You're Not On TV

By Darell Mckissick
TargetPutting.com

I wish I had a quarter for every time I've heard that the sand shot is the easiest shot in golf. Or better than that, a nickel for every time I have seen the average golfer prove that statement false.

Sure, if your a professional that practices the shot for hours it does become relatively easy. Add to that the fact that every bunker they hit into is in perfect condition with only the best grades of sand and a bunker is not really a hazard at all.

Every time I play with a mid to high handicap player and they hit into a bunker they immediately pull out the sand wedge and jump in. Often, this is not their best option. I guess after watching the pros on TV they think that must be the only way to play it.

When was the last time you saw a professional on the tour chip out of a bunker? My guess would be never. But for the average player it is often much easier to chip it out than it is to blast.

Especially on longer shots with a lot of green to work with and not much lip to get over, why not take out you eight iron or nine iron and just hit a chip shot? Just lightly sweep the ball off the sand and let it roll to the hole. It's not as impressive as blasting out all that sand, but you will end up a lot closer to the hole. Isn't that the point?

Another thing that I see a lot of is hitting drivers off of the tee on really short par 4's. Sure, the pros will have a rip at a green 330 yards out, but they also have a chance to hit it.

On many short par 4's the driver will hit it just far enough to get you in deep trouble, whereas a three wood or an iron has a much better chance of putting you in the fairway with an easy shot to the green.

The moral of these stories is this: you are not playing on TV and you can't do what the pros do. If you could you would be on TV.

It is always better to say you shot a 78 than to say you shot an 81 but it would have been better if you had done this or that.

If you want to score your best, play your game at your level. Take the easiest shot with the best chance of success rather than trying to impress the gallery that only consist of your three partners who want to beat you.

I would bet at the end of the day, if you beat them by a couple of shots they won't pick on you for chipping out of that bunker or hitting an iron off the tee of that 300 yard par four.

They would probably rather watch you hit that explosion shot over the green or leave it in the bunker so they could beat you.

Next time your are in one of those situations, think about this little golf tip. When you have an opportunity to waste shots, you also have an opportunity to save them. And remember, your not on TV, you're just a guy (or gal) out to shoot the best number you can shoot on that day.

 

 

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