Every round of golf is riddled with a plethora of decisions. The moment we step out of our vehicle, the decision making process starts and does not finish until we reenter our vehicle. Many decisions have an indirect impact on our game and are made without any real thought. Other decisions, however, have a direct impact on our score because they create a decision chain that can lower our golf score. Interestingly, the decision processes change depending on the format of the golf event. A stroke versus a scramble versus a match play round have very different decision making chains that many golfers do not anticipate.

Let me lay out what I mean from an example from Men’s night at Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort last night. We were playing the par 5, 8th hole. After a great drive by our team we were in a position to hit the ball very close or on the green in two. This decision was a no-brainer for a scramble and we all hit our 3 wood. After all the shots were complete, we were 50 yards in the trees guarding the green (my shot), 65 yards in the right side of the fairway, 80 yards in the middle of the fairway, and 120 yards back in the fairway. After reaching our balls, the discussion started.

We decided to play the 65 yard shot, but lamented about the 80 yard shot because of the better angle. However, we thought that closer ball to the green was the easier shot. What we found out was none of the players comfortable with this distance. In hindsight, the 80 yard ball was the better choice. However, that was a scramble decision.

I was disappointed with my results because I had the length to make the green. My second shot is the actual focal point of my discussion today. I was sitting about 235 yards from the middle of the green after my drive on the 8th hole. In no particular order:

• In stroke play, I would hit a 3 wood or 3 hybrid. It would depend my score and the risk/reward needed to ensure a birdie. During a stroke round with a low score on the line, a more conservative approach might be the best use of my course management. This conservative view would be to hit to a specific distance. Right now, 90 yards seems to be where I am best dialed in for approach shots.
• In match play, it depends on where I am in the match. Is my opponent shooting first? What type of shot my opponent has to make? It is all about applying pressure to my competitor. If I am going first, I would hit a 3 wood to the green. If successful, my opponent would have to try and match my shot. If I am leading by 2 or more holes, I hit to distance.
• In a scramble, 3 wood all the way and go for the pin. There are four of us hitting from this great distance, so one of us will be in play.

As you can see, there are many decisions that one shot offers depending on the situation. During a friendly match, I hit for distance most of the time. I do not worry about the results because I am there for the company. That also offers different decisions/acceptance for each shot. Golf, depending on the situation, offers a plethora of decision making opportunities that seem to never be the same and no matter what decision you make, commit to the shot!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!