CHRIS LANG ( 4 ) |
add / subtract one club if it feels like a normal amount of wind and add / subtract two clubs if it feels like a more excessive amount . The ball also flies shorter on colder days and further on warmer days .
Lie : The lie is either up , down or neutral . Generally from the fairway there isn ’ t much to consider unless you ’ re in a divot , but lies are obviously more variable from the rough . When the grass is thick behind the ball it flies shorter and releases when it lands , but when the grass behind the ball is light it will actually fly farther .
Stance : The stance is either above the feet , below the feet , uphill or downhill . All of these scenarios affect how far the ball flies and can influence the direction the ball flies . For example , a downhill stance makes the ball carry less but roll more . An uphill stance can make the ball fly farther if the upslope is subtle , but the ball will fly shorter if the upslope is more extreme .
Hole Location : Considering the location of the flag is critical . For front pins you should generally play slightly past the hole , and for back pins you should play slightly short of the hole . This method can be used for left and right pins as well to ensure
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your miss is more likely on the green . However , you might encounter a front pin that missing the green a little short is actually preferable to putting from past the hole .
The more elite player should also consider slopes on the green and where you would like to putt from for the next shot . That makes for at least eight different pieces of data to gather within a matter of about 10-15 seconds total . This step is designed to help the player eliminate doubt .
2 . GOING THROUGH OPTIONS At the most basic sense , you will have to decide which club to use for the approach shot . Is it a hard 8-iron or easy 7-iron ? Beyond club selection , more advanced players will also pick a desired shape , such as a draw or fade , as well as a desired trajectory . These players might also choose from stock swings , punch shots , knockdowns , stingers , etc .
In terms of short-game shots , you will need to make a decision on club selection , swing length , chipping versus pitching , tempo , landing spot , amount of roll , etc .
Having options helps reduce the player ’ s stress level , as you can pick the shot that feels the simplest or most comfortable to execute . Again , all of this thinking needs to happen within a short amount of time , maybe another 10 seconds .
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3 . MAKING A DECISION If you have properly gathered the information and successfully considered the options , then making the decision should be quick and easy . Making a confident and well-informed final decision helps get you committed to the shot . If you don ’ t feel committed once you have made your decision , then you likely missed something in your information gathering or never thoroughly judged your options . We have all been guilty of hitting a shot before we are ready , and it generally doesn ’ t go well .
This step should be very quick , maybe five seconds or less . But if that commitment isn ’ t reached , then you should revisit one of the previous steps if you have time .
Once you have completed these three steps and have the golf club in hand , then it is time to begin your routine . Based on the number of seconds planning can take , you need a concise and purposeful routine with no wasted time . Be sure the planning phase happens while the other players are hitting if possible ; you don ’ t want to wait until it ’ s your turn to hit to begin planning the shot .
Bad shots will happen , but hopefully bad plans never do . Good luck in your next round !
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