The decision to hit any golf club can be super easy or extremely difficult. These choices can apply to the same shot depending on what you decide to achieve. Many times poor results from a golf shot are not the result of a poor swing, but from a poor decision. I am guilty of this last instance many times over my career and I am hoping that I am learning not to repeat history. The question that keeps popping up is how to prevent a poor golf shot by making the proper shot at the right time. Well, I know I have a process that works for me and it is simple to execute, easily repeatable, and it works every time. I bet you are wondering what I am talking about right now, if so, keep reading!

My process is so simple I wonder why I do not use it all the time. Before the first step in my process I need to know my limitations. Yup, not what you were thinking about I know, but this is an important step. I know how far I hit my clubs, whether I can hit a draw or a fade, how high I hit my clubs and which clubs I hit better than others. This might seem like a great deal of information for the average player; yet, this is something you likely already know especially if you focus on what I suggesting when you are playing. The data is all there, you just need to gather it.

The first step in my process is to determine the outcome of my shot. And no, hitting the ball as far a possible all the time is not a solution. Sometimes we need to advance the ball 75 yards, others a full swing is need and sometimes a chip out to the fairway is the best solution. The decision on what shot to make will determine whether I can hit a great shot or not. To select the proper shot in any situation, I will refer you to the paragraph above. Knowing what your clubs do is more than have the battle for your club selection on current shot.

My process is as much about what I leave as hitting the golf shot. There are many times in my career I chose the wrong golf shot and as a result, I added a few extra strokes to my overall score. I lost a golf tournament because I did not pay attention to what I should do vice trying to make a hero shot. For the record, hero shots rarely work and should be used sparingly!

Hitting the proper golf shot is about determining what you expect out of a each shot. Sometimes it is better to take an unplayable lie than trying to hit the ball out of trouble. You will likely have less strokes in the long run and way less frustration from making a poor decision and golf shot. Golf is a thinking persons game and we should always have our minds engaged. I know this is difficult (I sometimes disengage my brain for no apparent reason) but determining a realistic outcome to your next golf shot is a simple process that will save strokes and lower your golf score.

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