You Got That Shot!

What is the object of the Game?

I am reminded of this each time I play with new players. I have to ask, what is the object of their game? They are constantly trying to hit shots that they are not able to hit. If the object is to hit one career shot each time you play, you will certainly be disappointed after most rounds. Players need to realize that playing out of trouble is one of the hardest skills to acquire. It also takes allot of discipline to resist temptation.

Here is the situation: I pull my drive left on hole one at JW Parks. This leaves me with little or no shot to the green. I now have to make a decision about my next shot. Do I try to go over the trees or do I punch it out into the fairway? This is a defining moment in my round and I have only played one shot of the tee. If I go for it and hit that career shot, I might get on the green and have a shot at a birdie. If I punch it out to the fairway I will for sure have a chance to pitch the ball on the green and make a par or bogie at worst. I know that Out of Bounds lurks over the green and the trees may knock my ball down into the woods.

There really is only one answer to this situation. Put the ball back into play and try to make the best score on the hole you can. You may hit the career shot, however the odds say that you will not and suffer the painful start of a double or triple bogie. I always look for my tee shot to tell me what score is par for the hole. If I am out of position off the tee I look for bogie as par. If I score better that it's a bonus.

Always remember the lowest score wins and nobody paints pictures on the scorecard. With a little course management, you may be able to save a few shots.