way to do six-3s?'”

How to record six 3's in a round

So how is it possible to hope to scratch golf in six 3 in their round? Wuertemberger shares a strategy he tells his successful students — one that's actually more aggressive than you might think.

“We teach our players to focus on not playing the par-3s, being smart on the par-5s, and attacking the short par-4s,” he tells me. “If you know the yards on the par-3 and the short on the par-4, you can warm up on the range to get your club selection right on these types of shots. Likewise, being aware of any problem found on a par-5 can provide clues on how to replicate those shots on the range, while visualizing the ball's action away from hazards.”

According to Wuertemberger, if you can give yourself stock yards from your comfortable distance, the better chance you'll have of keeping your score in the red.

He also reveals his suggested technique for playing each type of hole.

How to play a par-3

On the par-3, set up with confidence and aim for the center of the green – not the pin. By using this sequential strategy, you will increase your chances of placing 2 and making a stress-free rating. Even Tour pros struggle to get pars on these short holes.

Ideally, four of your “six 3's” will land on these holes.

How to play a par-4

The short par-4 is your chance to make a birdie – but that's it this is not the case means you have to always uninstall your driver. Choose a club that will increase your chances of being aggressive in your shot, even if it means using a mid-iron on the beach. You have to do the math and set yourself up like you would if you were putting on a par-5. Don't let your ego get you in trouble!

By hitting an accurate shot, you can now use your practice shot and aim below the hole to give yourself the best chance of rolling in the birdie putt.

Let's battle two of your “six 3's” on easy par-4 holes.

How to play a par-5

Par-5's are known as scoring opportunities for good players, but it's important to avoid getting into trouble off the tee. Always plan your shots to land on your preferred stock yards to get a shot – assuming you can't hit the green twice.

As with the par-4's, this all starts with using proper club selection off the tee, ensuring you're on track for the second shot. In case you need to combine on this second shot, always use an iron that leaves you with your favorite wedge on the green.

You don't want a par-5 to set you back in your quest for six par-3s, so use these long holes as an opportunity to get rid of any bogies you may have made along the way.

The goal of achieving six 3's in one round forces you to show your talent, focus on course management, and take advantage of scoring opportunities. So if you're hoping to become a first-time golfer, try this method on your next round.

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Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor