A dogleg is a hole that bends left or right, usually at the landing area of the tee shot. Doglegs test your strategy more than your power: hit it too far and you run through the corner into trouble; hit it too short or on the wrong line and you're blocked out. Here's how to play them well.
Reading the dogleg
- Distance to the corner: where does the fairway turn?
- Distance through the fairway: how far before you run into rough or trouble?
- Hazards at the corner: trees, bunkers, water or out of bounds.
- Angle to the green: which side of the fairway gives the best view and approach?
Use a rangefinder, GPS or course guide. Read rangefinder vs GPS and how to read a golf hole.
Choosing your club
- Don't automatically hit driver. The ideal club may be a fairway wood, hybrid or long iron that finishes at the corner. Read fairway woods: how to choose and hit them.
- Choose the club that leaves a clear second shot, not just the longest tee shot.
- Know your carry and total distance. Use our club distance chart.
Should you cut the corner?
Cutting the corner can shorten the hole significantly, but:
| Cut the corner if | Play safe if |
|---|---|
| The carry is comfortably within your range | The carry is at the edge of your ability |
| The miss is not severe | Trees, water or out of bounds await a miss |
| You're playing well and confident | You're struggling with the driver |
| The reward is large (for example, reaching a par 5 in two) | The gain is small |
Read golf course management.
Shaping the ball
- Dogleg left: a draw follows the shape of the hole (for right-handed golfers).
- Dogleg right: a fade follows the shape.
But you don't need to shape the ball: a straight shot aimed at the right part of the fairway works fine. If your natural shot curves against the dogleg, aim further into the fairway and take less club. Read how to hit a draw and a fade.
Using the tee box
- Dogleg right: tee up on the right side and aim at the left-centre of the fairway, or vice versa, depending on your shot shape and the trouble.
- Tee on the side of trouble to aim away from it.
Read which tees should I play?.
Planning the approach
- Choose the side of the fairway with the best angle to the pin.
- Think about your favourite approach distance. Read how to play par 3s, par 4s and par 5s.
If you get blocked out
If your tee shot runs through the fairway or finishes behind trees, take your medicine: punch out to the fairway. Read golf trouble shots.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dogleg in golf?
A hole that bends left or right, usually around the landing area of the tee shot.
Should I hit driver on a dogleg?
Only if it finishes in the right place. Often a shorter club that stops at the corner is better.
How do I play a dogleg left?
Aim to the right-centre of the fairway with a club that reaches the corner; a draw helps, but isn't essential.
When should I cut the corner?
When the carry is comfortable, the miss isn't severe and the reward is worth it.
The bottom line
Doglegs reward thinking. Measure the corner and the run-out, choose a club that leaves a clear second shot, cut the corner only when the odds favour you and use the tee box to create a good angle. For more strategy, read how to play blind shots.