This advice will DROP YOUR BLOW OUT HOLES dramatically | SHORT GAME DECISIONS!
This Advice Will Dramatically Reduce Your Blow Out Holes | Short Game Decisions!
When I'm out on the golf course, especially around the green, I often see golfers make the same mistake: trying to hit a shot they're simply not ready for. We've all been there – faced with a tricky lie, maybe over a bunker, and the temptation to hit that "hero" shot is strong. But what if I told you that the key to dramatically reducing those frustrating "blow out holes" lies not in hitting the perfect shot, but in making smarter decisions?
Assess the Risk and Know Your Capabilities
Before I even think about swinging, my first step is always to assess the risk. I look at the potential negative outcomes. Is there a bunker I could land in? Could I blade it over the green? Understanding the worst-case scenario helps me decide if the shot is worth it.
Assess the Risk: Before attempting a difficult shot, like one over a bunker, I evaluate the potential negative outcomes (e.g., landing in the bunker or blading the ball over the green). [00:15]
Then, I'm brutally honest with myself about my own capabilities. How much have I practiced this specific shot? Am I confident I can pull it off a high percentage of the time – say, 70 out of 100 times? If the answer is no, then I simply won't attempt it in a game situation. Confidence, for me, comes directly from consistent practice.
Know Your Capabilities: I'm honest about my practice and confidence with a particular shot. If I haven't practiced a shot enough to be confident I can execute it successfully a high percentage of the time (e.g., 70 out of 100 times), I don't attempt it in a game situation. [00:44]
Confidence Comes from Practice: I am confident in my risky shot because I have trained myself and hit it successfully many times. [00:27]
Prioritize Getting on the Green and Play the Smart Shot
My primary goal in the short game is always to get the ball on the green in one shot. It might not be the most glamorous shot, but it's often the smartest. I see many amateurs try to emulate the pros, attempting shots they see on TV without having the same level of skill or practice. It's crucial to pick the right shot for my current ability, not someone else's.
Prioritize Getting on the Green: My primary goal is to get the ball on the green in one shot, even if it means playing a safer, less aggressive shot. [01:06]
Play the Smart Shot, Not the "Pro" Shot: Many amateurs make the mistake of trying shots they see professionals hit, without having the same level of skill or practice. It's crucial to pick the right shot for your current ability. [01:11], [01:15]
Consider Safer Alternatives
If a direct shot over a hazard feels too risky, I always look for safer alternatives. Sometimes, that means playing out to the side to avoid a bunker and then chipping onto the green from a more favorable position. It might add an extra shot, but it prevents the dreaded blow out hole that can ruin a scorecard.
Consider Safer Alternatives: If a direct shot is too risky, I look for alternative approaches, such as playing out to the side to avoid a hazard and then chipping onto the green. [00:57]
Ultimately, making smart decisions in the short game is about understanding your own game, being realistic about your abilities, and prioritizing getting the ball on the green. By doing so, you'll find those frustrating blow out holes become a thing of the past, and your scores will thank you for it.
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