Every golf shot provides the opportunity for each player to assess the risk vs reward. Most shots are straight forward and the risk is low because of location of hole layout. There are other shots, however, that increase the risks with no substantial increase in reward. Basically, trying to avoid a big number on any golf hole is a significant factor to shooting low golf scores. When applying the risk reward equation to any golf shot, many amateurs overlook one factor that often leads to disaster. As a result of their oversight, a high number on the scorecard rears its ugly head!
There is one factor every golfer must weigh when making a risk/reward shot. This factor is their ability to make the shot they choose. More often than not, the desire to make a miracle shot vice the ‘smart’ shot causes them choose a far more difficult shots. This ego driven decision places unnecessary stress on their game, which in turn detracts from the success percentage.
I bet that many players do not practice a low hooking under the branch shot through a narrow gap to hopefully stop close to the pin. I am sure you can add your own description to a difficult shot that we can see, but not really execute. I have encountered many of them and unfortunately my ego won the argument that led to a big number on my scorecard.
Am I off base to think that people do not take into account their ability to hit the difficult shot. I do not think so because I continually live this scenario, however due to my long career and understanding of my capabilities, I rarely try to make that miracle shot. I am comfortable absorbing that extra stroke by avoiding the chance to add 2 or 3 extra strokes. After learning this lesson many times, I now account for what I cannot do as much as what I can.
Each golfer is different. Sometimes trying that crazy shot is amazing and seeing the shot is key. However, trying to intentionally hook a ball is completely out of my wheelhouse. I still do not know how to accomplish this shot, so looking at it as an option to get out of trouble is a no go. I know this, so I will eliminate this possible from my thoughts when selecting a shot. I prefer to make the easy shot and keep my overall score low.
Golf is not just about hitting a little white ball around a beautiful golf course. It is about understanding our capabilities to make the most out what the course throws our way. This concept is a bit difficult to describe, but I think you are getting the idea.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Jim, when I get out of position, my first thought is to try and take double bogey out of the equation. I’ve trained myself to think that way. Your post reminds me of when I used to play with my dad. He is a very analytical type; a physicist by nature but a high handicapper. He used to get out of position and try some crazy stuff like hitting 3wd off a hardpan lie from deep in the woods, just because he saw a small opening. He would treat a golf shot like a rifle shot and think just by aiming the clubface at a small target, he could hit it. Well, he never thought of his physical capabilities and of course wouldn’t pull off the shot and get madder than hell at himself. This game will drive you nuts if you let it.
Thanks,
Brian.
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Brian,
Your story about your dad is exactly what I am talking about. Knowing what we can do wrt a golf shot is very important to lower scores. I think the same way you do when I am really out of position; minimize the chance at a double or higher is key.
Cheers Jim
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I enjoy practicing those tough shots. I have to say though that the low draw shot you mention is one I wouldn’t consider right now. It’s a shot I just haven’t practiced much and have no confidence in hitting with hybrids. And if I can’t believe I’d rather hit another shot.
But practicing ball control is fun stuff. I seldom skip an opportunity. Today it paid off. I got stuck behind the fence by #9 where I practice my lob shot. I made a 30 yard lob shot over a 10 foot high fence from just 7 feet away look easy and got up and down.
But like I say, I’ve hit that shot at least 100 times a year for over 3 years now. That gave me plenty of confidence. We give a free drop when we land where I did. But I had a great lie. Dropping might not give the same and only saves me the fence which by now I have zero fear of. So while the guys might think I chose the miracle shot I know better. I chose the percentage play.
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Kevin,
Our discussions over the years shows that you do know what you can and cannot do. Hitting a different/difficult shot stems from an ability to make that or something similar. The fact that you practiced the fence shot before only proves that you can see many different shots where your playing partners may not. Great up and down!
Cheers Jim
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