There are a variety of methods a professional golfer might apply during their tournament preparation in order maximize the chances of success on the different courses they face each week.
For Martin Ovesen, this means leaving no stone un-turned in the days leading up to the first round. Take for example his approach to this week’s Bridgestone Challenge at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa in Luton, Bedfordshire, England.
“I’m educated as an accountant, so I’m very analytical about everything,” he said. “Before every single tournament, I map the course to measure out how far I have between hazards, rough, trees or any other features of the course.
“Then I apply a formula to calculate the best possible outcome over four rounds. I’m very calculating in my golf — very.
“It all works out in Google Earth. I measure everything, including how long the hole is, and then I know what my scoring averages are from different distances. I can calculate every shot, so let’s say a tee shot has a landing area that is 30 metres wide.
“I will hit it three out of five times, so for the two times I don’t hit it, I question, is it going to be in a penalty area? I have to calculate if it’s probably better to hit two-iron off the tee and have further in because my scoring average is going to be better for the week by not going into the hazard. Of course, it’s not the way you make a lot of birdies, but it’s just how I play.”
The Dane is starting to see some progress, and while he admits an inconsistent putter is the x-factor that can derail even the best strategy, he comes into this week fresh off a tied-11thplace showing on a difficult Golf Blue Green de Pléneuf Val André course, which required the utmost precision.
“On the 14thhole last week, I played two-iron off the tee every single day,” he said. “I would never consider a three-wood or a driver, even though a lot of the guys hit three-woods or drivers.
“If you’re playing well, or if it fits your eye I could maybe understand going for it, but statistically it was never a driver — never.”
There have been flashes of brilliance this year for the man who is celebrating his 27thbirthday today. In July, he finished third at his home event, the Made in Denmark Challenge presented by Ejner Hessel, and has only missed two cuts since — continuing to trend in the right direction.
“I didn’t play well at the start of the season, but finally I can see the end to the poor golf,” he said. “I really hope that I can make up for the slow start here in the last few events. It’s not like the season is over, and I’m pretty comfortable with my game right now.”
While the breaks of the game, with all its lip-outs and funny bounces, are never truly predictable, one certainty is that by the time Day One of the Bridgestone Challenge arrives, Ovesen will have a clear, mathematically-based strategy for tackling Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa.
“I’m really looking forward to the next few events we have. I’d really like to play myself into form this week so that I’m ready to go for the final push to the end of the season.”
