2nd Shot Strategy

Golf Strategy

So you’ve had a good tee shot. You’re on a par four.  You’ve got about 150 yards left to the pin. Depending on your level, this could be between a six iron and a nine iron, but the biggest mistake I see players make of all levels is that they will aim too much at the pin when the pin is cut at the edge of the green; either the left side of the green, right side of the green, back of the green, or the front of the green.

It’s been tested. Even with PGA tour players.  With a nine iron in their hand, PGA tour players that aim away from the pin by about three meters, let’s say when the pin is in the left side of the green – they’ll aim three meters right of the pin – will score better, on average, than the players who are aiming at the pin with the nine iron. And that’s PGA tour players.  The best players in the world.

So I think no matter what length of second shot you’ve got, when the pin is cut towards the edge of the green, start looking more towards the center of the green. Just like the PGA tour player, you’re going to score better on average.

This is a good example; the pin is cut towards the front of the green. I’m going to club myself that takes me more to the center of the green. That way if I miss hit the shot slightly, the ball will still make the front.   I’ll still have a birdie putt. If I happen to hit it correctly, I’ll be in the middle of the green.   I’ll still have a birdie putt.

Simple course management can make a big difference to your scores.