How to Properly Plan an Approach Shot
by JOSH APPLE , PGA / Senior Staff Instructor , Raspberry Golf Academy
Getting a proper distance before taking a shot will aid in club selection .
WHEN IT COMES TO PLANNING AN APPROACH SHOT , a lot needs to happen in very little time . You need to get to your ball , gather a large amount of data about the upcoming shot , go through your list of options , and then ultimately make an informed decision . All this occurs before you even start your routine .
THREE STEPS FOR PLANNING A GOLF SHOT 1 . Gather Information : Eliminates doubt 2 . Go Through Options : Reduces stress 3 . Make a Decision : Gets you committed
1 . GATHERING INFORMATION The first step of planning an approach shot is gathering information . Here are some of the many things to consider when collecting data :
1 . Distance 2 . Elevation – Uphill / downhill and the golf course relative to sea level 3 . Wind / Temperature 4 . Lie ( golf ball ) 5 . Stance ( feet relative to the ball ) 6 . Hole Location – Front / back , left / right 7 . Slopes on the Green 8 . Best Place to Putt From
Distance : Collecting the distance to the flag is the simplest part of gathering information , especially with most players having distance-gathering technology . More advanced players will consider multiple distances , such as how many yards to cover bunkers or slopes on the green , as well as the distance to the front / middle / back of the green . Therefore , you could easily have about five different yardages in your head right away .
Elevation : Elevation would be the next piece of data to gather , which is easy if you have a slope-measuring device . If you do not , then you will need to give it your best guess . If the shot looks minimally uphill / downhill then add / subtract 1-3 yards , if it looks more uphill / downhill then add / subtract 4-6 yards , and if it looks more extreme then add / subtract 7-10 yards . It ’ s also beneficial to know if the course is at sea level or at altitude , as that affects how far the ball will fly . ( Note : Slope measuring function on your range finder must be turned off during a competition round , per Rule 4.3a of the Rules of Golf .)
Wind / Temperature : Wind can also make a big impact on the final decision . Aside from checking the weather forecast to determine the exact mph and direction of the wind before each shot , the simplest solution is to
34 V IRGINIA G OLFER | S EPTEMBER / O CTOBER 2021
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