What’s the simplest and easiest shot I can hit right now?
If you’re struggling with your game, playing inconsistently and are just stuck, then this is the phrase I want you to have ringing in your ears the next time you play.
Aim to hit the simplest and easiest shot. Not the one you think you should be playing or the one Pesky tells you to hit. But the easiest – typically, this is the first shot that comes into your mind. Here are some hints;
- Don’t take driver from every tee
- Aim for the front of the green instead of the flagstick
- Putt from off the green instead of using your lob wedge
- Chip out from a tough lie instead of going for the miracle shot
- Make “your” swing instead of trying to win a long drive competition
You get the idea. The hard part will be committing to this for the entire round. Harder still is committing for life.
Resources:
The World’s Simplest Golf Lesson shows you this approach on video.
Get the book. My golf book on playing better golf without changing your swing.
7 Comments
Steady
July 22, 2011One word EGO. It is the single biggest killer playing your best golf.
Great insight Cameron.
Steady
Grayden Provis
July 22, 2011Yep. Because I’m now VERY cautious about re-injuring my back I’ve given up the heroics and have adopted this approach out of necessity. And surprise, surprise I actually play better. Where I’ve really noticed the difference is on the par fives. They look impossibly out of reach from the tee but 3 simple, gentle swings and I’m on the green putting. Its the ONLY way to play as far as I’m concerned. Saves your sanity, saves your back and saves your score….whats not to like? 🙂
Gregor
July 22, 2011I agree that ego plays a part but I also think that part of it is simply trying too hard. If you miss the fairway you will try to get the ball as close to the green as you can on your second shot. Pesky says don’t chop out with a wedge you can get there with a 7 and if not at least you will be close enough to chip and putt. So you go with the bigger club. Taking the wedge means discipline.
Has anyone ever tried playing a short iron for every shot ? I wonder how much different your score would be compared to using all your woods and long irons.
Cameron
July 23, 2011A few years ago I decided to play par 5’s a little more conservatively. When I was too far away to reach the green I decided to hit a wedge or a nine iron instead of going for the green with a wood (hoping for a miracle).
What I found was that I made more birdies and virtually no bogeys (I also improved my wedge play). Sure, it was a tad boring but my score improved.
I remember talking to a mate who once played against Tiger Woods while they were amateurs. On a short par 4 (drivable) most of the guys went for the green. Not Tiger, he hit two 9 irons and made birdie.
Grayden Provis
July 23, 2011“Not Tiger, he hit two 9 irons and made birdie”
Brilliant. What a great example of a smart, EGO-LESS golf strategy. Wish I’d been there to see the boy’s faces when he teed up with a 9 iron ! Great story.
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