Welcome to the first Fairways Optional monthly challenge. This month, we’re keeping it simple: The Lag Putt Challenge. Have as many cracks as you want, then drop your best score in the comments. Video evidence is a bonus, but we’ll trust you. Golf is a gentleman’s and gentlewoman's game. The score matters, but the bigger question is this: Does it actually help your putting on the course? After you try it, let us know: Where did you practise? What score did you shoot? And more importantly — did your distance control improve during a real round? Weekly winners will go on the Board of Honour. And tell your friends to join in too. The bigger this gets, the easier it is for us to hassle some golf companies for prizes. Now grab the putter, find a green, and see how close you can get.

This is where we put the tips into action. Most challenges will run for a month, giving you time to try them properly, post your scores, improve, and have another crack. Scores and standouts will be added to the Board of Honour each week. For now, the prizes are simple: Pride. Bragging rights. A better golf game. Hopefully, as the community grows and we get some support behind it, we’ll be able to add some real prizes as well. How it works: 1. Check the current monthly challenge. 2. Try it during practice or on the course. 3. Post your score or result in the challenge thread. 4. Tell us what happened. 5. Try again and see if you can improve. You don’t need to be the best golfer here to get involved. Some challenges will reward the best score. Some will reward the biggest improvement. Some will reward the smartest decision. And some may reward the most spectacular Donny moment. The aim is simple: Practise with purpose. Make smarter decisions. Avoid blow-ups. Lower scores. Have a laugh. Post your scores, support other members and see if you can get your name on the Board of Honour. Fairways are optional. Smart decisions are not.